[ Easy Breadsticks ]

 

Prep Time2hours hrs 40minutes mins

Cook Time10minutes mins

Total Time2hours hrs 50minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 Tablespoons oil or melted butter
• butter , for brushing on rolls

Instructions

• Proof Yeast: Add warm water, yeast and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and stir gently. Rest for 5 minutes. The yeast should lightly foam on top. If it doesn't, the yeast may not be fresh. (If using Instant Yeast, skip this step and add the yeast, water and sugar with the rest of the ingredients).
• Add 1 1/2 cups flour, salt and vegetable oil then mix on medium speed to combine.
• Knead: Add another 1 1/2 cups flour. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be very slightly sticky to the touch. Add remaining 1/4 cup of flour, only if needed. Knead mixture for 5-7 minutes. 
• First Rise: Transfer dough to a large, greased bowl and cover with a dish towel. Allow to rest and rise until double in size, about 1.5 hours. 
• Shape Breadsticks: Once risen, punch dough down and divide into 12 equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into a 9-inch rope and transfer to a greased cookie sheet. 
• Second Rise: Cover with a dish towel and rise again for 1 hour.
• Bake breadsticks at 425 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven, brush tops with butter, and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy!
• Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container on the counter for a day or two, or freeze them.

Notes

Breadsticks Flavor Variations:

• Garlic Butter Topping (Olive Garden style): Mix together 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 4 Tablespoons salted butter and spread over warm breadsticks.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Form breadsticks on baking sheet, brush with melted butter and sprinkle 1/2 cup finely shredded cheese on top (we do 1/4 cup parmesan and 1/4 cup mozzarella). Cover, rise, and bake as directed.
• Little Caesars Crazy Bread: Brush warm-from-the-oven breadsticks with garlic butter topping (above) and sprinkle with powdered parmesan cheese.
• Cinnamon Sugar Breadsticks: Form breadsticks on baking sheet, brush with 2 Tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon). Cover, rise, and bake as directed.

To Freeze Breadstick Dough: Follow the instructions for the dough, allowing it to complete the first rise, then shape into breadsticks and place on a baking sheet. Spray a piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray then wrap it lightly over dough. Place pan in freezer and "flash freeze" for 1 hour. Transfer breadsticks to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake it, place frozen breadstick dough on a greased cookie sheet, cover with a dry towel and allow breadsticks rise for several hours, until room temperature and risen bigger.

To Freeze Baked Breadsticks: Allow breadsticks to cool completely then transfer to a freezer safe bag and freeze for 2 months.

Gluten-Free Breadsticks: The texture will be a little different, but you can substitute gluten free baking flour cup for cup.

Vegan Breadsticks: These breadsticks are naturally vegan as long as you use vegan oil and vegan butter for topping.