Chickpea Flour Breadsticks {vegan, grain-free}

April 09, 2021

Let the nibbling begin with a batch of my chickpea flour breadsticks! Easy-to-make in one bowl, they are vegan, grain-free, yeast-free, nut-free & gluten-free. Enjoy as a snack or serve with your favorite soups and salads.

chickpea flour breadsticks in an antique tin

Easy Grain-Free Chickpea Flour Breadsticks

Chickpea flour was made for breadsticks. Really, it's true. It produces one of the easiest doughs ever (mix in one bowl, work and re-work it as much as you like), and, once baked into a long rope, yields breadsticks--crisp-tender and not too hard--with toasty, nutty flavor.

Of all my chickpea flour recipes, this is easily my favorite.

Thick breadsticks like these are particularly nostalgic for me. My mom rarely bought chips, but every once and awhile she would buy a package of Italian breadsticks for snacking or to accompany an Italian meal. Though humble, they always seem special. 

Chickpea flour breadsticks are a quick bread, like all of the other breads here on my site. I love making them because they’re quick, don’t require any yeast, and satisfying my cravings for salty, crisp snack while simultaneously fueling me for everything the day has in store.  Pretty great, right?

a batch of chickpea flour breadsticks wrapped in a lace-edged napkin

Chickpea Flour Breadstick Benefits

 Unlike most white flour breadsticks, chickpea flour breadsticks are nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, and more. Further, they are: 

  • Vegan (no eggs, no dairy)
  • Grain-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Yeast-free
  • High protein (5.3 grams per breadstick)
  • Sugar-free
  • A good source of fiber (2.5 grams per breadstick)

Ready to make a batch?

Ingredients for Chickpea Flour Breadsticks

I love recipes that can morph into countless more options, don't you? This is such a recipe. Here is what you will need for a basic batch: 

  • Chickpea flour. Also known as garbanzo bean flour, gram flour and besan, this is finely ground dried chickpeas. It is high in protein and fiber and gives this version of naan a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Vegetable oil. A few tablespoons are added to the dough to help produce a crisp, tender texture. Choose a neutral oil, or opt for a flavorful olive oil, whichever you prefer.
  • Baking soda. A small amount is used to lift and leaven the breadsticks.
  • Vinegar. This is added to boost the power of the baking soda. Use any variety of vinegar you prefer or have on hand. Alternatively, use an equal amount of lemon juice. 
  • Salt. Salt brings out the flavor of the breadsticks. It is adjustable according to your needs and preferences.
  • Optional: Herbs, Spices & Toppings. The breadsticks can be customized in any which way you desire! Add directly to the dough or use to coat the dough before baking.

How to Make Chickpea Flour Breadsticks

Whipping up a batch of these breadsticks is easy and fun. Regarding the former, you will need a minimum of time and effort. As for the latter:  if you were a playdoh aficionado, you'll love the fun of squishing and rolling this dough. 

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425F (212C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (if you do not have parchment paper, just place the breadsticks directly on the baking sheet--no need to grease or spray it).

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the chickpea flour, salt, and baking soda. Optional herbs and spices can be added at this stage, too.

Add the water, oil and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix, scraping the sides of the bowl, until a thick cohesive dough forms. If the dough seems dry, add a little bit more water.

3photo collage of the steps to make chickpea flour breadstick dough

Step 2: Divide the Dough

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions (you can use your kitchen scale, or just eyeball it). Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball, compacting with your hands (this will make it easier to roll into ropes).  Place on a very lightly floured (with chickpea flour) cutting board or other work surface. 

2 photo collage demonstrating the shaping of chickpea flour breadstick dough
Step 3: Shape the Dough

Place one dough ball in the center of the board and roll into an even, 8-inch (20 cm) long rope. If your rope is wonky, simply re-roll, as it is almost impossible to overwork the dough (just be sure to avoid working in more than a bare minimum of extra flour). Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

You have two options here: 

  1. Place the dough ropes directly on the prepared baking sheet, or 
  2. Roll each rope in seeds or herbs before placing on the baking sheet

Sesame seeds, poppy seed, fresh or dried herbs, and "everything" bagel seasoning are some of my favorite go-tosfor rolling. Gently press the dough into the toppings so that they will adhere .

unbaked chickpea flour dough ropes, rolled in seeds and herbs, on a parchment paper lined baking sheet

Step 4:  Bake the Breadsticks

Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 13 to 17 minutes until they smell toasty, are golden brown, and appear dry on the surface. Like so:

parchment paper-lined baking sheet with baked breadsticks on top
These are every bit as good as they look! I am always hungry for some plain breadsticks, but my favorite add-in/add-on combination is garlic powder in the dough (I add 1 teaspoon) and a quick roll in "everything" bagel topping. 

two photo collage of a single breadstick

EASY! You've got this! Happy baking.

FAQ

Can I Use a Different Grain-Free or Gluten-Free Flor?

No, not for this recipe. Chickpea flour is unlike any other flour; this recipe was developed specifically for chickpea flour. 

Do You Have Suggestions for Flavor Add-Ins?

Yes!

Add about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or spices to the dough. Some ideas include:

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cumin
  • Turmeric
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika)
  • Italian herb blends or herbes de Provence
  • Rosemary

Or consider rolling the breadsticks in seeds or other toppings, such as:

  • Poppy, sesame, or finely chopped pumpkin seeds
  • Finely chopped nuts
  • "Everything" bagel topping
  • Cinnamon sugar

How Should the Breadsticks be Stored?

Store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (storing the breadsticks in the refrigerator helps to prevent the breadsticks from becoming soft).

More Chickpea Flour Breads to Make & Love:

[tasty-recipe id="22747"]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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