Stir the water, sugar and yeast together in a large mixing bowl and let it activate for 5 minutes before stirring in the olive oil and salt.

Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring between each addition until you can no longer stir then turn it out onto a well-floured surface.

Knead the dough for 6 minutes adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking then form it into a ball. (Don’t add too much flour or the breadsticks will be tough.)

Spray a large bowl with non-stick spray and place the dough inside and roll it around to coat.

Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 large baking pans with parchment paper.

Cut the dough into 14 equal pieces then roll each piece into a ball and gently press as you roll the balls into 7-8-inch-long ropes.

Place the ropes onto the prepared baking pans evenly spaced then spray the tops with olive oil spray and cover with a towel.

Let them rise again for 15 minutes then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops turn a light golden color.

Melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds then stir in the garlic salt.

Brush the garlic butter onto the breadsticks then sprinkle on the parmesan and Italian herbs if desired and serve hot.