Garlic Bread

For the dough:

1 tbsp active dry yeast
1/8 cup warm water
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt

For the topping:

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp garlic salt or 1/2 tsp salt and 1 clove fresh garlic

Method:

Place 1/8 cup warm water in the bowl of a mixer, sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, for about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, salt, 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water. Mix well until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft. Roll into a 2-foot-long log. Cut into 1 1/2 inch-long pieces. Knead each piece slightly and shape into a long breadstick. Arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth. Let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

Before:

After:


Preheat the oven to 400 deg F. Brush the breadsticks with 1 tablespoon of the butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.


Bake until lightly golden, about 13 minutes. Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.

Makes ~10 breadsticks