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Home » Snacks

Easy Gluten-Free Breadsticks (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Published: Dec 9, 2021 by Felicia Lim · This post may contain affiliate links

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Breadsticks on a white plate.
Collage for gluten-free breadsticks.
Hand picking up a breadstick.

Incredibly crunchy and highly snackable, these easy homemade gluten-free breadsticks (grissini breadsticks) are the perfect in-between meal snack or appetizer. Dip them in olive oil, hummus or red pepper dip, or enjoy them alone. Totally dairy-free, and vegan too, but no one would guess!

Sesame-topped homemade gluten-free breadsticks on a plate.
Jump to:
  • Crunchy Grissini Breadsticks for the Perfect Appetizer or Snack
  • The Quest for Gluten-Free Breadsticks:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients You’ll Need:
  • Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
  • How to Make Gluten-Free Breadsticks (Step by Step):
  • Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • What to Eat with These Gluten-Free Breadsticks
  • Other Snacks/Appetizers You’ll Enjoy:
  • Easy Gluten-Free Breadsticks (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Crunchy Grissini Breadsticks for the Perfect Appetizer or Snack

Originating from Italy, breadsticks are also known as grissini (or grissino), and are basically pencil-sized sticks of bread that are great for dipping.

I remember that when Juan and I were in holidaying in Italy, practically every restaurant we went to served some variation of grissini as an appetizer to calm our hungry stomachs as we impatiently waited for our food to be served.

I later noticed that in most Italian restaurants all over the world, breadsticks almost always features prominently in the bread basket served at each table.

Since then, I’ve been a fan of breadsticks, especially when they’re crunchy, crispy, and insanely irresistible (not to mention when you’re famished and likely to devour any and everything that’s placed in front of you).

cornbread in a cast iron skillet
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Reaching for gluten-free breadsticks from a plate.

The Quest for Gluten-Free Breadsticks:

I wanted to recreate a gluten-free version of breadsticks that were also dairy-free that Juan my husband who is Celiac and also lactose-intolerant could enjoy at home, and so I adapted this recipe to create our own gluten-free grissini!

It turns out that making homemade breadsticks requires a bit of time (from letting the yeast work and rolling the breadsticks out), but apart from that, they’re really simple to make!

Unlike the soft breadsticks you may find at Olive Garden, these breadsticks are crunchy, crispy, and absolutely love the sound they make when you snap them into two!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: All you need to make these gluten-free breadsticks is a handful of easily-accessible ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen (nothing fancy required)!
  • Easy to Make: The dough comes together very quickly, and shaping the dough into thin logs is not complicated at all, so don’t worry even if this is your first time making homemade breadsticks!
  • Flavorful: Thanks to the olive oil used in the dough, these Italian breadsticks are not bland at all. Instead, they have a beautiful flavor and are topped with sesame seeds for extra taste and texture.
  • Crunchy and Crispy for Days: The breadsticks remain crunchy and crispy even days after baking – which is a huge bonus in my book!
  • Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that these delicious grissini breadsticks are made with gluten-free flour instead of normal wheat flour, and olive oil instead of butter. This means that they are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, and even those with Celiac disease or food allergies such as gluten and lactose intolerances can enjoy them without worries!
Holding a plate full of gluten-free Italian breadsticks.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required to make these crunchy homemade gluten-free breadsticks.

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

Ingredients required to make gluten-free breadsticks recipe.

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:

  • Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using a good quality gluten-free flour blend that is made up of a mix of lighter flours and starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch) to ensure you get an airier and lighter final texture. Make sure that you flour blend includes xanthan gum too. I do NOT recommend flour blends that are made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour) as that will result in a very dense texture.
  • Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the substitute for gluten in gluten-free flours, and helps the ingredients to better bind together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not already include it, make sure to add it in.
  • Instant Yeast: I like using instant dry yeast because no prior activation time is required and I can mix it in with the other ingredients at the same time. Alternatively, you may use active dry yeast, but make sure to activate the yeast with warm water and sugar before adding the other ingredients.
  • Sugar: The sugar acts as food for the yeast to feed on, and is essential in order for the yeast to be activated and produce the gases that cause the dough to rise. I used granulated white sugar, but feel free to use light brown sugar, maple sugar, or coconut sugar if you prefer.
  • Warm Water: Make sure that the water is between 105 to 110F as the yeast requires warmth to be activated, but if the water is too hot, it may kill the yeast. You can also use non-dairy milks such as almond milk, cashew milk, rice milk, coconut milk or soy milk if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk instead.
  • Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil for the taste it imparts to the breadsticks, but feel free to use other oils such as avocado oil or normal vegetable oil if you prefer. If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead of use melted butter if you wish.
  • Sesame Seeds: I like topping the breadstick dough with white sesame seeds for extra taste and color. Feel free to mix in black sesame seeds too. Alternatively, you may omit the sesame seeds completely if you don’t enjoy them.

How to Make Gluten-Free Breadsticks (Step by Step):

1. Prepare the Breadstick Dough

Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients: the gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if using), salt, yeast, sugar, warm water, and oil together in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until you get a homogeneous dough.

Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough sit for an hour (very important!).

Mixing dairy-free breadsticks dough in a glass bowl with metal spoon.

2. Preheat and Line

Preheat oven to 375F and line a large baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position.

3. Cut Dough into Pieces

Divide the dough into 4 pieces and then roll each piece out on parchment paper or a silpat into 1-inch thick rectangle approximately 7 inches wide and 10 inches long.

Use a knife to cut out 1-inch wide logs (you should get 7 logs for each piece of dough, so 28 pieces in total).

Sliced dough pieces and a knife on a piece of parchment paper.

4. Shape the Logs

Use your fingers to gently shape each piece of dough into typical breadstick logs.

Fingers pressing a log of dough together.

5. Transfer Logs to Baking Sheet

Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer at least 1 inch apart (they will expand very slightly during baking).

Thin logs of dough on a silpat-lined baking sheet.

6. Brush with Oil

Use a pastry brush to brush the dough logs generously with olive oil.

Using a silicon pastry brush to brush breadstick dough logs with oil.

7. Sprinkle with Seeds

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dough logs.

Sprinkling sesame seeds over gluten-free breadstick dough.

8. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the homemade gluten-free breadsticks are golden brown and crunchy.

Baked vegan breadsticks on a silpat.

9. Cool Completely

Let the gluten-free breadsticks cool completely before serving or storing.

Homemade dairy-free breadsticks on a plate.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

  • Line with Silpat/Parchment Paper: Make sure you line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat to ensure that the dough does not stick to the baking sheet.
  • Flavoring Options: This recipe makes a basic breadstick, and if you would like to add more flavor, feel free to mix in 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, paprika powder or garlic powder into the dough before rolling it out into logs.

Recipe FAQs:

How do I Store These Homemade Breadsticks?

Allow the baked gluten-free breadsticks to fully cool before placing them in an airtight container and storing at room temperature. These grissini breadsticks will remain crispy for up to 5 days.

Can I Prepare the Dough Beforehand and Freeze?

You can prepare the dough before hand. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap after it has rested for an hour (step 1) and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the dough to thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it into pieces and cutting into logs and baking.

Hand reaching for a breadstick from a plate full of gluten-free grissini breadsticks.

What to Eat with These Gluten-Free Breadsticks

Here are a few things you can eat with these delicious grissini breadsticks:

  • Easy Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Easy Baba Ganoush (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Roasted Red Pepper Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Other Snacks/Appetizers You’ll Enjoy:

  • Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy-Free)
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Salad (Dairy-Free)
  • Homemade Gluten-Free Corn Dogs (Dairy-Free)
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Easy Gluten-Free Breadsticks (Dairy-Free, Vegan)


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 28 breadsticks 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Incredibly crunchy and highly snackable, these easy homemade gluten-free breadsticks (grissini breadsticks) are the perfect in-between meal snack or appetizer. Dip them in olive oil, hummus or red pepper dip, or enjoy them alone. Totally dairy-free, and vegan too, but no one would guess!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon warm water (approx. 105 to 110F)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil + more for brushing
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 cup white sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough: Combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if using), salt,  yeast, sugar, warm water, and oil together in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until you get a homogeneous dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for an hour.
  2. Preheat and Line: Preheat oven to 375F and line a large baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position.
  3. Cut Out Dough: Divide the dough into 4 pieces and then roll each piece out on parchment paper or a silpat into a 1-inch thick rectangle approximately 7 inches wide and 10 inches long. Use a knife to cut out 1-inch wide logs (you should get 7 logs for each piece of dough, so 28 pieces in total).
  4. Shape the Logs: Use your fingers to gently shape each piece of dough into typical breadstick logs.
  5. Transfer Logs to Baking Sheet: Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer at least 1 inch apart (they will expand very slightly during baking).
  6. Brush with Oil: Brush the dough logs generously with olive oil.
  7. Sprinkle with Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dough logs.
  8. Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until breadsticks are golden brown and crunchy.
  9. Cool Completely: Let breadsticks cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using a good quality gluten-free flour blend that is made up of a mix of lighter flours and starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch) to ensure you get an airier and lighter final texture. Make sure that you flour blend includes xanthan gum too. I do NOT recommend flour blends that are made up of heavier flours such as garbanzo bean flour as that will result in a very dense texture.

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the substitute for gluten in gluten-free flours, and helps the ingredients to better bind together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not already include it, make sure to add it in.

Instant Yeast: I like using instant dry yeast because no prior activation time is required and I can mix it in with the other ingredients at the same time. Alternatively, you may use active dry yeast, but make sure to activate the yeast with warm water and sugar before adding the other ingredients.

Sugar: The sugar acts as food for the yeast to feed on, and is essential in order for the yeast to be activated and produce the gases that cause the dough to rise. I used granulated white sugar, but feel free to use light brown sugar, maple sugar, or coconut sugar if you prefer.

Warm Water: Make sure that the water is between 105 to 110F as the yeast requires warmth to be activated, but if the water is too hot, it may kill the yeast. You can also use non-dairy milks such as almond milk, cashew milk, rice milk, coconut milk or soy milk if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk instead.

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil for the taste it imparts to the breadsticks, but feel free to use other oils such as avocado oil or normal vegetable oil if you prefer. If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead of use melted butter if you wish.

Sesame Seeds: I like topping the breadstick dough with white sesame seeds for extra taste and color. Feel free to mix in black sesame seeds too. Alternatively, you may omit the sesame seeds completely if you don’t enjoy them.

Silpat/Parchment Paper: Make sure you line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat to ensure that the dough does not stick to the baking sheet.

Storing: Allow the homemade breadsticks to fully cool before placing them in an airtight container and storing at room temperature. They will remain crispy for up to 5 days.

Freezing the Dough: You can prepare the dough before hand. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap after it has rested for an hour (step 1) and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the dough to thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it into pieces and cutting into logs and baking.

This recipe was originally published in March 2021, but has since been republished to include clearer step-by-step instructions and ingredient notes and substitutions.

Adapted from: Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: gluten-free breadsticks, crunchy breadsticks, homemade breadsticks

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram and hashtag it #dishbydish

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About Felicia

Hey you! I’m Felicia, a Singaporean girl who moved to Buenos Aires for love. A couple of things about me: I love food, writing and food photography. I wrote a grain-free ecookbook that I know you’ll love and I also do freelance writing and photography if you want to work with me. Follow me on this blog as I navigate the world of cooking gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram. I love to see what you cook!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Swati tandon says

    August 19, 2022 at 5:26 am

    Hi ,
    I tried this recipe . Breadsticks are really tasty . But they are very hard , can u suggest something to lighten the texture . I used rice flour, potato starch , tapioca and xanthum gum .

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      August 19, 2022 at 9:43 am

      Hi Swati, did you use instant yeast as stated in the recipe? The yeast is what helps to create small air pockets so that the breadsticks turn out crunchy, not hard. As for the flours, what porportion of each flour/starch did you use?

      Reply
      • Swati tandon says

        August 19, 2022 at 11:59 am

        I used dry yeast and activated for 10 minutes by adding 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar and lukewarm water . I used virgin coconut oil as i didnt have olive one .
        I used schar gluten free flour . I kept the dough covered for 1 hour .
        Please do guide what went wrong .

        Reply
        • Felicia Lim says

          August 22, 2022 at 6:04 am

          Hi Swati, sometimes depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen (which will depend on where you live, the season you’re currently in etc), the rising period may take longer. Did you check that your yeast works and is not expired? (Did it foam after activation)? If the yeast works, it means you need to let the dough rise longer, because it probably needs more time for the air bubbles to form.
          Hope this helps!

          Reply
  2. Grace Lim says

    December 15, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    Felicia, do you remember how I enjoyed the bread served in the bread basket before a meal in the Italian restuarants we used to go?

    These breadsticks are usually part of the bread found in these bread basket and I usually asked for a second helping of the breadsticks.

    Now I can bake my own breadsticks and have as much as I like to enjoy with my favourite dip.

    Thanks Felicia for reposting this – it reminds me of the little things I enjoy in life that make me happy 🙂

    Love you lots,
    Mum

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      December 16, 2021 at 8:25 am

      Hi mummy, I know how much you love the bread basket before every meal! 😉 Next time make these crunchy breadsticks I’m sure you and daddy will enjoy them!

      Reply
  3. Grace says

    March 05, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    Thank you Felicia for enhancing and modifying this simple recipe of yours from years ago.

    If I do not have any gluten-free flour on hand, can I just use normal all purpose flour and mix with some rice flour for a dryer and lighter texture? Do you think this will work well for this breadstick recipe? Appreciate your thoughts on this before I try it out.

    Thanks in advance !

    Have a blessed day ahead,
    Mum

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      March 05, 2021 at 7:20 pm

      Hi mummy! Yes I believe you can use normal all-purpose flour and mix a bit of rice flour in too. Show me how the breadsticks turn out if you make them in the end! Love you

      Reply
    • Beth says

      November 28, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Hello Felicia

      Your recipe looks delicious! Can you explain please what is meant by
      * 2 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

      I’m uncertain if I should use
      2 lots of 3/4 cups of gluten free flour e.g. 3/4 +3/4
      or
      2 cups plus 3/4 cup?

      Reply
      • Felicia Lim says

        November 28, 2021 at 12:47 pm

        Hi Beth!
        Thanks for writing! I mean 2 cups + 3/4 cup of GF flour.
        Hope you enjoy these breadsticks, and see you around the blog again sometime soon!

        xx,
        Felicia

        Reply
  4. 76sanfermo says

    November 05, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Great,Felicia, I’ll copy your recipe!

    Reply
    • rosewithoutthorns says

      November 05, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Ciao Anna!

      I hope you like it! It was a recipe passed to me from my cooking prof!

      Baci!

      Reply
      • 76sanfermo says

        November 05, 2012 at 11:18 am

        Baci!

        Reply
  5. Irene says

    November 03, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    I was thinking to make the same…breadsticks. Are we on the same wave length or what? Hahaha

    Reply
    • rosewithoutthorns says

      November 03, 2012 at 9:01 pm

      Hello Irene!
      Maybe we are! I was inspired by the pies you made and wanted to make my own dough too! this was a recipe passed to me by my cooking professor! 🙂

      Reply
  6. rosewithoutthorns says

    September 15, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Hi Ellis, sorry i missed out the water in the steps. It should come after you add in the oil, and u should add the water in bit by bit, untile it reaches the right consistency (i.e. DO NOT pour in the water all at once). 🙂

    Reply
  7. Eillis Karis says

    September 15, 2012 at 9:26 am

    when do you add the water in? There is no water involve in your steps?

    Reply

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Hello & welcome!

I’m Felicia: a girl from Singapore who moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for love. My husband is Celiac so I test and share gluten-free recipes on my blog! I help people with food intolerances and allergies cook and eat delicious, healthy food! Stay a while, and let's be friends! ♥

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