Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

If you have ever found yourself craving those soft, fluffy, and perfectly buttery breadsticks from Olive Garden, you are in luck. This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe brings that iconic restaurant experience right into your home kitchen. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a lightly garlicky, herb-kissed flavor that’s both comforting and addictive. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to a classic Italian-American favorite, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in ensuring you get the perfect texture, flavor, and lovely golden color that these breadsticks are famous for.

• 1 cup warm water: Helps activate the yeast for that perfect dough rise.
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The key leavening agent making the breadsticks light and fluffy.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the yeast’s activity.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The building block of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on top for that irresistible golden shine and rich flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: The signature seasoning giving Olive Garden breadsticks their iconic garlicky-herby finish.

How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it transforms into a foamy mixture. This foam signals that your yeast is alive and kicking, which means your breadsticks will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, add salt, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of the flour into the yeast mixture. Stir everything gently to combine. Then, gradually add the remaining flour in small increments, mixing as you go. Aim for dough that pulls away from the sides but stays soft and slightly sticky—this balance is key for that tender bite.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the gluten, making the breadsticks chewy yet tender. Add a bit of flour if it sticks too much, but don’t overdo it since you want the dough to remain soft.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for at least 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This resting time lets those wild yeast bubbles expand, ensuring fluffy breadsticks ahead.

Step 5: Shape Your Breadsticks

Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Divide it evenly into 12 portions. Roll each piece into about a 9-inch rope. Place them side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet to get ready for the next rise.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your shaped dough with a towel again and allow them to rise for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final puff-up is what gives the breadsticks their signature lightness and soft texture.

How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes

Once baked to golden perfection, brush the breadsticks generously with melted butter and sprinkle them with garlic salt mixed with parsley flakes. This finishing touch seals in flavor and creates that irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or hearty minestrone soup. They also make a fantastic companion for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar or your favorite marinara sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the breadsticks in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin. You can also offer a variety of dips such as garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce to keep things exciting. Arranging them in a breadstick bouquet or stacking them like a tower can turn any meal into a festive event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover breadsticks, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread in with the breadsticks—it works like a charm for maintaining moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cooled breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and make for a perfect quick snack or side when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and soft again. You can brush them with a little extra melted butter after reheating to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give the breadsticks a nuttier flavor and denser texture. However, you might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour to keep them light and fluffy.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together with straightforward steps. Plus, the joy of watching your dough rise and transform is pretty rewarding.

Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?

Gluten-free flours can be tricky for yeast breads, but you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind the texture may differ, and you may need to adjust liquid amounts.

Do I have to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises are important for the texture and softness of the breadsticks. Skipping them will lead to denser, less fluffy results.

Can I add other seasonings for the topping?

Of course! While garlic salt with parsley is classic, you can try sprinkling Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or even everything bagel seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Making the Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—there’s nothing quite like pulling soft, buttery, garlicky breadsticks fresh from your own oven. This recipe is simple, approachable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and your family’s. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy that warm, comforting taste anytime you want.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

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4 from 50 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x

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Description

Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, buttery, and garlicky delights perfect for serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes. This recipe guides you through making fluffy breadsticks from scratch with a simple yeast dough, topped with garlic salt and parsley for an irresistible flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Mix dough ingredients: Add salt, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined to form a wet dough base.
3. Add remaining flour: Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, ¼ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft but slightly sticky.
4. Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking and to develop a smooth, elastic dough.
5. First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes or until the dough doubles in size.
6. Divide dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for breadsticks.
7. Shape breadsticks: Roll each portion into a 9-inch rope and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Second rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes to become puffy.
9. Preheat oven: While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
10. Bake breadsticks: Bake the risen breadsticks on the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
11. Apply topping: Remove breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter and sprinkle garlic salt with parsley flakes evenly on top for that classic Olive Garden flavor.
12. Serve warm: Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving warm as a perfect companion to pasta or soups.

Notes

• Use warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Ensure not to add too much flour while kneading; the dough should be a bit sticky but manageable.
• You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise to bake fresh breadsticks later.
• For extra garlic flavor, add a bit of garlic powder to the melted butter before brushing the breadsticks.
• The breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American