Breadsticks & Sauce Recipe
Breakfast basket w/ side of tomato sauce (size 6 or 12)
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Ingredients
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Breadsticks (makes 12)
Tomato Dipping Sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)
Method
Breadsticks (makes 12)
- 1
Activate dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), instant dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive—start over with fresh yeast.
- 2
Make dough
Add 2 cups of the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until combined. Gradually add remaining 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. If dough is too sticky, add up to 2 more tablespoons of flour; if too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons water.
- 3
Knead
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead in a stand mixer on medium speed for 4–5 minutes). Form into a ball.
- 4
- 5
Shape breadsticks
Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (for a 6-piece basket, divide into 6 larger pieces). Roll each piece into a 7–8 inch rope, tapering slightly at the ends if desired. Place sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
- 6
Second rise
Cover lightly with a towel or plastic wrap and let the shaped sticks rest and puff for 20–30 minutes until slightly expanded.
- 7
Prepare topping
While sticks rise, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Set aside.
- 8
- 9
Tomato Dipping Sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 10
- 11
Build sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- 12
Simmer
Add 1 cup water (or reserved pasta water) to thin to dipping consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- 13
Finish and adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, or red pepper flakes as needed. Stir in chopped fresh basil if using. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender for a few seconds to reach desired texture, or leave slightly chunky for a rustic dip.
- 14
Serve
Transfer warm sauce to a small dipping bowl. Keep covered and warm until ready to serve alongside breadsticks. Leftovers refrigerate up to 4 days.