Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Recipe

Introduction

These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. Perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite Italian dishes, they are surprisingly easy to make at home and taste just like the restaurant version.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or mixer, mix the flour, softened butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-7 inch rope and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Step 7: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Step 8: While baking, melt the 1/4 cup of butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt.
9. Step 9: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the breadsticks with the garlic butter mixture and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra soft texture, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough.
• Try topping the breadsticks with shredded Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder in the butter for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley on top after brushing with garlic butter for a fresh, herby finish.

Storage

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these breadsticks?

Yes, you can freeze the baked breadsticks in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 125 reviews

This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is a perfect copycat of the beloved restaurant classic. Soft, golden, and brushed with a fragrant garlic butter topping, these breadsticks are easy to make at home using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack that will delight your family and guests with their warm, buttery flavor and soft texture.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 breadsticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Breadsticks:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp salt

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, then knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook attachment on medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into 12 to 14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 6 to 7 inches long. Arrange the shaped breadsticks on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, until they become puffy and slightly risen.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
7. Bake the Breadsticks: Place the baking sheet with breadsticks into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the breadsticks turn golden brown on top.
8. Prepare the Topping: While the breadsticks are baking, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Add garlic powder and salt, stirring to combine evenly.
9. Brush and Serve: Remove the baked breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the melted garlic butter mixture. Serve warm for the best flavor and softness.

Notes

• Make sure the water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• For best results, use fresh active dry yeast.
• You can add a sprinkle of dried parsley or grated Parmesan to the butter topping for extra flavor.
• Allow breadsticks to cool slightly before storing to avoid sogginess.
• These breadsticks freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Keywords: Olive Garden breadsticks, copycat breadsticks, garlic butter breadsticks, homemade breadsticks, soft breadsticks recipe, appetizer, Italian breadsticks