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Soft Gluten-Free Breadsticks Recipe for Perfectly Tender Sticks

These soft, fluffy gluten-free breadsticks taste like Olive Garden’s. They’re tender, flavorful, and don’t have that typical “gluten-free” flavor.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

Olive Garden-style breadsticks are comfort food—soft, slightly chewy, and nostalgic. When you can’t have them, you miss that simple, squishy goodness. This recipe recreates that experience with gluten-free ingredients.

These homemade gluten-free breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and flavorful—so much so that guests won’t notice they’re gluten free. They’re easier to make than you might think and perfect for serving with soups, salads, or pasta.

Before you begin, please read the ingredients and pro tips. A few minutes of preparation reading will help you get the best results.

Scroll the table of contents to jump to sections you want, or print the recipe card when you’re ready to bake.

If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out on social media and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

See how soft and squishy they turn out!

Table of contents

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

What Ingredients do I Need to Make Gluten Free Breadsticks?

*See the recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.

Dry ingredients:

  • High-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (see recommendations below)
  • Instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • Instant milk powder (optional; use coconut milk powder for dairy-free)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt
  • Garlic salt (or a mix of garlic powder and salt—1 part garlic powder to 3 parts salt)

Wet ingredients:

  • Large eggs at room temperature (or egg replacer for egg-free)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Warm water
  • Salted butter, melted (use a stick-style dairy-free butter for dairy-free)

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE BREADSTICKS

This recipe is straightforward. Start with a reliable gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast breads and follow the steps for mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking.

I recommend using a blend specifically designed for yeast baking; those blends give the best texture and structure so the breadsticks are soft and not crumbly.

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (a hand mixer works too). Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the dough resembles a thick, sticky batter—similar to thick banana bread batter. It should be too sticky to handle by hand.

Dough consistency can vary with humidity and elevation. If it looks too thick, add a tablespoon or two of warm water. If too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

Pro tip: Gluten-free yeast doughs are soft and sticky—no dough hook is necessary.

Step 3:

Turn the dough onto a floured surface (use gluten-free flour) and gently roll it in flour to coat the outside without incorporating excess flour. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and roll each into an 8-inch rope. Transfer carefully to the prepared baking sheets, placing five per pan.

Step 4:

Cover the pans loosely with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and let the breadsticks rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled in size. Use your oven’s proof setting if available, or place the pans on the counter in a warm area.

Step 5:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, mix melted butter and garlic salt and brush it gently over the breadsticks.

Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. If you omitted the instant milk powder, the breadsticks may brown less, so watch the color closely.

Brush with additional melted butter after baking and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste. Optionally garnish with parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.

A pinterest friendly image of a stack of breadsticks sprinkled in parsley.

WHICH GLUTEN FREE FLOUR IS BEST FOR BREADSTICKS?

Yeast breads depend on a flour blend that provides structure. Many standard gluten-free blends are not formulated for yeast baking and can produce dense or crumbly results. Choose a blend that performs well in yeast recipes for the best texture.

If you use an unfamiliar blend, results may vary. A blend designed for yeast-based baking will give the fluffiest, most bread-like texture.

HOW TO SERVE GLUTEN-FREE GARLIC BREADSTICKS

Serve these warm on their own or alongside soup, salad, pasta, or casseroles. They pair well with marinara, herbed butter, or a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley for a simple finish.

HOW TO MEASURE GLUTEN FREE FLOUR

Accurate measurement is vital. Use the stir, scoop, and level method to avoid packing too much flour into the cup:

  1. Stir the flour in its container to loosen it.
  2. Scoop flour into the measuring cup with a spoon so it mounds over the rim—do not pack it down.
  3. Use a straight edge to level off the excess flour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes. Replace instant milk powder with coconut milk powder or omit it, and use a stick-style dairy-free butter for brushing.

Can I make this recipe egg-free?

Yes. Substitute eggs with a commercial egg replacer according to package directions.

Can I use a homemade gluten-free flour blend?

Some homemade blends work if they are formulated for yeast baking and include a binding agent. Blends not intended for yeast breads may produce unsatisfactory texture.

Do you have a vegan breadstick option?

Yes. Use coconut milk powder (or omit), an egg replacer, and a stick-style dairy-free butter to make the recipe vegan.
gluten free breadsticks stacked in a pyramid. They are sprinkled with parsley and wrapped in a towel.

Gluten Free Breadsticks Recipe

Author: Celeste Noland | Life After Wheat

https://thereislifeafterwheat.com

4.8 from 10 votes
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Prep 20 mins
Cook 12 mins
Additional Time 30 mins
Total 1 hr 2 mins
Soft, fluffy gluten-free breadsticks that taste like Olive Garden’s—tender, buttery, and full of garlic flavor.
Servings 10 breadsticks
Course Gluten Free Bread Recipes

Start Cooking

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

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
  • Large baking sheets and parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method

  1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
  2. Add all dough ingredients to the mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment in the order listed.
  3. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the dough is a thick, sticky batter.
  4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll to coat lightly with flour without incorporating too much.
  5. Divide into 10 equal pieces and roll each into an 8-inch rope. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Cover loosely with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray.
  7. Allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until nearly doubled.
  8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic salt before baking.
  10. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  11. Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving1
Calories400 kcal
Carbohydrates45 g
Protein8 g

Notes

  • Bake until the breadsticks develop a light golden brown to achieve the classic texture.
  • Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated Parmesan just before serving if desired.
  • To make dairy free, use coconut milk powder or omit the milk powder; they may brown less without it.
  • Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.