Short Description
These Heart-Shaped Breadsticks are a fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Soft, buttery, and lightly seasoned, these golden-brown breadsticks are shaped into adorable hearts, making them perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or dipping sauces. Whether you’re making them for a date night, family dinner, or a festive gathering, these homemade breadsticks will add a special touch to your Valentine’s celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and fun to make, with just a few ingredients
- Light, fluffy, and buttery, with a crisp golden crust
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or romantic dinners
- Customizable with different seasonings and toppings
- Pairs beautifully with marinara, garlic butter, or cheese dip
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil
For Topping:
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Italian seasoning
- Sea salt
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape into Hearts: Roll out the dough and cut into strips. Take each strip, shape it into a heart, and pinch the ends together.
- Bake: Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with Butter: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush over warm breadsticks.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and sea salt, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 breadsticks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Heart Breadsticks: Stuff with mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Sweet Version: Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Herb & Garlic: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or basil.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked shaped dough, then bake straight from frozen when ready.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Pizza dough works great for a quick shortcut.
How do I make sure the breadsticks hold their heart shape?
Pinch the ends tightly and slightly underbend the curves so they hold shape when baking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or a cheesy queso dip are delicious options.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Bake a couple of extra minutes and brush with butter right before serving.
What’s the best way to shape the hearts?
Roll out long strips of dough, fold them into a heart, and pinch the bottom to secure the shape.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil in the dough?
Yes! Melted butter will add extra richness to the breadsticks.
How do I prevent the breadsticks from drying out?
Don’t overbake them, and store in an airtight container once cooled.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Breadsticks for Valentine’s Day are a fun and festive way to add a special touch to your meal. With their soft, buttery texture and customizable flavors, these adorable breadsticks are sure to impress your loved ones. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a heartwarming treat!
PrintHeart-Shaped Breadsticks for Valentine’s Day
These Heart-Shaped Breadsticks are soft, golden, and buttery with a hint of garlic and Parmesan. They’re shaped into adorable hearts, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day dinner, date nights, or a fun baking activity with kids! Serve them with marinara or Alfredo sauce for the ultimate treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 heart-shaped breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Shape the Breadsticks:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope.
- Shape into a heart by bending the ends toward each other and pinching the tips together.
- Bake:
- Place hearts on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush over warm breadsticks.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough for a shortcut.
- Add shredded mozzarella inside for cheesy stuffed breadsticks!
- Brush with honey butter for a sweet version.