Peppery Cheese Breadsticks

Step 1

Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the seeds and mix to form a soft dough. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes at medium speed in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes, then knead for 8 to 10 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the dough relax.

Step 2

, Place the dough on a lightly greased surface and roll it into a 12"x 18" rectangle. Spray or brush the dough with a bit of water and sprinkle with the seeds.

Step 3

, Cut the dough in half the long way to make two 6" x 18" rectangles. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 1/3" strips, making a total of 108 thin (1/3" x 6") strips.

Step 4

, Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment.

Step 5

, Transfer the cut strips of dough to the prepared baking sheets, placing them 1/2" apart. Twist each strip by rolling its ends in opposite directions (they’ll elongate as you do this). Let the breadsticks rise, covered, for about 30 minutes.

Step 6

, Bake the breadsticks for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool right on the pan.