Breadsticks & Sauce Recipe
Breakfast basket w/ side of tomato sauce (size 6 or 12)
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Ingredients
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Breadsticks (serves 6)
Tomato Dipping Sauce
Method
Breadsticks (serves 6)
- 1
Make dough
In a large mixing bowl combine 3 cups flour, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt; whisk to distribute. Make a well and add 1 cup warm water (about 105–115°F/40–46°C) and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- 2
Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 4–5 minutes). If dough is too sticky, sprinkle up to 2 tbsp more flour; dough should be tacky but manageable.
- 3
- 4
Shape breadsticks
Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 6 equal pieces (for size 6) or 12 equal pieces (for size 12 — double-check ingredient quantities if making 12). For 6 pieces: roll each portion into a 10–12 inch rope about 1 inch thick. For 12 pieces: roll into 6–8 inch ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Place ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
- 5
Second rise
Cover shaped breadsticks with a clean towel and let them rest for 20–25 minutes to puff slightly. Meanwhile preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 6
- 7
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–16 minutes, until golden brown at the edges and cooked through (thinner sticks will finish closer to 12 minutes, thicker ones up to 16).
- 8
Tomato Dipping Sauce
- 9
Sauté garlic
In a small saucepan heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- 10
Add tomatoes
Stir in 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1 tbsp tomato paste until combined. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 11
Season and simmer
Add 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld flavors and slightly thicken. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 2 tbsp water to reach desired dipping consistency.
- 12
Finish with basil
Stir in 1 tbsp fresh basil (or 0.5 tsp dried basil) in the last 1 minute of simmering. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or sugar as needed. Remove from heat.
- 13
Serve
Transfer sauce to a small bowl or ramekin for each serving. Serve warm alongside the breadsticks. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.