Amazing Breadsticks

These are my new favorite breadsticks to make with our favorite Italian dinners.  These are made from ingredients you probably already have on hand and are simple and easy.  These restaurant-style breadsticks remind us of Olive Garden's breadsticks.  Delicious!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 
• 2 tablespoons white sugar 
• 1/4 cup warm water 
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 1/4 cups warm water 
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened 
• 1 tablespoon salt 
• 3 tablespoons melted butter 
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 15 minutes.
2. Add flour, 1 1/4 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1 tablespoon salt; knead until dough is well mixed and soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Knead each piece and shape into a 6-inch breadstick. Arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet; let rise for about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter and garlic powder together in a bowl; brush onto breadsticks.
6. Bake breadsticks in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Immediately brush with remaining melted butter mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.