Homemade Garlic Breadsticks

Along with the homemade pizza I made the other night I decided to make breadsticks, too. In fact I really considered going all out by making some hot wings, but time did not allow for that and I think it would have been slightly tricky to make homemade chicken wings in the midst of the dough madness that was taking place in my house! Stay tuned for the chicken wings!

The breadsticks were pretty easy to make and turned out very well. These doughy pieces of bread heaven would pair really well with soup [take a look at all of the soups I made last week], salad or just with some homemade sauce. They stand very strong on their own; honestly, I ate more of the breadsticks than I did the pizza originally. They go down very easily, so beware!

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder [plus more if desired]
• pinch of oregano

Directions:

• Place 1/4 cup warm water in a bowl and sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes
• Add the flour, butter, sugar, salt and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water, mix until a slightly stick dough forms, about 5 minutes
• Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft. about 5 minutes
• Roll into a 2 foot long log, cut into 16 1 1/2 inch long pieces

• Knead each piece slightly and shape into a 7 inch long breadstick
• Arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet
• Cover with a cloth; let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes to an hour
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Make the topping then brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter 
  • you can sprinkle some salt on top of the breadsticks before baking - I did not
• Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes
• Meanwhile, combine the remaining salt with the garlic powder and oregano [simmering on the stove]
• Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining melted butter mixture when it comes out of the oven

These breadsticks are SO good! Believe me! In fact, I think they got better the next day. Warming them up slightly - either microwave or in the oven - and dipping them in some sauce is to-die-for! It is a great snack and it is great paired with any food you want to pair them with. In reality, these guys can go with any meal you want to have a piece of bread with! I hope you all give these a try! You will not be disappointed!

Until Next Time,

Happy Breadstick Making!