In Italian-American restaurants, breadsticks may be offered as an appetizer. In some instances or regions they may be a type that is larger than pencil-sized. They may also be combined with ingredients such as prosciutto as an hors d'œuvre. In many North American restaurants, breadsticks are frequently topped with butter, garlic, and cheese when served as appetizers; as a dessert item, they can be topped with cinnamon, sugar,and icing.

Pre-made, dried breadsticks can be found being sold in markets as a quick snack or a pre-meal appetizer for home use, somewhat similar to a cracker. Usually served with a dip of some sort, such as cheese.

Another recipe for breadsticks, called rosquilletas, exists in Comunitat Valenciana (Spain).