Homemade Pizza Shop Breadsticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp sugar

→ For the Topping

07 - 1/4 cup butter, melted
08 - 1 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
10 - 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
03 - Dump the dough onto a floured countertop and knead for about 5-7 minutes. Push with the heel of your hand, fold it over, rotate, and repeat until the dough feels smooth and springs back when poked. Add a sprinkle more flour if it's sticking to your hands.
04 - Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough ball inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in the warmest spot in your kitchen for about an hour, or until it's doubled in size.
05 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or dust a pizza stone with cornmeal.
06 - Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Don't worry about making it perfect!
07 - Transfer the dough rectangle to your prepared baking sheet. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Leave a little space between each stick so they can expand while baking.
08 - Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You're looking for a light golden color on top and a slightly darker bottom.
09 - While the breadsticks bake, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, grated parmesan, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
10 - As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. The heat from the fresh breadsticks will help the flavors soak in. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

# Notes:

01 - These homemade breadsticks taste just like the ones from Pizza Hut but fresher and without any preservatives. They're perfect alongside pasta, soup, or pizza!
02 - The dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated overnight for the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
03 - For extra cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle additional parmesan on top before baking, or add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella to the butter mixture while the breadsticks are still hot.