Olive Garden's Breadsticks

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp. active dry yeast
• 1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. warm water (105-115ºF)
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1½ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
• ½ tsp. garlic salt

Directions

Dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water.  Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.  Use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer to mix the softened butter into the flour.  If you don't have a stand mixer, use a mixing spoon.  Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture.  Combine using the dough hook attachment, kneading for 10 minutes.  Place the dough in a covered container and let it sit for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size.

When the dough has doubled, measure out 2-ounce portions and roll the dough between your hands or on the counter top to form sticks that are 7 inches long.  Place the dough on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, cover, and set aside for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the dough doubles in size again.

Bake at 400ºF for 12 minutes or until golden brown.  When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush each one with melted butter and sprinkle with a little garlic salt.  Serve with Olive Garden's Alfredo Sauce.

Makes 12-13 breadsticks.