Bread Sticks aka Olive Garden Style

For as much as the family, friends, and I love bread, I rarely make bread sticks.
They seem like an extreme amount of intensive labor!

Today, I definitely  had to make an exception.

These bread sticks are amazing!  Great flavor, and really easy to make.
Served with Chicken Cacciatore, fresh fruit, and salad, perfect for a Friday night dinner.
Olive Garden Breadsticks

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 package active dry yeast

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)

16 ounces bread flour (3 cups)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

On top:

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Begin by dissolving the yeast in the warm water and sugar in the mixing bowl. 
I’m the proud owner of a Kitchen Aid Mixer – Mom & Dad bought it for me many years ago…and it is still going strong!
Let this mixture rest for 10 minutes.
Add the melted butter, salt, and 1/2 cup flour and begin mixing.

continue adding the flour 1/ cup at a time; and mix using a dough hook. 

Knead for 6 – 8 minutes.
Allow the dough to rest, covered for ~45 minutes, in a oiled bowl. 
Then, shape into  10 – 12 bread sticks measured to 2 oz each. Allow dough to rest again for 45 minutes.











                                      





Bake at 400 for ~7 minutes
Meanwhile, mix together 2 T melted butter, 1/2 tsp. sea salt and 1/2 tsp. garlic powder.


Brush each breadstick with melted butter mixture.
Then, bake for ~8 more minutes, until lightly browned.
Brush the rest of the melted butter over the breadsticks.  Serve warm. Try not to eat more than your share!