Soft and Easy Gluten Free Breadsticks Recipe

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These soft and fluffy gluten free breadsticks are reminiscent ofOlive Garden breadsticks. They’re soft and flavorful and don’t taste “gluten free” at all!

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

I feel like Olive Garden’s soft breadsticks are one of those comfort foods that we just crave when we can’t have them anymore. Like a cheap box of mac and cheese or super unhealthy white bread that is squishy.

These homemade gluten-free breadsticks taste just like them and I know you’re gonna love them! They’re soft and fluffy and perfectly flavored, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to make.

***I know you’re anxious to start baking, but please read through at least the ingredients and pro tips sections before making this recipe.

I try to give you everything you need to make a beautiful recipe you’ll want to make again and again and it is worth a few minutes of read time, I promise.

Feel free to use the table of contents below to jump around if you want, then you can print the recipe and get baking!

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out on social media or leave a comment and I’ll get back to you soon.

Look at how soft and squishy they are!

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

What Ingredients do I Need to Make Gluten Free Breadsticks?

*Get the amounts and full instructions in the recipe card below.

Dry ingredients:

high quality gluten-free flour (I highly suggest using gfJules flour, more on that below)
instant yeast (you can also use active dry yeast)
instant milk (use coconut milk powder for dairy free)
granulated sugar
salt
garlic salt (if you don’t have garlic salt on hand, you can use 1 part garlic powder + 3 parts salt)

Wet ingredients:

large eggs at room temperature (use Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer for egg-free)
extra virgin olive oil
warm water
salted butter, melted (use a dairy free alternative in stick form for dairy free. I recommend Melt brand)

Looking for more gluten free bread recipes?? You’re going to love my Gluten Free Sandwich Bread, Gluten Free Dinner Rolls, and magic, 4-ingredient Gluten Free Biscuits (dairy free options available for all of these recipes)

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE BREADSTICKS

This is such an easy recipe! Start with a high quality gluten-free flour that works well with this type of recipe and follow the simple instructions.

I use and recommend gfJules all-purpose flour for all yeast bread recipes. I’ve tested hundreds of recipes over the years with lots of different gluten free flours and gfJules makes the fluffiest breads and rolls that hold together well (read: not crumbly) and have a similar texture to wheat breads.

Step 1:

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2:

This recipe is super easy, just measure all dough ingredients into the bowl of your stand mixer and fit with the paddle attachment. Mix it on medium speed for several minutes. It should look like a thick banana bread batter. Not runny, but definitely too sticky to handle with your hands.

Dough consistency can change based on humidity and elevation so you might need to adjust. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a few more tablespoons of water. If it seems too thin, add a tablespoon or two of flour.

PRO TIP: Gluten free yeast dough is very soft and sticky so you don’t need to use a dough hook.

Step 3:

Turn dough out onto a floured surface (using gluten free flour, of course) and roll to coat, being careful not to incorporate extra flour into the dough.You’re just coating the dough so it’s not too sticky to work with.

Step 4:

Cover the pans loosely with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray and allow to rise in a warm location for about 30 minutes, until breadsticks have puffed up to almost double in size.

I use the proof setting on my oven, but you can set it on the counter in front of a warm window, or on top of a warm oven if you don’t have that option.

Step 5:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

While the oven is preheating, combine butter and garlic salt and gently brush over breadsticks.

Bake for about 15 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden brown and done inside.

PRO TIP: If you omitted the instant milk powder, they won’t brown as much.

Use a pastry brush to top with with additional melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste.

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WHICH GLUTEN FREE FLOUR IS BEST FOR BREADSTICKS?

Because gluten plays such a critical role in bread making, yeast recipes like breadsticks are particularly temperamental. Using a blend like Bob’s Red Mill will absolutely not work in this recipe.

In fact, many of the gluten-free flour blends you normally buy clearly state on their packaging that they are not suited for breads.

I tested this gluten-free breadsticks recipe with gfJules so that’s what I recommend. It really makes a huge differece and is a great all purpose flour blend to keep on hand.

If you choose to use another flour, I cannot guarantee the results.

HOW TO SERVE GLUTEN-FREE GARLIC BREADSTICKS

These homemade breadsticks are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with soup or salads, casseroles, or with a side of marinara sauce.

For a fun twist, sprinkle finished gluten-free bread sticks with parmesan cheese and parsley flakes or a little Italian seasoning.

HOW TO MEASURE GLUTEN FREE FLOUR

It is crucial that you use the stir, scoop and level method when measuring gluten free flour. This ensures that you don’t get too much or too little flour, which will drastically affect the final results. It is easiest if you pour your flour into a pantry bin or container.

Here’s how to measure gluten free flour:

Stir the flour with a spoon.
Using a spoon, scoop the flour into your measuring cup so it is heaping above the rim. Be careful to not pack it down at all.
Use a leveler or the flat edge of a knife to scrape the top of the measuring cup, which will level off the flour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Use coconut milk powder in place of the instant milk and a dairy free stick butter in place of the butter.

Can I make this recipe egg-free?

You sure can! Use Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer in place of the eggs.

Can I use a homemade gluten-free flour blend in this recipe?

I recommend gfJules flour as that has given me the best results. However, my gluten free flour blend also works well and is a combination of rice flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum.

Do you have a vegan breadstick recipe?

You can easily make this recipe vegan by subbing coconut milk powder for the instant milk and swapping the eggs with Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer. Use a dairy free butter in stick form. I recommend Melt brand.

Yield: 10 breadsticks

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

These soft and fluffy gluten free breadsticks are reminiscent ofOlive Garden breadsticks. They're soft and flavorful and don't taste "gluten free" at all!

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH

4 cups flour
2 tablespoon yeast
⅔ cup instant milk
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs
⅔ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 ⅓ cup warm water

FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER

¼ cup salted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic salt (I like Redmond Real Salt)

Instructions

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Set aside.
Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (you can also use a hand mixer) in order listed.
Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. It should be the consistency of a thick and sticky batter, like a thick banana bread batter.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface and roll to coat, being careful not to incorporate extra flour into the dough.
Divide dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each into a rope about 8 inches long and carefully transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Allow to rise in a warm location for about 30 minutes, until breadsticks have puffed up to almost double in size.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
While the oven is preheating, combine butter, and garlic salt and gently brush over breadsticks.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden brown and done inside.
Brush with additional melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste.

Notes

Bake long enough for the breadsticks to brown a little on the outside, this will give them the texture you remember from your favorite Italian restaurant!
If you want, sprinkle a little parsley over the breadsticks just before serving.
To make dairy free, use powdered coconut milk in place of the instant milk, or just omit. It will not brown quite as much without, so you'll need to watch it more closely.
These are great served with a side of fresh or pre-made marinara sauce!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Soft and Easy Gluten Free Breadsticks Recipe - Life After Wheat (2024)

FAQs

How to make gluten-free bread less dense? ›

You can achieve light and fluffy gluten-free bread by using enough leavening agents, adding binding agents, mixing gently, increasing moisture, and experimenting with different flour ratios.

Show Me More ›

How to keep gluten-free bread fresh? ›

Choose an air-tight environment

Mold thrives in airy, warm locations, so look for cool, dry areas to keep your bread box, and make sure to wash and dry it at least once a week. Bread can also be stored in cotton or linen bags, which will allow it to breathe while protecting it from external moisture.

Discover More Details ›

Will gluten-free dough rise with yeast? ›

Gluten free dough can rise but it depends on what leavening agents you use. You can go with either yeast or baking soda/powder.

View Details ›

What is the secret to soft homemade bread? ›

Bread Making Tips For Softer Bread

Do Not Over-Knead Your Dough. ...
Ensure Dough is Well Hydrated. ...
Lubricate With Oil. ...
Add Sugar. ...
Add Eggs. ...
Reduce Baking Time. ...
Create Steam in Oven. ...
Add Milk.

Mar 27, 2023

Find Out More ›

How do you add moisture to gluten-free bread? ›

Honey and agave as a sugar substitute can enhance moisture as well, but be aware that you should cut down slightly on the other liquids you are using in the recipe, as honey and agave are not solid ingredients. Adding an extra egg or oil can also help, but use caution.

Why add vinegar to gluten-free bread? ›

Apple cider vinegar or another acid lightens up the dough. You can add up to 4 Tbsp of acid for 500 g gluten-free flour. Don't worry, you won't be able to taste it afterwards. To lighten up a yeast dough even more, you can add a packet of baking powder or cream of tartar baking powder to 500 g flour.

Know More ›

What is the best flour for gluten-free bread? ›

What's the best gluten-free flour for baking? Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix is my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking. It has a mild texture and plenty of "stick" thanks to a blend of sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour, plus some starches and xanthan gum.

View Details ›

Which yeast is best for gluten-free bread? ›

What type of yeast should be used to bake Gluten Free Bread? Active dry yeast and instant yeast both work well and are often interchangeable. Be on the lookout for any Rapid Rise yeast that is best for one rise. For most of us that's the way gluten free bread is baked, a single rise in the tin.

Why is my homemade gluten free bread dry? ›

Dry, crumbly loaf- you may need more liquid (see above), fat or binder. Gluten free bread dough needs more fat than wheat bread dough whether it's oil, butter or something else. So if your bread is dry, simply add more fat to get a better crumb.

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What is the trick to making good gluten-free bread? ›

Tips and Techniques to make better Gluten Free Bread

Use psyllium husk powder.
Let the dough rest (not exactly the same as a bulk proof)
Mix or knead thoroughly.
Use less yeast.
Bake in a tin with tall sides.
Bake for longer, often at a lower temperature.
Create steam in the oven.
Use the tangzhong or scalded flour method.

What does cream of tartar do in gluten-free bread? ›

A: Yes, cream of tartar can be used in gluten-free bread recipes to improve dough stability and rise.

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Can you just replace flour with gluten free flour? ›

If the original recipe calls for 260 grams of all-purpose flour, substitute with 260 grams of your blend. Beat the batter more. Because gluten-free flours provide less structure than all-purpose, the batter or dough you make with them may require more beating than that which you are accustomed.

Learn More Now ›

Why is my gluten free bread hard? ›

While it's possible to include too little liquid in your gluten free bread recipe and end up with dry bread, you'll experience the opposite if you add too much liquid, don't let the dough rise enough before baking, or don't bake the loaf for long enough until it's baked all the way to the bottom.

How to soften bread that has gotten hard? ›

Wrap the bread in a damp (not soaking) towel, place on a baking sheet, and pop it in the oven for 5-10 minutes. In the microwave: Wrap the bread in a damp (not soaking) towel, place it on a microwave-safe dish, and microwave on high for 10 seconds.

Keep Reading ›

How do you make gluten-free more moist? ›

Add extra liquid: Gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid than regular flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipes to compensate. This can help to keep your baked goods moist and prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly.