#crispybreadsticks

I still remember the first time I tried grissini — I was in Turin, sitting at a cozy little trattoria that smelled like garlic, olive oil, and dreams. While waiting for my pasta, the waiter casually dropped a basket of long, thin breadsticks on the table. At first, I thought they were just for decoration. (Don’t judge me!) But one bite — that crisp snap, the delicate olive oil flavor, the whisper of salt — and I was hooked. I ended up ignoring the pasta. True story. Ever since, grissini have held a crunchy little corner of my heart. So today, I'm bringing that magic to your kitchen.

So... What Exactly Are Grissini?

Grissini are thin, crispy breadsticks made from simple ingredients like flour, olive oil, water, salt, and yeast. They can be twisted, rolled in seeds, wrapped with prosciutto, or dipped in everything from cheese sauce to balsamic glaze. Think of them as the Italian cousin of pretzels — only airier and more elegant.

Table of contents

- A Bite of History (Literally) - Ingredients & Tips on Flour (Important!) - Step-by-Step Grissini Recipe- 1. Activate the Yeast - 2. Make the Dough - 3. Let It Rise - 4. Shape Your Breadsticks - 5. Bake - Delicious Pairings You’ve Gotta Try - Grissini Variations to Keep It Fun - Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes) - Pro Tips from the Breadstick Whisperer - Other Bread recipes

A Bite of History (Literally)

Grissini were born in Piedmont, Italy around the 17th century — and legend has it that a young duke of Savoy couldn’t digest normal bread. So his clever baker whipped up these long, slender sticks that were light, crunchy, and easy on the tummy. Not only did the duke survive (yay!), but grissini became a royal obsession... and a permanent guest at Italian tables. 👉 Ever nibbled on those fancy breadsticks at an Italian restaurant and thought, “I want these at home!”? You’re in the right place.

Ingredients & Tips on Flour (Important!)

Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups (250g) bread flour (or see note if using all-purpose) - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp sugar - 1 tsp active dry yeast - ¾ cup (180ml) warm water - 2 tbsp olive oil - Optional: sesame seeds, rosemary, sea salt, chili flakes 🧑‍🏫 Flour Matters! Using bread flour gives you a better chew and crunch thanks to the higher gluten content (~12–13%). If you're using all-purpose flour (with less gluten), consider adding: - 1 tsp vital wheat gluten (for structure) - OR 1 tsp bread improver (to support elasticity and rise) 🧠 Breadstick vs. Grissini? “Breadsticks” can mean the softer, fluffier American kind. Grissini, however, are Italian and crisp all the way through.

Step-by-Step Grissini Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast Mix sugar, yeast, and warm water. Let it bubble for 10 minutes. 2. Make the Dough In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour and salt. Add yeast mix and olive oil. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 💡 Feeling sticky? Add a spoon of flour. Too dry? A splash of water. 3. Let It Rise Cover and rest in a warm spot until doubled in size. About 45 minutes. 4. Shape Your Breadsticks Roll the dough into a thin rectangle. Cut into strips (¼ inch wide) and roll each into long sticks. You can even twist them or roll in seeds for flair. 👩‍🎨 This is your moment — make them rustic or restaurant-perfect! 5. Bake Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt, sesame, or herbs. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden and snappy.

Grissini - An Italian Breadstick Delicacy

Grissini are thin, crispy breadsticks made from simple ingredients like flour, olive oil, water, salt, and yeast.They can be twisted, rolled in seeds, wrapped with prosciutto, or dipped in everything from cheese sauce to balsamic glaze. - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Stand mixer - Oven - 200 g Refined Flour - 8 g Sugar - 3 g Yeast - 4 g Salt - 10 ml Olive oil - 2 g Bread Improver - 4 g Gluten - Chili flakes - Dried herbs - Sesame seeds - Grease a baking tray using oil or butter and keep aside. - Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius top and 190 degrees celsius bottom. - In a small bowl add yeast, 1g sugar and add warm water and keep for fermentation. - In another bowl or in table, sieve the flour, bread improver, gluten, salt and keep aside. - Add the sugar in the sieved flour, and add the fermented yeast and start combining the dough. - Add water gradually and combine all the flour and when the dough is combined add the olive oil and start kneading. - Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and more flexibility. - Rest the dough for 5 minutes. - First Technique:Divide the dough into 20 grams balls and let it rest for 2 minutes.start stretching the dough into long sticks like in photo.

- Second technique:If you can't get proper even stick, sheet the dough completely to thin sheet and using pizza cutter or knife cut the sheet into long strips and lightly roll it.Once shaped arrange in tray and bake at 200 degree celsius top and 190 degree celsius bottom for 12- 15 minutes.Cool it and enjoy the breadsticks. Want crunchier sticks? Let them dry out slightly before baking. Store in a jar or tin — they'll stay crisp for 4–5 days. Make a big batch and freeze half the dough! Use a pizza cutter to slice perfect strips. Add flavor into the dough for more depth. BreadsDessert, ItalianBaked breadsticks, Breadstick variations, Cheese grissini, Classic grissini, Crispy breadsticks, Crunchy appetizers, Easy grissini recipe, Grissini, Herbed breadsticks, Homemade grissini, Italian breadsticks, Italian finger foods, Seeded grissini, Traditional Italian snacks, Whole wheat grissini

Delicious Pairings You’ve Gotta Try

- Wrapped with prosciutto – A classic antipasto. - Dipped in herbed cream cheese or hummus – Hello snack heaven. - Served alongside soup or salad – Add crunch without croutons. - With an aperitivo (wine or spritz) – Instant Italian evening. 🍷 What would you dip your grissini in? Drop it in the comments — I’m always looking for snack inspiration!

Grissini Variations to Keep It Fun

- Cheesy Grissini – Mix parmesan into the dough - Herbed Grissini – Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano - Spicy Grissini – Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or cracked pepper - Whole Wheat Grissini – Sub half the flour with whole wheat for a nutty bite - Sweet Grissini – Brush with butter + cinnamon sugar after baking!

Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

ProblemFixDough isn’t risingCheck your yeast — is it fresh?Grissini are softBake longer or roll thinnerDough is too stickyAdd a little more flourThey don’t crispLet cool on a rack — no soggy bottoms!They all look... weirdEmbrace the rustic charm — grissini are hand-rolled, not cloned 😄

Pro Tips from the Breadstick Whisperer

- Let them cool fully before storing — this keeps them crunchy - Make a big batch — they keep well in a sealed jar for up to 5 days - Double up the dough and freeze half for next time - Use a pizza cutter to slice perfect strips

Other Bread recipes