Soft Italian Breadsticks

Step 1

Place the sugar in a large mixing bowl, and add the warm water and yeast.  Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the yeast has dissolved and looks foamy.

Step 2

Add 3 cups of bread flour, the olive oil, and the salt, and mix on low speed until a stiff dough forms. (If the dough seems sticky, add up to 3/4 cup additional flour (1/4 cup at a time), until it pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.)

Step 3

Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Mist the bowl with non-stick spray, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap.

Step 5

Allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 16 equal portions, and shape each one into a rope (about 6 inches long), placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7

Mist a sheet of plastic wrap with non-stick spray, place it loosely over the unbaked breadsticks, and allow them to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly brush the breadsticks with egg wash.

Step 9

Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 14 minutes, or until just beginning to turn golden at the tips.

Step 10

Stir the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together, and brush the mixture over the warm breadsticks.