Whole Wheat Walnut Breadsticks Recipe

I recently gave this whole wheat walnut breadstick recipe a spin—mixing warm water, yeast, honey, salt, olive oil, whole wheat flour and walnuts together, then letting that dough have its own little glow-up—and even though my first kneading attempt was a bit of a hot mess, those crunchy, golden, homemade sticks turned out to be totally worth it.

I love making whole wheat walnut breadsticks because i think using warm water with yeast and a little honey provides natural sweetness. My blend of olive oil, salt, whole wheat flour and chopped walnuts offers a high-fiber, protein-rich snack that’s both nutritious and energizing for a healthy diet.

Ingredients

• Warm water activates the yeast fast and helps combine flour ingredients for a rising dough.
• Active dry yeast, added in measured amount, helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
• Honey acts as a natural sweetener that supports yeast growth for a lively dough.
• Salt increases flavor, controls fermentation, and balances overall taste in your breadsticks.
• Olive oil adds moisture and richness making the dough softer and more tender.
• Whole wheat flour is packed with fiber and gives a nutty, hearty base for the dough.
• Walnuts are full of healthy fats, protein and add crunch plus a subtle nuttiness.
• Combined, oil and walnuts enrich flavor, texture and boost overall nutrition in each bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (plus a little extra if needed)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) with 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon honey, then let it sit for around 5 minutes until it gets all bubbly.

2. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil into the yeast mixture.

3. Gradually add 2 cups whole wheat flour to the mix, stirring until you get a soft dough; if it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour.

4. Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts evenly through the dough.

5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

6. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size.

7. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.

8. Cut the dough into sticks that are about the size of breadsticks and space them out on a baking sheet.

9. Let these sticks rest for about 15 minutes so they rise a bit more.

10. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the breadsticks for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are golden brown. Enjoy them warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Kitchen towel or damp cloth
5. Clean, lightly floured surface for kneading
6. Rolling pin
7. Knife
8. Baking sheet
9. Oven

FAQ

• Q: Can I use all-purpose flour if I dont have whole wheat flour?
  A: Yeah, you can substitute all-purpose flour but it might change the texture and flavor a bit so you might need to add a little more water.
• Q: How do I know when to let the dough rise?
  A: The dough should roughly double its size, which usually takes about an hour in a warm place; if it’s cooler, give it a little more time.
• Q: Can I freeze these breadsticks?
  A: Sure you can, but its best to freeze them after they’ve been fully cooled and then reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
• Q: How should I store the breadsticks to keep them fresh?
  A: Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days; for longer storage, pop them in the freezer.
• Q: Is it necessary to toast the walnuts before mixing them in?
  A: Not really, but lightly toasting the walnuts can boost their flavor and add a bit of extra crunch to the breadsticks.

Whole Wheat Walnut Breadsticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have warm water around 110°F, you can use heated milk or a mix of water and a little milk for a richer taste.
• If you only got instant yeast, you can use that in place of active dry yeast just use about 25% less of it.
• Instead of honey, you can swap for equal parts maple syrup or agave nectar, should still work fine.
• If you’re out of olive oil, you could use canola or vegetable oil instead which gives almost the same flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water is really around 110°F. If its not warm enough, your yeast might not bubble up right so you gotta check that with a thermometer or even your wrist test (the water should feel a bit warm, not scalding hot).

2. When you mix your water, yeast, and honey, give it at least 5 minutes to bubble. Dont rush this step because if your yeast isnt active, your dough is gonna be dense and flat, which is not cool at all.

3. Be careful while adding flour. Start with 2 cups and add extra little by little only if needed. Too much extra flour and your dough might getdry and hard, so its best to add just a sprinkle at a time.

4. For extra crunch, you can try toasting your walnuts lightly in a pan with a bit of olive oil before stirring them into the dough. This will enhance their flavor and give your breadsticks a deeper, nuttier taste.