Breadsticks Recipe

Activate yeast

Pour 1 cup warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) into a small bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons active dry yeast over the water, stir once gently, and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.

Mix dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center, add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or dough hook on low speed to combine until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium-low for 6–8 minutes). Add small additional flour (1 tablespoon at a time) only if dough is excessively sticky.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl with a bit of olive oil, place the dough inside turning to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Shape breadsticks

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7–9 inch long thin stick, tapering the ends if desired. Place sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them for slight expansion.

Second rise

Cover the shaped sticks loosely with a clean kitchen towel or lightly greased plastic wrap and let rest for 15–20 minutes until slightly puffy.

Apply topping

While sticks rest, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter and 2 teaspoons minced garlic in a small bowl. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for brushing after baking. Brush the remaining garlic butter evenly over each breadstick. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (or to taste), and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan over the tops. If using, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds lightly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Finish and serve

Remove from oven and immediately brush with the reserved tablespoon of garlic butter for extra shine and flavor. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly, then serve warm. Optional: serve with marinara sauce or herbed olive oil for dipping.