Name: Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 47 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup warm water (90–110°F); 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon gluten-free baking powder; 1 teaspoon xanthan gum; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks

These Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks are soft, buttery, and full of fresh garlic flavor. Xanthan gum helps the dough hold together without wheat, making them a delicious side for pasta nights, holiday meals, or family dinners.

I’ve learned from making Gluten-Free Cream Puffs that gluten-free dough doesn’t always look or feel like traditional dough. It all comes down to how you handle it. For these breadsticks, I skip the kneading and let the mixer do most of the work.

I love having Gluten-Free Cream Puffs for dessert, but when I’m making a big Italian dinner, I always want something warm and garlicky on the table, too. These breadsticks are especially good for soaking up the last bit of pasta sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Gluten-free flour: King Arthur Measure for Measure is my go-to for this recipe. Different gluten-free flour blends absorb liquid differently, so changing brands can affect the texture. Always check that your flour is labeled gluten-free.

Active dry yeast: The yeast helps the breadsticks rise and gives them a softer texture. Make sure it’s fresh, and use warm water rather than hot water.

Brown sugar: A little sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a mild sweetness without making the breadsticks taste sweet.

Xanthan gum: This helps gluten-free dough hold together and gives it some flexibility. King Arthur Measure for Measure already contains xanthan gum, but this recipe also calls for an extra teaspoon to support the yeast dough.

Egg: The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, giving the breadsticks more structure.

Melted butter: Butter adds richness and helps keep the breadsticks tender. Give it a few minutes to cool before mixing it into the dough.

White vinegar or lemon juice: A small amount of acidity helps balance the flavor. Either option works.

Fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the butter topping a stronger, fresher flavor than garlic powder.

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle adds a pop of green and a fresh finish. Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh is my preference.

Parmesan cheese: Completely optional, but it adds a delicious salty, cheesy finish.

Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks Ingredients

How To Make Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Whisk the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar together in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture looks bubbly and frothy.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the gluten-free flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and xanthan gum.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed.

Add the egg, melted butter, and vinegar or lemon juice. Mix for 1–2 minutes, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 4 minutes.

The dough should come together but may feel softer and stickier than traditional bread dough.

Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and gently gather it into a ball.

Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 5–6 inches long and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rest

Place the shaped breadsticks somewhere warm for 20 minutes.

After the first 10 minutes, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the breadsticks for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the breadsticks bake, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

Add the minced garlic and parsley. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Step 9: Brush and Serve

Brush the breadsticks with warm garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

Serve warm, or transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Soft and Buttery Gluten-Free Garlic Breadsticks

Tips for Success

Check your water temperature. Water that’s too hot can damage the yeast, while cold water slows it down. Aim for 90–110°F.
Don’t skip the mixing time. Beating the dough for 4 minutes helps bring the ingredients together and creates a more consistent texture.
Avoid adding too much flour. Gluten-free dough can be sticky. Lightly flour your hands or work surface, but don’t keep adding flour until the dough feels like wheat bread dough.
Shape the breadsticks gently. If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly dampen or flour them. Don’t worry if the breadsticks aren’t perfectly smooth.
Give the dough time to rest. The 20-minute rest allows the yeast to begin working. Gluten-free dough may not double in size like regular bread dough.
Watch the baking time. Ovens vary, so check the breadsticks around the 15-minute mark. Look for a light golden color and a center that’s cooked through.
Brush them while they’re hot. Warm breadsticks absorb the garlic butter better, giving every bite more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade garlic breadsticks go with just about any cozy dinner. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them.

With gluten-free pasta: Pair them with spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, or creamy Alfredo.
With marinara sauce: Serve warm breadsticks alongside a bowl of marinara for dipping.
With soup: They’re especially good with tomato soup, minestrone, or creamy potato soup.
With pizza: Add them to homemade gluten-free pizza night for an extra treat.
With a fresh salad: Serve with a simple Caesar or garden salad for a lighter meal.

I usually put a little extra garlic butter on the table because someone always wants more.

FAQs:

Where can I find frozen gluten-free breadsticks?

You can look for frozen gluten-free breadsticks in the specialty frozen-food section of grocery stores or check online grocery services such as Instacart. Some listings include Green Giant Garlic Cauliflower Breadsticks and other cauliflower-based varieties.

Traditional-style gluten-free garlic breadsticks can be harder to find. New York Bakery also makes gluten-free garlic Texas toast, which is a convenient alternative. Always check the gluten-free label and local availability before purchasing.

Is there such a thing as gluten-free garlic bread?

Yes! Gluten-free garlic bread can be made using gluten-free bread, butter, garlic, and herbs.

You can also make homemade gluten-free garlic breadsticks using a gluten-free flour blend, yeast, and a few pantry ingredients. They offer the buttery garlic flavor of traditional garlic bread without wheat-based flour.

Who sells gluten-free garlic bread?

Several brands and retailers offer gluten-free garlic bread.

New York Bakery makes Gluten Free Texas Toast with Real Garlic and a Five Cheese variety. These products can be found at retailers such as Target and GIANT Food Stores, depending on location.

Katz also offers gluten-free garlic Texas toast, which has been listed at ShopRite. You can check Instacart or your local grocery store’s website to see what’s available nearby.

Are there gluten-free breadsticks at Olive Garden?

No, Olive Garden’s regular garlic breadsticks contain wheat and gluten. The restaurant doesn’t currently list a gluten-free version.

Olive Garden does offer some gluten-sensitive menu choices, including gluten-free rotini pasta. However, its kitchens handle gluten-containing ingredients, so cross-contact is possible.

If you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy or intolerance, let your server know and review the restaurant’s latest allergen information before ordering.

More gluten-free bread recipes to make ASAP!

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Yield: 8 breadsticks