Buttery Garlic Breadsticks

Some restaurants have the most amazing bread sticks that are puffy and chewy and delicious. We decided it was too much to have to wait for our next restaurant visit and decided to find a way to make them from home—and boy, did we ever! These are not your typical breadsticks that are more akin to a cracker; these babies are like miniature clouds of bread that you bite into, with tons of flavor packed in. You might think it’s a lot of effort to go for something “simple”, but these are out of this world…you have to try them!

Garlic Breadsticks

Makes 12-13 breadsticks

Ingredients
Bread:

• 3 1/3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup, 2 tablespoons warm water (105-115º F)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 teaspoon garlic salt
• Italian seasoning, optional

Directions
            [When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400º F.]

1. In a small bowl, combine your yeast and warm water. Set aside 5 minutes. Should be foamy on top.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and salt, then add in the softened butter.
3. Once yeast is dissolved and foamy, pour that into flour mixer and beat with a dough hook for 7 minutes on medium speed. Dough should be elastic and smooth.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. 1-1 1/2 hours.
5. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (roughly 2 oz. each) and roll each piece into a 6-7-inch log.
6. Place logs on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover and let rise until doubled again in size. 1 hour.
7. Place in oven and back for 12-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Remove bread sticks from oven and immediately brush with butter and season with garlic salt (and Italian seasoning, if desired).
9. Serve warm and enjoy!