Freshly baked grissini — also known as Italian breadsticks — are crisp, golden, and irresistibly snackable. Originating from Turin in Northern Italy, these are perfect as an appetizer, alongside dips, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Here’s a simple and authentic recipe to make your own:
🥖 Freshly Baked Grissini (Italian Breadsticks)
🧾 Ingredients:
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2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 tsp sugar
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¾ cup warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
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Optional toppings:
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Coarse salt
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Sesame seeds
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Poppy seeds
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Rosemary
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Parmesan
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🔪 Instructions:
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Activate the yeast
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In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Make the dough
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In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix the flour and salt.
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Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
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Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes with a dough hook) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Let it rise
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Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Shape the grissini
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Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
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Cut the dough into thin strips (about ¼ to ½ inch wide).
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Gently stretch each strip to about 10–12 inches long and place them on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.
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Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
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Bake
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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For extra crispness, let them cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes after baking.
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Cool and serve
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Let them cool on a wire rack.
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Store in an airtight container — they’ll stay crisp for a few days!
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📝 Tips:
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For a more rustic look, don’t worry about perfect shapes — uneven, hand-rolled grissini are authentic!
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Want softer sticks? Bake for slightly less time and skip the post-bake dry-out.
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Serve with: prosciutto, olive tapenade, pesto, or marinara dip.
Would you like a flavored version like garlic-herb, cheese grissini, or even whole wheat? Let me know!
