Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the water, yeast, sugar, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Mix on medium speed to blend. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, this is also easy to mix by hand in a large bowl.)

Step 2

Continue adding flour just until the dough clears the sides of the bowl. You should add at least 3 cups flour total, but not more than The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not leave much residue on your fingers. Continue kneading for 2-3 minutes, until dough comes together into a ball. Let it rest in the bowl for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Pour melted butter onto a large, rimmed baking sheet, and use a pastry brush (or your fingers) to spread it out across the entire surface area. Set the baking sheet aside.

Step 4

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, work the dough into a long rectangle, approximately 16” by 7”. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1” wide.

Step 5

Lift each strip, fold in half, twist it slightly, and place about 1/2” apart on the buttered baking sheet. Sprinkle the breadsticks lightly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Step 6

Let the breadsticks rise at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake for 15-17 minutes, until the tops are golden. Remove and serve right away.