Garlicky breadsticks easy to make at home, even on the grill

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

And in the summer, it’s even easier. Just toss them on the grill with whatever else you’re cooking.

The seasoning blend in this recipe — kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper and onion powder — is a pretty traditional take on garlic breadsticks. But feel free to kick it up with chili powder, paprika or cumin.

Grilled garlic breadsticks with sweet, zesty sauce

220-ounce balls pizza dough, room temperature

1tablespoon kosher salt, divided

2tablespoons garlic powder

2teaspoons ground black pepper

2teaspoons onion powder

8tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted

115-ounce can diced tomatoes

2cloves garlic

2tablespoons honey

2tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4teaspoon dried oregano

1/2teaspoon dried thyme

1teaspoon hot sauce

Heat a grill to medium-high.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza 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.

In a wide, shallow bowl, mix 1/2 tablespoon of the salt, the garlic powder, pepper and onion powder. Place the butter in a second wide, shallow bowl.

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

In a blender, combine the 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.

While the sauce heats, arrange the dough strips on the hot grill, spacing them 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. Per serving: 257 calories; 89 calories from fat; 10 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 19 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 2 g fiber; 1,148 mg sodium.