Breadsticks with dipping oil
Breadsticks with dipping oil is a classic Italian antipasto featuring crisp, baked breadsticks (grissini) served with a dish of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, often seasoned with herbs, balsamic vinegar, or spices. The breadsticks are typically long, thin, and crunchy, originating from Turin, Italy, in the late 17th century. This simple yet elegant appetizer is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the breadsticks and healthy fats from the olive oil, providing a good source of energy and monounsaturated fats. A typical serving (about 3-4 breadsticks with 1-2 tablespoons of oil) contains roughly 200-300 calories, along with some iron and antioxidants from the oil.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Vitamin E | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10 µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 35 µg |
Per 2 breadsticks (28 g) with 2 tbsp (30 ml) dipping oil · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, breadsticks were originally created as a digestive aid in Italian hospitals, but they evolved into a popular snack. Nutritionally, the olive oil dipping sauce is rich in heart-healthy fats and polyphenols, making this appetizer a flavorful way to incorporate beneficial nutrients into a meal.
