These buttery Whole Wheat Breadsticks are soft, chewy, and topped with garlic salt. The addition of whole wheat flour gives this homemade breadstick recipe a healthy twist and a little extra flavor.
They are perfect for serving with pastas, soups, and stews as something to soak up all of the sauce and broth. Or, serve warm with a side of marinara and you’ve got an easy appetizer. To turn these into cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top just before baking.
Easy Whole Wheat Breadsticks
Soft, fluffy, and whole wheat aren’t always spoken in the same sentence. So, you will have to trust me when I say that these Whole Wheat Breadsticks are all that and more. Truth be told, these aren’t 100% made with whole wheat flour. I’ve substituted half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour which not only adds fiber and nutrients, but it also adds amazing flavor.
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Just before baking, the top of the dough is brushed with melted butter and given a dusting of garlic salt. I’ve also been known to sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. I usually roll the dough out flat into a baking sheet and cut the breadsticks into rectangles after it has baked. You could divide the dough into about 12 pieces and roll each piece into a long breadstick, a la these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks.
Not feeling the whole wheat? Make these Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks instead!
Key Ingredients
- Warm Water – the water that you mix with the yeast and sugar needs to be warm—between 95-110 degrees F. This is the temperature that will best proof the yeast.
- Sugar – the sugar is added partially for flavor but largely to help activate the yeast. A portion of granulated sugar can be substituted with honey.
- Active Dry Yeast – active dry yeast needs to be activated before it can be mixed with the rest of the dough ingredients. This is done by mixing it with warm water and a little sugar and letting it sit until it gets bubbly—about 5-10 minutes.
- Whole Wheat Flour – 100% whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour are filled with nutrition and flavor. Stone ground whole wheat flour works well, too — just be aware that it has a grittier texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – for best results, use half all-purpose flour with half whole wheat flour. Using only whole wheat flour will make more dense and chewy breadsticks.
- Salt – use a fine sea salt or kosher salt that will mix evenly into the dough.
- Olive Oil – oil adds moisture and flavor to the breadsticks. Avocado oil is another great choice, although it doesn’t have much flavor.
- Toppings – just before baking, brush melted butter over the top of the rolled dough and sprinkle with garlic salt. Pro tip: If you don’t have garlic salt, combine an equal amount of sea salt and garlic powder.
How to Make Whole Wheat Breadsticks
- Activate the yeast. Combine the yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until it gets bubbly—about 5 minutes.
- Mix the breadstick dough. Combine the ingredients and mix on low speed, adding just enough flour to where the dough pulls away from the edges. Mix to develop the gluten for another 2-3 minutes.
- Let the dough rise. Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size (about 30-45 minutes).
- Roll out the breadsticks. Roll the dough out until it covers a large baking sheet, then cover with melted butter and garlic salt.
- Bake. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
- Cut. Cut into 1 ½” strips, then serve with marinara or another dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between bags of flour marked whole wheat flour vs white whole wheat flour is that white whole wheat flour is made from white wheat berries rather than red. They both have similar nutrition and flavor.
Yes! 100% whole wheat flour has additional vitamins, minerals, and fibers that regular all-purpose flour doesn’t have. It also tends to contain less calories.
Whole wheat flour has a reputation for making baked goods drier and more dense. This is especially true when the recipe doesn’t have ingredients like eggs, milk, or a large amount of butter or fat to add moisture and improve the texture. That is why these breadsticks use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.
Yes! This breadstick dough can be mixed then covered with plastic wrap and stored overnight in the fridge. The next day, remove the bowl from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out and baking.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing leftovers: store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: either microwave or place in a warm oven to reheat.
Whole Wheat Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients
Breadstick Dough
- 1 cup (235 g) water, warm (95-110 degrees F)
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) salt
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil
Breadstick Toppings
- 3 tablespoons (40 g) butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons (12 g) garlic salt
Instructions
Breadstick Dough
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, or stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast and mix well. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Once your yeast has proofed, add the olive oil, salt and about 1½ cups of whole wheat flour. Using a paddle or dough hook, mix until all the ingredients are completely combined. Add in the rest of the flour, about a 1/4 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl.
- Mix on low speed for another 1-2 minutes, then cover and let the dough rest in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until about doubled in size (or wrap and store in the fridge overnight).
Shaping and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
- Lightly grease your hands, then gently pull the dough out of the bowl and place in the baking sheet. Pull and press the dough until it covers the bottom of a large baking sheet (or two 9" x 13" baking pans).
- Brush the melted butter on the dough, then lightly sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bottom and the top are golden brown.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes, then cut into 1½" strips with a pizza cutter and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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This Whole Wheat Breadsticks recipe is an easy way to add a little more nutrition to your meal. Topped with garlic salt and butter, this soft and fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up soup and pasta sauce.
