"Olive Garden" Bread Sticks

Ok, I was doubtful when I found a recipe to copy cat Olive Garden breadsticks. I love those breadsticks, and I couldn't imagine actually imitating them at home. Boy, was I wrong! This recipe which I found at Full Bellies, Happy Kids couldn't be much closer the true thing. Even if they are a little diffferent, it didn't matter because they were sooo yummy! Josh and I love Olive Garden, but we don't like to eat out often, so it is nice to know you can make similar delicious food at home. I only have one picture, and it is with my Roasted Red Pepper Pasta and sauteed asparagus, so ignore those other things :)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 package dry yeast

4 1/4 cups flour

2 Tbl butter

2 Tbl sugar

1 Tbl salt

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Then let sit for ten minutes, covered. The mixture will look frothy.

While you are waiting, mix together flour and salt. After the ten minutes, add flour mixture to the yeast/sugar mixture and add melted butter. Use a paddle attachment or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly. Knead the dough until it smooth, but don't over knead the dough. 

Grease a cookie sheet. Place the dough onto the greased cookie sheet, cut into strips. Roll the strips into breadstick shape, as thick or thin as you prefer. Cover the dough and let sit for 45 minutes to an hour in a warm place. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, bake for 6 to 7 minutes.

While waiting, make the butter mixture.

Ingredients

1 stick butter

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp salt

Melt the butter, add in garlic and salt. After the 6 or 7 minutes, brush the breadsticks with the butter mixture and continue baking for about 6-7 minutes or until golden. Once you remove them from the oven, use the rest of the butter mixture for that yummy finishing touch! Enjoy :)