Garlic Breadsticks

For someone who used to be "afraid" of yeast recipes, they are now one of my favorite things to make.  Nothing compares to the smell of warm yeast bread, straight out of the oven!  The taste can't compare to store bought bread, they're healthier (less sodium & preservatives), and they're cheaper!

So, it's a no-brainer to me that I would make my own breadsticks.  I had not found a breadstick recipe that I LOVE until I came across this one!  They are soft, buttery, and garlicky! I cut the original recipe in half to make the amount that my family eats in one dinner, but you could certainly adjust the recipe size to fit your needs.

Recipe Source: Adapted from allrecipes.com 

Garlic Breadsticks
Printable version here

In a small bowl, combine and let rest for 15 minutes:

• 1 tsp. instant yeast
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. warm water

Meanwhile, combine the following in the bowl of a stand mixer:

• 2 1/4 cups flour (I normally use half wheat flour & half all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 2/3 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp. butter, softened

 Add the yeast mixture to the bowl (the yeast should be dissolved and puffy).  Knead on speed 2 for 5 minutes.  Remove bowl from mixer, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.

Remove dough from bowl and place on a nonstick mat or a lightly floured surface.  Divide into 8 portions, and roll each portion into a stick shape (mine were 8" long).  Alternately, roll into a rectangle and slice into 1" thick portions using a pizza cutter.  Place on a greased baking sheet (I grease it with some of the butter that I have out for the recipe).  Cover with a piece of plastic wrap that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.  Let rise for 1 hour.

Towards the end of the rising time, turn on the oven to 375º.  Also, combine in a small bowl and microwave until melted:

• 1 1/2 tbsp. butter
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Brush on the risen breadsticks.  Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.  Brush remaining butter mixture over the breadsticks, then sprinkle with kosher (or regular) salt.

Yield: 8 breadsticks
Recipe Time: 2 hours (or just under)

Why I love it? It is a soft, flavorful, easy to make breadstick! The texture is great, they browned nicely, and really we just all loved them!