Step 1

In a small mixing bowl, add yeast and sugar in water and stir well until dissolved. Sugar and water activates yeast in a few minutes and the mixture should start to bubble and develop a yeasty aroma.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Pour in the wet yeast mixture and olive oil and mix with a silicone spatula until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl (there should be no dry flour particles visible).

Step 3

Knead the dough on a clean surface for 5-10 minutes until it turns into a smooth dough ball. You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Transfer the dough ball back into the bowl and cover with plastic cling wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 5

Flatten the dough into an approximately 9x12-inch rectangle. Use a bench scraper or pizza cutter to divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6

Gently roll each piece into a 9-inch rope and arrange on a parchment-lined half sheet baking pan, evenly spaced 1-inch apart.

Step 7

Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic cling wrap and let the dough rise until almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes depending on the room temperature.

Step 8

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Step 9

In a small mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, salt flakes, and Italian seasoning, Use a silicone brush to gently brush the mixture evenly over each breadstick.

Step 10

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. If you like your breadsticks extra crispy, bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 11

Let the breadsticks cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve on its own, with marinara sauce for dipping, or with a bowl of soup.