The perfect crispy snack to munch on while you wait for your pasta to cook or as a pre-dinner appetizer. But have you ever wondered about their origins and the different variations that exist around the world? Well, wonder no more because we’re about to take a deep dive into the world of breadsticks.

Legend has it that a baker named Antonio Brunero from Turin, Italy, created breadsticks in the 17th century for Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, who had trouble digesting traditional bread. Whether this is true or not, we can’t say for sure, but what we do know is that breadsticks have come a long way since then.

Today, you can find breadsticks in various sizes, flavours, and shapes. In Italy, traditional breadsticks, also known as Grissini, Grissino, or Dipping Sticks, are pencil-sized and thin. They’re perfect for dipping in a delicious tomato sauce or balsamic vinegar and olive oil. But why stick to tradition when you can mix it up?

In North America, some restaurants serve sweet breadsticks flavoured with cinnamon, sugar, and icing, and they’re often served as a dessert item. In South Africa, bakeries sometimes flavour breadstick dough with chocolate or dip them halfway in chocolate after baking. These variations are a fun way to experiment with new flavours and add a little excitement to your snack time.

Italian-American restaurants often serve larger breadsticks as an appetizer. These are perfect for sharing and may even be stuffed with prosciutto or other savoury ingredients. But why wait until you go to a restaurant to enjoy these delicious bites? With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own breadsticks at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup of warm water
  • 1 egg white, beaten
  • Optional: herbs, spices, cheese, garlic, or any other flavourings you like

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, olive oil, and any optional flavourings you like.
In a separate bowl, mix the yeast and warm water until the yeast dissolves.
Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until you have a smooth dough.
Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s elastic and smooth.
Divide the dough into 12–16 pieces and roll each piece into a thin, pencil-sized stick.
Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the beaten egg white over the breadsticks.
Bake the breadsticks for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Now that you know how easy it is to make your own breadsticks, it’s time to get creative with your flavours and toppings. Whether you prefer a traditional Italian Grissini or a sweet cinnamon sugar breadstick, the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re in the mood for a crispy snack, why not try making your own breadsticks? Your taste buds will thank you.