Olive Garden Breadsticks

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water (110-115 degrees)
• 1 envelope fast-acting instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
• 3-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Yeast. In the bowl of a standing mixer, whisk together the water (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons), yeast (1 envelope), and 1/2 teaspoon sugar until yeast is dissolved. Allow mixture to rest for 10 minutes so the yeast can proof and rise and foam.

2. 2

   Combine. Attach the dough hook. Mix in 2 cups flour, salt (1 3/4 teaspoon), melted butter (3 tablespoons), and 2 1/2 teaspoons of remaining sugar until combined. With the mixer set on low, mix in more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the mixer on medium and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Remove dough from the mixer and form it into a ball. The dough should be slightly tacky, but not sticky.

3. 3

   Rise. Oil a mixing bowl and place dough in it. Turn to coat the entire surface with oil. Loosely cover the dough with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free area until the dough doubles in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. 4

   Shape. Punch dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces using a pastry knife, about 2 ounces each. Roll each piece out into a 7-inch long rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet

5. 5

   Second rise. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let rise a second time, for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400°F.

6. 6

   Mix together the topping ingredients; set aside.

7. 7

   Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately brush with topping. Serve warm!