These Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, buttery, and coated in delicious garlic flavor. They make the perfect side dish for a hearty meal or an excellent snack any time of day.
Whether you’re looking to recreate the restaurant classic at home or just whip up some tasty homemade breadsticks, this Olive Garden Copycat Breadstick Recipe is sure to impress!
I love that these breadsticks pair so well with just about any meal that your family enjoys. However, I have to say that my favorite main course to pair them with is this Instant Pot Tortellini Carbonara.
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Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- They are so easy to make that even novice cooks can create them with success.
- Not only are these breadsticks delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
- Kids will devour these soft breadsticks without any complaints.
- Plus, you only need basic ingredients to help you make this copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe.
- Serve them warm with your favorite soups, pasta dishes, or main dishes.
Ingredients Needed
Get more info on these ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom of the post
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- White granulated sugar
- Bread flour
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic salt
- Parmesan cheese
Helpful Tools
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Plastic wrap
Parchment-lined baking sheet
How To Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
- In a large bowl mix together the sugar, yeast, and warm water.
- Allow the yeast to proof for 10 minutes and the mixture is bubbly on the top.
- Mix in half of the flour to the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Mix in the remaining half of the flour until a dough forms.
- Move the dough ball to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Grease another large bowl, and add the dough. Cover with plastic wrap or a lightweight kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 and 1/2 hours. Or until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into breadsticks that are about 8 inches in length. And, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the breadsticks with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for another hour.
- While the dough is rising preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven for 15 minutes or until the tops of the breadsticks start to brown.
- While the breadsticks are baking melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the garlic salt and parmesan cheese into the melted butter.
- As soon the breadsticks are finished baking brush them with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve and enjoy while warm.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
You can also freeze the breadsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy version – Sprinkle the tops of the breadsticks with mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Sweet – If you want a sweeter breadstick, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the dough mixture.
- Herbs – You can also add herbs such as rosemary or oregano to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure that you use bread flour for this recipe as it will give the breadsticks a much better texture. All-purpose flour can be used for these delicious breadsticks however, they will not be as light and fluffy.
- You can also mix in additional seasonings such as dried herbs or spices to the dough mixture if desired.
- Be careful not to over-knead the dough as this will result in tough, dense breadsticks. So, set a timer while you are kneading your dough.
- I like to spray the inside of my plastic wrap so that the dough doesn’t stick to it when I remove the plastic wrap.
- If you don’t want to knead the dough by hand you can knead it with a stand mixer using a dough hook on low speed for 3-4 minutes.
- Try dipping your breadsticks in Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce.
- While the dough rises make sure to keep it in a warm place, you will need warmth to help them rise.
- Make sure that you use warm water and not hot water to make these fresh breadsticks. Hot water will kill off the yeast.
- If you don’t have garlic salt on hand you can mix garlic powder and table salt to make your own topping for these fluffy breadsticks.
FAQ
Yes, they are baked until golden brown.
I like to serve them in a mason jar or breadstick wrapped with a light towel or napkin.
I prefer to reheat them in the oven for the fresh baked taste. Reheat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6-8 minutes or until they are the desired temperature.
Other Copycat Recipes
- Olive Garden Minestrone Soup Copycat
- French Onion Soup (Panera Copycat)
- Copycat Shamrock Shake
- Smores Frappuccino Starbucks Copycat
Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup and 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 ¼ teaspoon dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the sugar, yeast, and warm water.
- Allow the yeast to proof for 10 minutes and the mixture is bubbly on the top.
- Mix in half of the flour to the yeast mixture until well combined.
- Mix in the remaining half of the flour until a dough forms.
- Move the dough ball to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Grease another large bowl, and add the dough. Cover with plastic wrap or a lightweight kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 and 1/2 hours. Or until the dough doubles in size.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into breadsticks that are about 8 inches in length. And, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the breadsticks with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for another hour.
- While the dough is rising preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven for 15 minutes or until the tops of the breadsticks start to brown.
- While the breadsticks are baking melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the garlic salt and parmesan cheese into the melted butter.
- As soon the breadsticks are finished baking brush them with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve and enjoy while warm.
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