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Title: Basic Breadstick Dough (Savory + Sweet Options)

Description: This is a flexible, beginner-friendly breadstick dough with savory and sweet variations. Perfect for baking with kids or customizing for family meals.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • - 1 cup warm water like bathwater, not hot
  • - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • - 1 tbsp sugar
  • - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • - 1 tsp salt
  • - 2 tbsp olive oil
  • - Optional: Up to 1/4 cup more flour added 1 tbsp at a time if dough is too sticky

Instructions

Instructions:

  • In a liquid measuring cup, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. (You can also use a stand mixer with dough hook)
  • Stir until a rough dough forms. Wash hands, then knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  • Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 pieces. Roll into ropes about 6–8 inches long.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

  • Clean-up tip: Wash bowls and utensils, wipe surfaces, and throw away any scraps.

Notes

Notes:
- If your hands are sticky, the dough will feel sticky too. Wash hands before deciding to add more flour.
- Add flour slowly—1 tbsp at a time—until dough feels tacky but not gooey.
- To test kneading: poke the dough gently. It should spring back.
- To test proofing: poke the dough again. If the dent bounces back slowly, it’s ready. If it deflates too much, it’s overproofed.
Variations:
Savory Options:
- Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 cup Parmesan to dough.
- Italian Herb: Add 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
- Cheesy: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
- Spicy: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
Sweet Options:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Brush with melted butter and roll in 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon after baking.
- Funfetti: Add 2 tbsp sprinkles to dough, glaze after baking.
- Maple Pecan: Add 1 tbsp chopped pecans + 1 tsp maple syrup to dough.
Cinnamon Roll Breadsticks:
- You can split the dough in half before kneading. Knead cinnamon sugar into one half.
- Start with 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon per half—adjust to taste.
- Roll dough ropes in cinnamon sugar, brush with melted butter before baking.
- Optional glaze: mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp milk + dash vanilla.
Other Ideas:
- Mini Loaves: Shape and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Flatbread: Roll flat and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
- Monkey Bread: Roll pieces in butter and cinnamon sugar, bake in muffin cups.
Dipping Sauce: Quick Marinara
- 1 (8 oz) can plain tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional: Pinch of sugar if too tangy
Mix together and let sit 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temp.