Homemade Breadstick Tutorial

As promised, here is my tutorial on the most fabulous breadsticks EVER.  My grandmother used this recipe for just about anything, scones, breadsticks, French bread, cinnamon rolls, pizza dough, etc.  It also makes excellent hot dog and hamburger buns and soup bowls.  Though this is not my main bread recipe, I use this for just about everything else.

This is the kind of meal that brings disharmony between me and my scale...

Besides tasting like Heaven, these breadsticks only call for 5 simple ingredients.  

* 2 TBS Yeast

* 2 TBS Sugar

* 2 TBS Salt

* 1 qt warm water

* 8-12 cups flour (see below)

If you want to add Parmesan cheese to them, the mixture I use is fresh grated Parmesan, the Parmesan cheese from the jar and some garlic powder. 

Ok, here is one of my secrets.  Using Lehi Roller Mills flour is KEY.  I am not sure why, but if I try to use anything else for my bread, it just doesn't turn out as well.  Costco sells a 25-pound bag for UNDER $6!  Bonus!  If you don't live near Utah, you probably wont find this brand as I believe it is only sold locally.  Bummer!  I have family who stock up when they come to Utah for a visit.  If I didn't have access to this flour, I would relent and use Medal Gold bread flour.  Maybe someone has a better suggestion?  

 I have always had access to a mixer, so I am not the pro when it comes to mixing it by hand.  Sorry.  

Add all the ingredients except flour in your mixing bowl and let it sit until the yeast starts to get foamy.  Another key step.  

At this point, start the mixer and add flour until dough forms and comes away from the sides of the bowl.  I watch closely for this and when I see it, I add another 1/2 cup to cup of flour and no more.  Mix on high for 5 minutes.  

Dived dough into 3 balls.  Roll your dough into a circle on a floured surface, and for croissant-style (our family's personal favorite), use a pizza cutter to cut circle into 12-16 "pizza" slices.  Start from widest end and roll to smallest.

Dip into melted butter and then into Parmesan mixture.  Set on greased cookie sheet.

For twist-style, cut dough into long strips.  Fold strip in half and twist strip together.  Coat in melted butter and roll in Parmesan mixture.

For straight breadsticks, roll your dough right out onto cookie sheet.  Spread melted butter on dough and sprinkle with garlic and Parmesan cheese.  Use pizza cutter to cut down the middle and into strips.  

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.  

If you want to get pictures of all 3 pans after baking, your best chance is BEFORE the kids get to them.  Also a key step...This is the only pan I got to document :(.

 Together with this delicious lasagna and salad, I can say it was the perfect dinner.  

Now I will go and make peace with my scale.

FYI:  

*This recipe makes fabulous pizza dough.  The crust is so soft and chewy.  I divide the dough into thirds and make 2 pizzas and a pan of breadsticks.  Bake pizzas at 425 for 15 minutes.

*This recipe makes 3-4 loaves of French bread.  Form the loaves and cut slits through the top.  Let rise.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

*For scones, take golf ball size pieces and flatten.  Deep fry until golden brown.

*This is not my favorite recipe for cinnamon rolls, but my grandmother used it for this as well. I do happen to have the best recipe for the cinnabon brand that I can post if anyone is interested.

Discussing bread:

I have been making bread since I was 8 years old.  During those MANY years, I have learned some do's and don't's of making bread, what works and what doesn't.  Besides having tips to share, I know I still have lots to learn.  I know there are those of you in my "audience" who could put me to shame and we would love to hear from you.  Maybe some of you have tried your hand at making bread and wondered why it failed.  So here are a couple of questions for both audiences...Have you been frustrated trying to get your bread to turn out?  Do you have any tips or tricks that you use to make your bread the best ever?  Please ask and/or share.

I am linking this post up to any of these fabulous linky parties here.