What’s not to love about a hearty homemade meal? I remember going to potlucks in homes after church and I just loved all the yummy selections of homemade goodness laid out on pop-up picnic tables. I know it’s so cliche, but you really can taste the heart and soul in someone else’s homemade food. That’s probably why I strive to provide delicious meals my family can enjoy. I guess, in a sense, it’s me pouring out my love for them.

Enough with all the sentimtal stuff, and on to the real reason you’re visiting… Breadsticks! These squishy little garlicy logs of love hahaha. They are great with spaghetti, lasagna, Zuppa Toscana… basically any Italian-inspired meal, they add that little bit of extra yumminess.

These aren’t all that complicated to make, either. And I’ve also been able to twist them up into garlic knots as well, if you’re wanting to make those instead. They also freeze well and easily reheat for a quick way to impress surprise guests if the time arises.

So let’s get to it!

Here’s what you will need for the breadsticks:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbs. active dry yeast
• 2 tbs. softened unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 3-4 cups white flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp. salt

For topping:

• 3 tbs. melted butter
• garlic salt or seasoning to taste
• Optional – grated parmesan

Directions:

Place yeast, sugar and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let yeast froth up (approximately 5-10 minutes). Add in 2 cups of flour, egg, butter and salt. While mixing on low, using the dough hook, gradually add in the remaining flour or until dough is soft and slightly sticky. Turn out onto floured surface and knead a few times, then form a ball. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a dishcloth and let rise for an hour and a half.

Once the dough has doubled in size, dump onto a floured surface and begin rolling out into individual breadsticks.

I like to make little dough circles and roll them into breadstick shapes, they are never uniform in shape, and if you want to get super technical about their shape, have at it!

Once you have your breadstick dough shaped out, place on your baking sheet and let rise another 30 minutes – the rising is the most time consuming part of this entire recipe, but believe me, it’s worth it to get that soft, chewy texture. While they are rising, get your oven preheated to 350⁰.

After the breadsticks or garlic knots have risen and doubled in size, now it’s ready to bake! Place baking sheets in oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and parmesan if you so desire. Enjoy!