Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan Breadsticks: Perfectly Puffy & Allergy-Friendly!

Imagine sinking your teeth into super tender, perfectly puffy breadsticks that are not only gluten-free but also easily made vegan. These aren’t just any breadsticks; they taste so much like the “real” thing, you’ll hardly believe they’re free of common allergens! Finally, you can complete all your Italian dinners, soups, and curries with these beautiful, satisfying breadsticks. Our Gluten-Free Breadsticks are free of: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts, making them a fantastic top-8-free option for those with multiple food sensitivities. The best part? This incredible recipe uses a mix, making it extra easy to bring authentic-tasting breadsticks to your table!

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Why These Vegan & Gluten-Free Breadsticks Are an Absolute Game-Changer

For what felt like an eternity, I genuinely believed that enjoying soft, yeasted bread was a relic of our pre-food allergy past. Most gluten-free recipes and mixes seemed to rely heavily on eggs, which wasn’t an option for our family’s dietary needs. It had been nearly a decade since I last savored a homemade breadstick, and the longing was real. When you’re searching for a recipe that needs to be both gluten-free AND vegan, the culinary landscape can feel incredibly restrictive. Meals often felt incomplete, lacking that comforting, carby side that truly fills you up and makes a dinner feel special. I missed the simple joy of dipping a warm breadstick into marinara or using it to sop up flavorful sauces.

Then, one day, a spark of courage ignited. I decided to challenge the conventional and see if a Bob’s Red Mill pizza crust mix – which typically calls for eggs – could be ingeniously transformed into breadsticks, with an egg swap to boot. The result? Absolutely sensational! Not only did it yield BOMB breadsticks, but this discovery also paved the way for other delights, like these amazing gluten-free vegan orange rolls. The texture is so incredibly tender and soft that even my mother, who bakes with all “normal” ingredients, remarked that these surpassed her own recipe. Now, I find myself wanting to pair these delightful breadsticks with everything – spaghetti, hearty soups, spicy curries – essentially anything that calls for a delicious, dippable companion. I truly hope you’ll fall in love with this gluten-free breadstick recipe as much as I have!

Ensuring Allergy Safety: My Trust in Bob’s Red Mill Products

When it comes to managing severe food allergies, vigilance is key. Both of my boys have severe allergies to peanuts and most tree nuts. While one can tolerate almonds and hazelnuts, and the other just hazelnuts, they are highly anaphylactic to virtually all other nuts. Their annual prick test results consistently show significant reactions, underscoring the seriousness of their allergies.

Understandably, many people inquire about my comfort level using Bob’s Red Mill mixes, given that their facilities also process nut flours. This is a crucial concern, and one I addressed directly with the company. I personally emailed them, and their detailed response provided the reassurance I needed:

• “We do process the following tree nuts in our GF facility: almonds, cashews, coconut, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts. The chance of cross contact would be incredibly slim. Each facility follows Good Manufacturing Practices and follows allergen control strategies to minimize the potential of cross contact between food allergens. We clean our machinery thoroughly with high-pressure air and vacuums between each production run, inspecting and validating cleanliness before a new product is introduced. When a new product is introduced, we flush the lines, donating or discarding the first 20 pounds of product per lot before beginning the new packaging process.”

I find their comprehensive cleaning procedures and strict allergen control strategies highly reliable. If you ever have doubts about any product or brand, my advice is always to reach out and speak directly with the company. I’ve found that one-on-one conversations often provide the clarity and peace of mind needed to make informed decisions for your family. I completely understand if this level of comfort doesn’t align with your personal risk assessment; it’s essential to do what feels best for you. I always rely on the product label alone when classifying foods as “top 8 free” or otherwise, and if that approach doesn’t suit your family’s needs, that is perfectly acceptable too. Your family’s safety is paramount.

The Secret to These Delicious Gluten-Free Breadsticks

The magic behind these incredibly delicious breadsticks lies in a single, high-quality ingredient: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix. This mix is not just gluten-free; it’s certified gluten-free, offering an extra layer of assurance. It’s important to note that I’ve developed and tested this recipe specifically with this particular mix, so I cannot guarantee the same results with other brands or alternative gluten-free flour blends. Different mixes have varying compositions, which can significantly impact dough consistency and final texture.

For those curious about what makes this mix so effective, here are the ingredients listed on Bob’s Red Mill website:

• Ingredients Mix: Brown Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Whole Grain Millet Flour, Whole Grain Sorghum Flour, Tapioca Flour, Potato Flour, Cane Sugar, Xanthan Gum, Sea Salt, Guar Gum. Yeast Packet: Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid.
• *Manufactured in a facility that also uses tree nuts and soy

This carefully formulated blend of various flours and starches is key to achieving the perfect bread-like texture without gluten. You can often find this versatile mix at specialty health food stores, larger grocery chains like Walmart, and for convenient online shopping, it’s readily available on Amazon.

Why Opt for a Mix Over Baking Breadsticks from Scratch?

I understand the appeal of baking everything from scratch. Believe me, I’d love to simply use my homemade gluten-free flour mix and call it a day. However, when it comes to replicating the texture and integrity of traditional wheat bread, it typically requires a complex combination of several different flours and starches. If you glance at the ingredient list of Bob’s Red Mill mix, you’ll see it incorporates six distinct types of flours and starches. Sourcing and precisely measuring all these individual components can be time-consuming and often more expensive than a well-formulated mix.

While I thoroughly enjoy cooking and baking from scratch, the sheer volume of allergy-friendly meals and treats I prepare means I deeply appreciate opportunities to simplify. Bob’s Red Mill mix provides that invaluable shortcut without compromising on quality or taste. For me, that’s a significant win in managing our demanding dietary needs. It allows me to create delicious, reliable results efficiently. Just to be clear, this endorsement is purely my honest opinion and experience; this post is not sponsored in any way!

Transforming These Gluten-Free Breadsticks into a Vegan Delight

Making these breadsticks vegan is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the inherent qualities of the primary mix and a few thoughtful substitutions. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix is a fantastic foundation, as their website confirms it is not only certified gluten-free but also kosher and vegan. This eliminates the need for any complex ingredient swaps within the base dough itself.

To ensure the entire recipe remains free of animal products, two key components require vegan alternatives. For the rich, flavorful topping, I use a high-quality vegan butter. This provides the classic buttery taste and texture without dairy. The second crucial swap is for the egg. Instead of traditional eggs, I utilize aquafaba, which is the liquid drained from a can of cooked chickpeas. Aquafaba acts as a fantastic egg replacer, contributing to the dough’s structure and pliability. If your dietary needs only require the breadsticks to be gluten-free, and you can consume dairy and eggs, then feel free to use regular butter and eggs as specified in the recipe card.

The Magic of Aquafaba: My Go-To Vegan Egg Replacer for Soft Breadsticks

The world of vegan egg replacers is vast, with each type serving a unique purpose depending on the recipe’s requirements. For these soft, pliable breadsticks, I specifically chose aquafaba – the viscous liquid found in a can of cooked chickpeas or garbanzo beans. My choice was deliberate: aquafaba possesses a remarkable elasticity and stretchiness, mimicking some of the crucial properties of eggs in dough. Since these breadsticks require rolling and shaping, I needed an egg replacer that would do more than just add moisture and bind ingredients; it needed to contribute to the dough’s workability and flexibility.

Through testing, I discovered that aquafaba works perfectly to achieve the desired tender yet structured texture in these breadsticks. While many other vegan egg replacers exist, I have not experimented with them for this particular recipe, as aquafaba yielded such flawless results. It’s a testament to its versatility in vegan baking!

And don’t let those chickpeas go to waste! If you’re looking for a delicious way to use the chickpeas from the can, my fellow blogger Healthy Seasonal Recipes has a fantastic Chickpea Salad recipe that I highly recommend.

Are These Irresistible Breadsticks Top-8-Free?

When it comes to identifying foods free of specific allergens, especially for severe allergies, I rely strictly on product labels. Our family, despite having multiple severe food allergies, has consistently found this approach to be safe and effective. It’s a method that works for us, allowing us to navigate the world of allergy-friendly eating confidently.

To ensure this recipe is truly top-8-free, one critical ingredient choice is a soy-free vegan butter. While brands like Earth Balance offer a soy-free option, it’s important to note that it may not always be available on Amazon, so I can’t provide a direct link. By carefully selecting a soy-free vegan butter, this recipe, based on its ingredient list, becomes comprehensively top-8-free and highly allergy-friendly. The top 8 allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.

Your comfort level with allergen management is personal and paramount. If you require more extensive information beyond ingredient labels or the company’s email response (which I shared above) to feel secure about manufacturing processes and potential cross-contact, please do not hesitate to contact Bob’s Red Mill, Earth Balance (or your chosen vegan butter brand), and the aquafaba manufacturer directly. Open communication with food producers is an excellent way to ensure that any product you use aligns perfectly with your individual dietary needs and safety protocols.

Essential Ingredients for These Homemade Gluten-Free Breadsticks

Creating these remarkably tender and flavorful homemade breadsticks requires a straightforward list of ingredients, thoughtfully categorized for your convenience:

DRY INGREDIENTS:

• One 16-oz package of Bob’s Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix: This is the foundation of our breadsticks, and it conveniently includes the active dry yeast packet.
• Salt: Essential for flavor balance and to control the yeast activity.
• Additional Gluten-Free Flour for Rolling: A small amount of extra GF flour is needed to dust your work surface and rolling pin, preventing the dough from sticking.
• Italian Seasoning: For the herb-infused topping that adds a burst of classic Italian flavor.

LIQUID INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Eggs or 6 Tablespoons Aquafaba: Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, serving as an excellent vegan egg replacer for elasticity. Use eggs if your diet permits.
• Olive Oil: Any good quality olive oil will work (extra virgin is a great choice) to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
• Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast. Ensure it’s around 110°F (43°C) – an instant-read thermometer is helpful here.
• Non-Stick Spray of Choice: To prepare your baking sheet for easy removal.
• Melted Butter (or Vegan Butter): For brushing over the baked breadsticks, imparting richness and shine.
• Garlic Cloves, Minced: Freshly minced garlic adds an irresistible aromatic kick to the topping.
• Optional: Marinara Sauce for Dipping: We love Prego for a quick and tasty dipping option, but any favorite sauce will do!

*For dusting and rolling, I typically grab whatever all-purpose gluten-free flour blend I have on hand. My pantry is always stocked with various GF flours due to my extensive allergy-friendly baking. Most brands should work well. Even a single-ingredient flour like rice flour or tapioca starch would be suitable. I consciously avoid almond flour because I find it can introduce an unnecessary flavor profile that isn’t ideal for breadsticks, and my son also has a tree nut allergy, making it a less preferred option for our kitchen.

Some people enjoy adding sesame seeds or poppy seeds to their breadsticks for extra texture and flavor. While these are delicious, I generally omit them, partly because sesame is also a top allergen for some. However, if you prefer, feel free to sprinkle them on before baking!

Storing Your Gluten-Free Vegan Breadsticks for Maximum Freshness

These breadsticks are truly at their peak when enjoyed fresh, straight from the oven on the day they’re baked. The tender interior and slightly crispy exterior are best experienced immediately. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, don’t despair! To maintain their quality as much as possible, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. If you don’t have an airtight container, wrapping them snugly in plastic wrap will also help keep them from drying out.

For best results when reheating, a quick refresh in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes will help revive their texture. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it might make them a bit chewier rather than crispy. While they won’t be exactly like day-one fresh, they’ll still be a delicious accompaniment to your next meal.

The Perfect Topping for Your Irresistible Breadsticks

While these breadsticks are fantastic on their own, a flavorful topping elevates them from good to absolutely sublime. The beauty is that you have a lot of freedom here! I personally adore a rich, buttery, and herby topping, but don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste preferences. For the best results and to impart maximum flavor, I strongly recommend against leaving them plain. Even a simple brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt would be wonderfully delicious.

My go-to topping involves melted vegan butter blended with an Italian seasoning herb mix and freshly minced garlic. The combination creates an aromatic and savory crust that perfectly complements the tender breadstick interior. You can certainly use any herbs you prefer – dried oregano, basil, or a dash of garlic powder would also be excellent. The specific brand of Italian seasoning I use is an older one from my spice rack, but if you need to create your own, The Endless Meal offers a great homemade Italian Seasoning recipe. Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations to discover your signature breadstick topping!

Essential Tools for Crafting This Gluten-Free Vegan Breadstick Recipe

Making these delicious gluten-free garlic breadsticks is a rewarding experience, and having the right tools on hand will make the process even smoother:

• Stand Mixer and Bowl with Paddle Attachment: While not strictly mandatory, a stand mixer significantly simplifies the dough mixing process, ensuring everything is well combined and kneaded without much effort. If you don’t have one, a large mixing bowl and some elbow grease will work just fine for hand-kneading.
• Instant Read Thermometer: This tool is highly recommended! It helps you accurately gauge the temperature of your warm water, which is crucial for properly activating the yeast. Getting the water temperature just right ensures a perfectly risen dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements, ensuring the recipe turns out consistently every time.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly into a uniform rectangle, ready for shaping.
• Pizza Cutter: While a large, sharp knife can also be used, a pizza cutter makes quick work of cutting the dough into even strips, ensuring uniform breadstick size.
• Baking Sheet / Cookie Sheet / Baking Tray: A standard baking sheet, preferably with rims, is needed to bake your breadsticks.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough during its resting and rising period, preventing it from drying out and creating a warm, humid environment for the yeast.
• Basting Brush / Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly applying the melted butter and herb topping onto your baked breadsticks, ensuring every inch is coated with flavor.

Perfect Pairings: More Allergy-Friendly Italian Dinners

My love for Italian food runs deep, and the wonderful news is that having dietary restrictions like wheat, dairy, or eggs doesn’t mean you have to miss out on comforting and delicious pasta dishes. These gluten-free vegan breadsticks are the ultimate sidekick, making every meal feel complete. Here are some fantastic allergy-friendly Italian recipes from my collection that would pair exquisitely with these tender breadsticks:

• 30 Minute Gluten Free Sausage and Peppers Pasta: A quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish.
• Allergy-Friendly Ragu (with Vegan options): A rich, slow-simmered sauce that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Gluten Free Vegan Red Pepper Pasta: A vibrant and creamy pasta dish without any dairy.
• Gluten Free Vegan Basil, Lemon & Avocado Pasta: Fresh, zesty, and surprisingly creamy, this is a light and flavorful option.
• Dairy & Gluten Free Lemon Creamy Chicken Pasta: A bright and savory dish for chicken lovers.
• Gluten & Dairy Free Spinach & Sausage Pasta: A hearty and healthy one-pan wonder.
• Instant Pot Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Cacciatore (with Vegan Options): A quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian stew.
• Gluten Free Dairy Free Slow Cooker Bolognese: A comforting, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days.

And if you’re looking for another fantastic homemade gluten-free bread recipe, my yeast bread, this gluten-free dairy-free bread recipe (which also has an egg-free option!) consistently receives rave reviews for its amazing texture and flavor.

Watch These Gluten-Free Breadsticks Come to Life!

Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to mastering new allergy-friendly recipes! I’ve created a short and sweet Tiktok video that provides a general overview of how to make these incredibly tender and fluffy breadsticks. It’s a quick visual guide to help you confidently prepare them in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

 

@allergyawesomenessHow to make ##glutenfreevegan breadsticks from a mix. ##top8free too! ##allergyfriendly ##veganbaking ##veganglutenfree♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS RECIPE, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. BE SURE WHILE YOU’RE THERE TO CHECK OUT THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER DIET-SPECIFIC POSTS I HAVE ON MY PINTEREST!

Gluten Free Herbed Breadsticks (Vegan option too!)

Yield:
10 breadsticks

Prep Time:
35 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Super tender, perfectly puffy gluten free vegan breadsticks. You are going to die when you see how these taste just like the real thing!

Ingredients

BREADSTICKS:

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (around 110 degrees F)
• 1 packet of yeast (included in the mix)
• 6 Tablespoons aquafaba (the water from a can of garbanzo beans) or two eggs if you can have them
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• One 16-oz package Bob’s gluten free pizza crust mix
• Additional gluten free flour of choice for dusting
• Non stick spray of choice

HERBED BUTTERY TOPPING:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted vegan butter, melted or regular butter if you can have it
• 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning herb blend
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 and 1/2 tsp if using jarred)

TOOLS NEEDED:

• Pizza cutter
• Basting brush for applying melted butter to baked breadsticks
• Lined baking sheet
• Saran wrap

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Put warm water + yeast packet contents in your mixing bowl and let sit for five minutes.

Add aquafaba and olive oil to the yeast mixture.

Next add the salt and pizza mix. Mix for 2 minutes until well combined. (If you have a stand mixer, I like to use that, if not, knead by hand with greased hands.)

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface that has been heavily dusted with gluten free flour. Dust the top of the dough with extra flour, as well as your rolling pin to prevent sticking. If it’s sticking, add more flour. Roll it out into a uniform rectangle.

Use a pizza cutter to make even strips.

Place the stripes onto a greased and rimmed baking sheet, twisting as you lay it down (optional, but prettier).

Once all the dough is twisted, cover with plastic wrap allow to rise for 20 mins somewhere warm–I like to do it on top of my preheating oven.

When done rising, remove saran wrap and bake for 15 minutes, or until just starting to brown and dough is cooked through.

In a small, microwavable bowl, melt the vegan butter. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush, brush on top of cooked breadsticks.

Serve warm, with marinara sauce, if desired. Keep leftovers in an air tight container and warm before re-serving.

Notes

Don’t forget I have a cookbook and two e-cookbooks for more recipes!

See above the recipe card for additional info, substitution tips or general FAQ

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family.

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 482Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 1125mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 15g