There’s something about pulling a tray of warm, golden breadsticks from the oven that instantly makes dinner complete. Around here, breadsticks are a comfort food staple — whether it’s pasta night, a big pot of soup simmering on the stove, or a cozy family evening. The best part? These 2 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks require almost no effort. No yeast. And, no long rise times. No complicated steps. You are going to LOVE this one!
With just 2 easy ingredients, you get fluffy, chewy breadsticks that taste like they took hours. Brushed with buttery garlic Parmesan topping, they’re every bit as good as your favorite restaurant basket — maybe even better, because they’re fresh from your oven. My husband devoured four in one sitting, Ariya happily dipped hers in marinara, and Cameron couldn’t stop reaching for pieces off my plate. If you’ve been looking for an easy bread side that’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, this is it.
What Are 2 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks?
These breadsticks are made with a simple two-ingredient dough:
- Self-rising flour (already includes baking powder and salt)
- Plain Greek yogurt (adds protein, tang, and moisture)
Once the dough is shaped, it’s brushed with a garlic herb butter and sprinkled with Parmesan before baking. The result is soft, fluffy breadsticks with a slightly crisp edge and an irresistible savory topping.
When to Serve These Breadsticks
These pair well with so many meals, but here are some favorites:
- Pasta night – Spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna.
- Soup & salad combo – Perfect for dunking in tomato soup or minestrone.
- Pizza night – Make these alongside homemade pizza for a true pizzeria spread.
- Holiday gatherings – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or any big family dinner.
- Snack boards – Add to a grazing board with marinara and ranch for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 ingredients for the dough — pantry staples you likely already have.
- No yeast, no rise time — ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile — change the toppings or seasonings to suit your meal.
- Kid-approved — soft enough for little ones to enjoy.
- Budget-friendly — homemade breadsticks for a fraction of takeout prices.
Ingredient Breakdown
Self-Rising Flour
Already contains the leavening and salt needed for a light rise. If you don’t have any, make your own by mixing:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Plain Greek Yogurt
Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for flavor and texture. Avoid sweetened or flavored varieties. If you only have regular yogurt, strain it with cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid.
Butter
Melted butter creates the perfect base for the garlic Parmesan topping. Salted or unsalted both work — adjust added salt as needed.
Garlic Powder
Gives a bold garlic flavor without overpowering the bread.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds a subtle Mediterranean note.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the butter topping and forms a lightly crisp layer as it bakes.
Variations
- Cheesy Breadsticks – Add shredded mozzarella over the butter topping before baking.
- Everything Bagel Breadsticks – Swap Parmesan for everything bagel seasoning.
- Spicy Breadsticks – Add chili flakes to the butter mixture.
- Rosemary & Sea Salt – Use fresh rosemary and flaky salt for a rustic version.
- Sweet Twist – Skip the garlic and Parmesan, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
I personally use the COSORI 6.8Qt Air Fryer (you can find it here) So, If you love using your air fryer, these breadsticks are a match made in heaven. The air fryer gives them a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy—plus, it’s even faster than baking. Simply shape the breadsticks as usual, brush with the Parmesan-herb butter, and place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even browning. The result? Perfectly crisp, cheesy breadsticks without even turning on your oven.
Troubleshooting
- Dough is too sticky – Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Breadsticks are dense – Overworking the dough can cause toughness; knead only until smooth.
- Not browning on top – Brush with extra butter halfway through baking or broil briefly at the end.
- Too dry – Overbaking can dry them out; check at 18 minutes and remove when golden.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate – Keeps for 4 days in a sealed bag or container.
- Reheat – Warm in an air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
- Freeze – Freeze shaped, unbaked breadsticks for up to 1 month; bake from frozen with 3–5 extra minutes.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
You can make the dough in advance, shape into breadsticks, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong flour – Regular all-purpose flour without leavening will result in flat breadsticks unless you add baking powder and salt.
- Overbaking – These bake quickly; check at the 18-minute mark.
- Not kneading enough – A quick knead helps develop structure, but don’t overdo it.
- Skipping the topping – The garlic Parmesan butter is what makes these irresistible.
Budget Breakdown (Approximate)
- Self-rising flour: $0.40
- Greek yogurt: $1.20
- Butter: $0.30
- Garlic powder & Italian seasoning: $0.15
- Parmesan cheese: $0.50
Total: $2.55 for 12 breadsticks — less than $0.22 each!
Why This Works Without Yeast
Self-rising flour contains baking powder, which releases carbon dioxide bubbles when baked, creating lift. The Greek yogurt adds acidity, activating the leavening even more while keeping the dough moist and tender.
How to Make Garlic Breadsticks Without Yeast
One of the best parts of this recipe is that you don’t have to mess with yeast—no proofing, no rising, no waiting around. Instead, self-rising flour acts as your built-in leavening agent, giving the breadsticks just enough lift and tenderness. This makes them a true last-minute bread option when dinner is already on the stove. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can quickly make your own self-rising flour by mixing 1 cup flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.
What Makes These Different from Other 2-Ingredient Recipes
Most 2-ingredient bread recipes skip the flavorful finish — but here, the garlic butter and Parmesan topping turn a basic dough into a restaurant-style side. Plus, shaping them into breadsticks (instead of a flatbread or biscuits) makes them perfect for dipping and sharing.
My Personal Kitchen Notes
I’ve tried plenty of shortcut breads over the years, and these are one of the few that consistently impress everyone at the table. When I made these last week, James walked in from work, caught a whiff of that buttery garlic aroma, and immediately asked, “When’s dinner?” Cameron kept sneaking little bites while they were cooling, and Ariya asked for extra marinara for dipping. They’re that good.
Gluten-Free Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Need a gluten-free option? This recipe works surprisingly well with gluten-free self-rising flour blends (or your own mix with gluten-free all-purpose flour plus baking powder and salt). The Greek yogurt still provides the moisture and tang, while the Parmesan and garlic topping ensures the flavor stays rich and satisfying. For the best texture, look for a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the chewiness of wheat-based bread.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
Can I use nonfat Greek yogurt?
You can, but full-fat yields a softer, richer breadstick.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Bake in batches or on two trays.
Can I make them in the air fryer?
Yes — 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, checking often.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Classic marinara is my favorite, but ranch, Alfredo, or pesto also work well.
Turning Garlic Breadsticks into Mini Pizzas
These breadsticks are delicious on their own, but with a simple tweak, they become a fun appetizer or kid-friendly meal. After shaping the dough into breadsticks, flatten them slightly, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers work great. Bake as directed until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll have a tray of personal-sized “pizza breadsticks” that disappear in minutes.
My Final Thoughts
These 2 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are the kind of recipe I love to keep in my back pocket for busy nights. With just a tub of Greek yogurt and a scoop of self-rising flour, you can whip up warm, golden breadsticks that taste like they took hours. The Parmesan-garlic topping adds that irresistible pizzeria-style flavor, while the quick bake time makes them perfect for last-minute cravings. In my house, they disappear faster than I can plate them—especially if there’s marinara sauce on the table. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side, or a full bread basket for a family dinner, this is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to get big flavor. Keep it simple, keep it delicious, and these breadsticks will be a repeat on your menu all year long.
2-Ingredient Recipes
2 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour
For Parmesan Herb Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt and self-rising flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide dough into 12 small portions and roll into breadstick shapes.
- Place breadsticks evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush butter mixture over the breadsticks and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with marinara or dipping sauce of choice.
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