Olive Garden Breadsticks (Tilese)

For the dough:

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp warm water
1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 3/4 tsp salt
16 oz (about 3 1/3 to 3 1/2 cups) bread flour

For the topping:

2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the water, yeast, sugar and butter. Add in the salt. Attach the dough hook to the mixer and begin to gradually add the flour on low speed. Increase speed to medium and knead the dough for about 7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

Remove the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

Divide the dough into 12 (2 oz) portions. Roll each piece of dough into a 7 inch log. Place the dough logs on nonstick baking mat or parchment lined baking sheets, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Combine the salt and garlic powder and sprinkle evenly over breadsticks. Serve warm.

Recipe notes:
When it comes to bread baking, weighing your flour will always ensure the best and most consistent results. If you like to bake consider investing in a kitchen scale if you don't already have one, it makes a big difference!