Soft Garlic Breadsticks

Step 1

Melt the butter. Set aside to let cool to at least 110°F.

Step 2

Add 1/2 cup of the warm water, the packet of yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar together in a small bowl. Whisk to blend and set aside about 5 minutes or until foamy.

Step 3

Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Step 4

Add the remaining water, sugar, and about 1 1/2 cups of the flour.

Step 5

Beat on medium speed until the mixture forms a smooth batter.

Step 6

Add the cooled melted butter, the remaining salt, and about a cup more of the flour.

Step 7

Continue to beat on low speed until a soft, sticky dough is formed. Switch to the dough hook.

Step 8

On low speed add a little of the remaining flour and knead with the dough hook, adding more flour, until the dough is smooth and elastic (see tips). You may need a bit more flour than called for in the recipe - especially if you used cup measure rather than weighing it.

Step 9

Form the dough into a smooth ball.

Step 10

Butter a large bowl and transfer the dough to it. Turn the ball of dough over so it is buttered on all sides.

Step 11

Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and set in a warm place to rise until doubled. This will take an hour to an hour and a half.

Step 12

You can stop at this point, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Begin again about 1 hour before dinner to have fresh breadsticks with dinner.

Step 13

After the dough has risen punch it down.

Step 14

I like to weigh it and divide into 12 equal pieces.

Step 15

Let the pieces rest about 10 minutes - it makes them easier to roll.

Step 16

Roll each piece into an 8-10 inch rope and place them on a parchment covered cookie sheet.

Step 17

Lightly brush with melted butter.

Step 18

Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled - 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 19

Melt the remaining butter.

Step 20

Mix the salt, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 21

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 22

Brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder mixture.

Step 23

Place in the oven.

Step 24

After 5 minutes brush with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder mixture and return to the oven for about 8 to 10 more minutes, or until done and golden brown.

Step 25

Remove from oven. Brush generously with remaining butter and sprinkle with garlic powder mixture.

Step 26

Serve warm.