Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
