Easy Homemade Italian Breadsticks

Name: Easy Homemade Italian Breadsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces Canned Biscuits; ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1 tablespoon Garlic Salt; ½ tablespoon Onion Powder; ½ cup Olive Oil

These Italian Breadsticks are soft, flaky, and full of garlic and parmesan flavors. If you ask me, the best part of this homemade breadsticks recipe is that it comes together in 20 minutes!

A stack of breadsticks with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

With this recipe, you can turn a can of biscuits into a delicious side dish that your whole family will love. These breadsticks are perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes, soups, or even as a snack on their own.

Do you love garlic bread? If so, next time, you are going to want to make this Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls recipe or this Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Basic Ingredients: With this recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients, which means that you may not even need to make a trip to the grocery store to make them.
Cheap To Make: They are budget-friendly and kid-approved! What more could you ask for in a side dish recipe?
Taste Great: And, if you ask me, they taste even better than the breadsticks at Olive Garden!
Quick: The best part is that you don’t have to deal with yeast or wait for the dough to rise to make these soft breadsticks.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Biscuit dough, olive oil, parmesan cheese, onion powder, and garlic salt.

Ingredient Notes:

Canned Biscuits – I used the large Grands biscuits to make these breadsticks. Look for a can that has eight biscuits in it.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – For this recipe, I recommend that you use the grated cheese in the green can. This works best for the topping.
Garlic Salt
Onion Powder
Olive Oil – I love the flavor that olive oil gives these breadsticks. However, you can melt butter as well.

Substitutions and Additions

Garlic Powder: Out of garlic salt? Use garlic powder and a pinch of salt instead.
Italian Seasoning: For a little extra, sprinkle a small amount of Italian seasoning on top of your breadsticks before you add the parmesan cheese.
Toppings: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds both make great additions to the breadsticks if you want to add a little crunch to them.
Everything Bagel: If you are a fan of bagel seasonings, swap out the garlic parmesan topping and use everything bagel instead. Just make sure that you still use the oil so that the seasoning sticks to your breadsticks.

How to Make These Italian Breadsticks (step-by-step directions)

Clear bowl with a mix of breadcrumbs and seasoning.

Step 1: In a small bowl mix together the parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and onion powder.

Eight dough pieces lined up on a marble surface.

Step 2: Roll the biscuits into six-inch long rope-shaped pieces.

Eight unbaked breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Person brushing breadsticks with oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush the tops of the breadsticks with olive oil.

Baking sheet with nine unbaked breadsticks.

Step 5: Sprinkle the tops of the breadsticks evenly with the parmesan cheese mixture.

Eight freshly baked pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Breadsticks with cheese on a plate, served with marinara sauce.

Recipe Tips

Shaping: I like to roll my breadsticks on a lightly floured surface like a cutting board. Because this prevents them from sticking to my hands and counters.
Leave Some Room: Remember that they will puff up a bit in the oven, so make sure to leave some space between each breadstick on the baking sheet.
Bake Time: If you prefer a softer breadstick, bake for 8 minutes. You can also bake them for 10 minutes for a crispy texture.
Dipping: Try dipping these cheesy breadsticks in marinara sauce, seasoned olive oil, or even alfredo sauce. They are also a great way to soak up any extra sauce on your plate.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let breadsticks cool completely, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place breadsticks on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed. However, you can heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

These easy homemade Italian breadsticks are the perfect addition to your favorite pasta meals. Some of my go-to pasta recipes are Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce, Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigiatoni, or also this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. You also can’t have Italian food without this Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fajioli! It’s one of my Italian restaurant favorites.

Flaky, golden biscuit with one broken, showing soft interior.

Recipe FAQs

What are Italian breadsticks called?

Italian breadsticks are also known as grissini or “breadsticks” in Italian.

How do Italians eat breadsticks?

Breadsticks are often served as an appetizer or alongside a meal in Italian cuisine. They can be enjoyed plain or dipped in sauces such as marinara or Alfredo.

How do you reheat breadsticks so they are soft?

To reheat breadsticks, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven. I’ve also found that reheating them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will keep them soft.

Is a breadstick and a biscuit the same thing?

No, a breadstick and a biscuit are not the same thing. A breadstick is typically thinner and longer than a biscuit, which is more round and fluffy in texture.

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Golden breadsticks topped with cheese on a white plate.

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