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These gluten-free breadsticks give Olive Garden a run for their money! They’re made with gluten-free flour and are easy to adapt dairy free.

Breadsticks on the plates.

There’s nothing like a pillowy breadstick! There’s a reason that everyone goes to Olive Garden for the breadsticks… they’re just that good. I’ve wanted to master a gluten-free breadstick for a while now, and it’s finally here!

This version is a pillowy, soft breadstick, similar to olive garden, but made totally gluten-free. It’s fairly simple to make and is the perfect appetizer or side for a nice dinner.

Why you’ll love these gluten-free breadsticks

  • They are pillowly and delicious, while still gluten-free! It’s hard to get that texture while keeping it gluten-free and I am so happy to have gotten the right texture!
  • It’s a quick dough! That means quicker to make and if you want to knead by hand should only need about 5 minutes or so.

The ingredients for gluten-free breadsticks

  • Gluten-Free Flour. Namaste is my favorite blend!
  • Almond Flour. These breadsticks use both a GF flour blend and almond flour to lighten them up a bit. I find that gluten-free flour alone can be a bit dense, but almond flour lends to lighter, buttery baked goods!
  • Baking Powder. I use this baking powder!
  • Ghee and Garlic. This is for coating the breadsticks to give them extra flavor.
  • Salt and Italian Seasoning.
  • Almond Milk.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • Eggs. You should be able to swap an egg for a flax egg by using 1 tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 tbsp water. As for the egg wash, you can skip it, though it will result in breadsticks that are slightly less golden.
  • Active Dry Yeast and Warm Water. Water should be 110F-120F.
  • Olive Oil.  
  • Honey.

How to make gluten-free breadsticks

  • Step One. Prep the yeast.
  • Step Two. Mix the dry ingredients.
  • Step Three. Pour in the yeast mixture, one egg, ghee, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and almond milk and mix until the dough is fully combined.
  • Step Four. Prepare the dough and then divide the dough into 8 even balls, then roll into logs, shaped like breadsticks.
  • Step Five. Transfer the breadsticks to the greased baking sheet and place a clean dishtowel over the baking sheet and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  • Step Six. Make the egg wash and brush the breadsticks with it and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

The dough for breadsticks before and after baking.

  • Step Seven. Bake and then transfer to cooling rack
  • Step Eight. Make the garlic butter and brush the breadsticks with it. Enjoy!

A bowl of olive oil and garlic mixture for coating the breadsticks.

 

Tips & tricks

  • Keep an eye on your oven. My oven tends to cook relatively fast and run a bit hotter, so if you find that your breadsticks need more time to get golden, leave them in a bit longer!
  • Make sure the dough is the right texture. The dough will be easy to work with and slightly wet. If it’s too sticky, knead it for a bit longer.

Can you make these gluten free breadsticks without a stand mixer?

You should be able to knead the dough by hand, yes! It’s a quick dough, so you should only have to knead it for 5 minutes or so.

Can you make these breadsticks egg free?

You should be able to swap an egg for a flax egg by using 1 tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 tbsp water. As for the egg wash, you can skip it, though it will result in breadsticks that are slightly less golden.

Can you make these breadsticks dairy free?

Yes! Simply leave off the garlic butter, and swap the ghee in the recipe for olive oil.

A breadstick being held in a hand after a bite was taken.

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Gluten Free Italian Breadsticks


  • Author: Michelle
  • Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup water (110F-120F)
  • 2 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs (divided, see notes)
  • 2 tbsp ghee, melted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (sub another dairy-free milk)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

For the garlic butter (optional)

  • 2 tbsp ghee, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  2. Add the yeast to a large bowl and pour the water over the yeast along with the honey. Gently combine to dissolve the yeast. Tightly cover the yeast mixture and allow it to sit for 5-15 minutes. The top of the mixture should be foamy and bubbly.
  3. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt together until combined.
  4. Pour in the yeast mixture, one egg, ghee, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and almond milk. Set the mixer to medium speed and mix for 4-5 minutes or until the dough is fully combined.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and add the prepared dough. Divide the dough into 8 even balls, then roll into logs, shaped like breadsticks.
  6. Transfer the breadsticks to the greased baking sheet. Place a clean dishtowel over the baking sheet and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
  7. Whisk the other egg in a bowl and brush the breadsticks with a light eggwash. Sprinkle with italian seasoning.
  8. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack when done.
  9. To make the garlic butter, add the ghee and garlic to a small saucepan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant. Brush on top of the breadsticks and serve warm with a dip on the side!

Notes

You should be able to swap an egg for a flax egg by using 1 tbsp ground flaxseed and 3 tbsp water. As for the egg wash, you can skip it, though it will result in breadsticks that are slightly less golden.

All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick
  • Calories: 248
  • Fat: 7.4g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.7g
  • Fiber: 1.9g
  • Protein: 5.4g