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Breadsticks from the grill as tasty as pizza shop's

By J.M. Hirsch

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: June 10, 2009

Those garlicky, buttery, crispy, chewy breadsticks you love at the pizza shop are easy to make at home, too.

And in the summer, it's even easier. Just toss them on the grill.

The seasoning blend in this recipe -- kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper and onion powder -- is a pretty traditional take on garlic breadsticks. But it would be easy to play with, adding kick with chili powder or paprika, or even cumin and cinnamon.

For a dessert version, make a seasoning mix from 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Make an instant dipping sauce by microwaving purchased vanilla frosting.

Grilled Garlic Breadsticks With Sweet and Zesty Sauce

2 20-ounce balls pizza dough, room temperature

1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

2 teaspoons onion powder

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted

1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1. Heat a grill to medium-high. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into large rectangles. Use a pizza wheel or knife to cut the dough into long strips, then cut each strip into roughly 5-inch lengths. Set aside.

2. In a wide, shallow bowl, mix ½ tablespoon of the salt, the garlic powder, pepper and onion powder. Place butter in a second wide, shallow bowl.

3. One or two at a time, place strips of dough in the butter and turn to coat evenly. Shake off excess butter, then lightly dredge the strips through the seasoning mix to coat. Set aside.

4. In a blender, combine diced tomatoes (with any juice in the can), remaining salt, garlic cloves, honey, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme and hot sauce. Puree until smooth, then transfer to a small saucepan and heat over low.

5. While the sauce heats, arrange dough strips on the hot grill, about 2 inches apart. Cover and grill for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the strips are puffed and lightly browned on the bottoms. Flip and grill, covered, for another minute.

Serve the breadsticks with the dipping sauce.

Makes 8 servings.