The dried pesto gives these bread sticks a delicious Italian herb flavor that makes them enjoyable with salad, soup, pasta, or even cheese fondue!
1 ¼ cup Water (87˚-97˚F)
1/8 c Triana Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Active Dry Yeast
3-4 cups All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Sugar
4 Tbsp Pesto Genovese Dried Herb Mix, plus more for finishing
2 tsp Salt
4 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Prepare the water: The temperature of the water is important to the activation of the yeast. Either too hot or too cold water will prevent your dough from rising. Using your finger as a thermometer, test the water. It should feel neither cold nor hot but around the temperature of your body.
3. Creating the dough: In a medium size bowl, add the water and yeast and stir. The yeast begins to “bloom” and the water will become a milky color. Add the Triana Olive Oil, flour, sugar, and Pesto Genovese. Stir until combined and then add the salt. (Note: It is important not to add the salt on top of the yeast because the salt will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.)
4. Kneading the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. With both hands knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. The kneading will activate the gluten and create a well textured bread.
5. Let the dough rise: In the same medium size bowl you used to create the dough, coat the sides with Triana Olive Oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm area until it is doubled in size, about 30 minutes. The oil will prevent the dough from creating a crust while rising.
6. Form the dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and transfer to a cutting board. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece to form a stick and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sticks with Pesto Genovese and parmesan cheese to season.
7. Allow the dough to rise again: Cover the baking pan cover and let the dough rise again until doubled in size, approximately 10-20 minutes.
8. Bake the bread sticks: Place the bread sticks in the pre-heated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown in color.