Olive Garden Bread Sticks

Truth: The Olive Garden is delicious.
Truth: I always eat way too much when I go there.
Truth: My meal usually consists of approximately 10 bread sticks and a small plate of salad.

I have reached nirvana. Spice found a clone for the Olive Garden's famous bread sticks last week and we made them. Probably not exactly like the real thing, but gosh darn it, they were close!

Next time I think I will add more garlic. The only problem I had with these was that they were really hard the next day! No problem-o though. I just stuck one in the microwave!

Olive Garden Bread Sticks
From Recipe Zaar

Dough:
1 1/4 ounce package active dry yeast
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fine salt

Topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch dried oregano

Make the dough:
Place 1/4 cup warm water in the bowl of mixer. Sprinkle in yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, fine salt and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water. Mix with the paddle attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes.

Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft, about 3 minutes. Roll into a 2 foot long log. Cut into 16 1 1/2-inch 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 and let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Make the topping:
Brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.

Bake until slightly golden, about 15 mintues.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with the garlic powder and oregano. Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with flavored salt.