Olive Garden Breadsticks

Unlimited giant breadsticks slathered in butter brought to your table at a restaurant? Well, that’s what we discovered when we were over in Florida when we went to an Olive Garden restaurant. I live in rainy England so let’s make some homemade and see if they taste the same!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon salt

For Garlic Butter Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a 9-inch rope. Place the ropes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While the breadsticks are baking, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and dried parsley flakes (if using) for the topping.
9. Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter mixture while they are still warm.