- Total time
- 210 min
- Servings / pieces
- 24
- Topic
- Bread & rolls
Breadsticks become crisp because they are thin. Keep the ropes similarly thick for even results. Small differences in length are harmless; noticeably thick ends stay soft longer than their middles. The timing includes the stated rises, which can take longer in a cool kitchen. Watch volume and dough tension as well as the clock. Weigh flour and liquid, keeping extra dusting flour separate from the measured dough ingredients.
Method
Step by step
- 01
Mix
Mix all ingredients into a fairly firm dough.
- 02
Develop the dough
Knead for about eight to ten minutes by hand or at low mixer speed. The dough should become cohesive and elastic. Brief pauses help if the mixture still tears readily while you are working it.
- 03
Let rise
Cover and rise for 60 minutes until noticeably lighter.
- 04
Shape
Pat into a rectangle and cut 24 strips. Roll into thin ropes about 25 cm long, space on trays and rest for 15 minutes.
- 05
Bake
Bake at a preheated 190°C conventional for 18–25 minutes until golden. For a drier crunch, leave five minutes in the switched-off oven with the door ajar.
- 06
Cool
Cool on a wire rack so steam can escape from the underside too. Slice only once the crumb is no longer hot; cutting too early can compress the interior and make it seem gummy.
Times are a guide. Your hob, oven and ingredients affect the result; use the cooking cues as well as the clock.
Ingredients and dough texture
Olive oil helps rolling and adds flavour. If a rope springs back, let it rest rather than pulling forcefully. Reattach broken ends before baking.
Serving and storing
Serve with antipasti or soup. Pack airtight only when completely cool. Refresh softened sticks briefly in the oven rather than storing them beside moist bread. Taper the ends slightly without making needle-thin points. Very fine tips burn before thick middles dry. Use the first batch to judge the remaining shaping, and keep unbaked sticks loosely covered until they are ready to enter the oven.
Kitchen questions
One more question?
Why do they remain soft?
The ropes may be too thick or insufficiently dried.
Can I add sesame?
Yes; brush lightly with water before baking so seeds adhere.
