How to Make Savory Herb-Infused Olive Breadsticks

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread? It warms the house and the heart. But wait, what if we amp up the game and introduce the delightful combo of herb-infusion into the mix? Exactly, we’re talking about making savory herb-infused olive breadsticks that are going to be a hit whether you are throwing a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to some home-baked goodness.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the magical world of baking these delicious sticks of joy, let’s make sure we have everything ready.

1 cup warm water (not hot, think baby-bath warm)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (that’s one packet, folks!)
1 teaspoon sugar (to sweet talk the yeast)
3 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of our breadsticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little more for brushing)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt (flavor, baby, flavor!)
1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs (think rosemary, thyme, oregano, or whatever makes your heart sing)
1/2 cup chopped olives (pick your favs: black, green, kalamata)
Coarse salt for sprinkling (it’s all about the sparkle)

Instructions:

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part – making these breadsticks from scratch. Fear not, it’s simpler than solving a Rubik’s cube.

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy – it’s alive! This process is called proofing, and it ensures your yeast is ready to make your bread rise.

Step 2: Mix & Knead

Add the flour, olive oil, salt, dried herbs, and chopped olives into the yeasty mixture. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form. Then, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Think of this as a mini-workout before you reward yourself with breadsticks.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your well-kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it sit in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is your dough’s beauty sleep – it’s crucial.

Step 4: Shape Your Breadsticks

Once the dough has puffed up nicely, punch it down gently (it’s therapeutic, promise) and divide it into 12-14 pieces. Roll each piece into a long breadstick shape, about 1/2-inch thick. This is where you can get the kids involved or showcase your own artistic flair.

Step 5: Second Rise

Line your breadsticks on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, leaving some space between each. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise makes them even more delicious.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Bake

While your breadsticks are getting ready for their final transformation, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once they’ve had their half-hour rest, lightly brush them with some olive oil and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and irresistible.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Congratulations, you’ve just made savory herb-infused olive breadsticks! Let them cool slightly before serving because, as much as that first hot bite sounds appealing, burnt taste buds are no joke.

Final Thoughts:

Making savory herb-infused olive breadsticks from scratch might sound like a task reserved for the pros, but as you’ve seen, it’s quite approachable. These breadsticks are perfect for pairing with pasta, salads, or just munching on their own. Plus, you get bragging rights for making something so delicious with your own two hands. So, why not give it a try and impress yourself, and others, with your baking prowess? Happy baking!