BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN BREADSTICKS

Better than Olive Garden Breadsticks image

These are absolutely the best garlic breadsticks I've ever had. I made them for the first time tonight, and my husband ate 4 of them. They pair well with just about anything; soups, salads, pasta - use your imagination! Recipe adapted from the recipe at readableeatables.blogspot.com

Provided by Jenni K

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

DOUGH
1 1/2 c warm water (appx 110 degrees)
2 Tbsp sugar
2 envelopes (1/4 oz each) active dry yeast
2 Tbsp butter, softened
3 1/2-5 c bread flour (ap will work if you don't have bread flour) - amount depends on humidity & temperature
1 Tbsp (yes, tablespoon) salt
TOPPING
3 Tbsp butter, divided, melted
salt
1 tsp garlic powder
grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Add sugar into the warm water in a bowl or measuring cup and stir well. Sprinkle yeast on top and quickly stir. Let set for about 10 minutes until yeast is foamy.
2. Pour yeast mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and 2 cups of the flour. Mix on low, then add in the salt and mix again.
3. Remove the paddle attachment and attach the dough hook. Add flour, 1/2 a cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the side of the bowl. It should feel slightly firm and not stick to your finger when touched. Mix the dough for about 5 minutes on low once it reaches this point.
4. Spray the inside of a bowl with non-stick spray. Transfer the dough from the mixer bowl into the sprayed bowl. Flip over once to coat the top. Cover and let rise until doubled in size; about an hour. Punch dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a rectangle.
5. Spray a knife or pizza cutter with non-stick spray. Cut the dough into 16-18 equal portions.
6. Set the oven on "warm", or 170 degrees. Meanwhile, with lightly floured hands, roll each of the divided portions into a ball, then roll into a breadstick shape, about 6-8 inches long. Divide breadsticks onto 2 greased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
7. Place in the warmed oven for 15-20 minutes until the breasticks have doubled in size. Remove and set the oven temperature to 375. While it's preheating, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter and brush over the unbaked breadsticks. Sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, one pan at a time, until they're golden brown. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter and mix in the garlic powder. Remove baked breadsticks from the oven and brush on the garlic butter. Immediately sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve warm from the oven.