Olive Garden Breadsticks

Right after high school I moved for college. And what does every college kid need? A job as a waitress, of course! So my first job during my college years was at Olive Garden. Pretty sweet gig, actually. Although I have to admit that I gorged myself on breadsticks and alfredo sauce too many nights.

So as a little trip down memory lane and a treat to my belly, I set out to make these Olive Garden imposter breadsticks.

Ingredients:

• FOR THE DOUGH:
• 1 pkg. active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)
• 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 TBSP unsalted butter, softened
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 1 TBSP fine salt
• FOR THE BUTTER TOPPING:
• 3 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• pinch of dried oregano

Directions:

• Make the dough: Place 1/4 cup warm water in the bowl of a mixer; sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, fine salt, and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 T. warm water; mix with dough hooks until a slightly sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until smooth and soft.
• Roll into a 2 foot long log; cut into 16 even pieces.
• Knead each piece slightly and shape into a 7 inch long breadstick; arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• Cover with a cloth; let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400.
• Make the topping: Brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 T. melted butter and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. kosher salt.
• Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 tsp salt with the garlic powder and oregano.
• Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 1/2 T. melted butter and sprinkle with flavored salt.

These were delightful! I will admit, they don't look or taste like Olive Garden breadsticks but they had a delicious flavor and texture. Definitely a yummy bread to make for dinner.

Source: Cooking Katie