Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
If you have ever craved the warm, soft, and irresistibly buttery breadsticks from your favorite Italian restaurant, then you’re in for a real treat. This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe brings that iconic, garlicky goodness right to your kitchen with simple, approachable ingredients and straightforward steps. Each breadstick is perfectly soft on the inside, golden on the outside, seasoned just right with garlic and salt, and lightly brushed with melted butter for that signature shine and flavor. Whether you’re pairing them with a rich pasta dish, a comforting bowl of soup, or a fresh salad, these breadsticks will elevate your meal and soon become one of your go-to recipes to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and the Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is no exception. These pantry staples come together beautifully to create that perfect texture and flavor you adore, with each ingredient playing a vital role in the final result.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast to ensure your dough rises beautifully.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic that makes your breadsticks light and fluffy.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and bite.
- 1 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough for a well-rounded taste.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Melts over the breadsticks for buttery shine and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Gives that unmistakable garlicky kick.
- 1/4 tsp salt (for topping): Sprinkled on top to heighten flavor and texture.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast and ensures your breadsticks will rise beautifully and get that perfect airy texture we love.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is activated, add the flour, salt, and softened butter to the bowl. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough, then knead by hand for about 8 minutes. Your dough should transform into a smooth, elastic ball that feels soft and pliable. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the breadsticks their wonderful chew.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rise creates that airy softness, making each breadstick tender and fluffy inside.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove air bubbles. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a 6 to 8 inch long rope. Place the shaped breadsticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing some space between each to expand during their second rise.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover your shaped breadsticks and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This final proof ensures they’ll be light and airy once baked, just like the ones you get at Olive Garden.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. The baking step seals in the fluffiness while creating a beautifully crisp outside crust.
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter and Salt
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven and are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Then, sprinkle a little salt over the top to enhance the flavor. If you like, finish them off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that lovely fresh touch and authentic Olive Garden look.
How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness, you can also experiment with sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper can also bring a subtle kick that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are wonderfully versatile and pair especially well with classic Italian dishes like a hearty marinara pasta, creamy Alfredo, or a warm bowl of minestrone soup. They also make a delightful accompaniment to fresh salads, adding an irresistible carb component that everyone will reach for.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress your guests, try serving Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe alongside a trio of dipping sauces, such as zesty marinara, creamy ranch, and tangy garlic butter. You can also weave breadsticks into a rustic bread basket filled with multiple flavors by experimenting with toppings like Italian herbs or Parmesan for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover breadsticks, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness without drying out.
Freezing
To keep these delicious breadsticks longer, you can freeze them after shaping but before baking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them fully, let rise again, and bake as usual.
Reheating
To bring breadsticks back to their freshly baked goodness, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This reheating crisps up the crust while refreshing the soft, tender interior and melty butter topping.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can work as a substitute. Since it activates faster, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour and other ingredients.
What if I don’t have garlic powder on hand?
You can use fresh minced garlic lightly sautéed in butter for brushing, but be sure to let it cool before applying. Alternatively, garlic salt can be used, but adjust the salt topping accordingly to avoid over-salting.
Is it possible to make these breadsticks gluten-free?
Making gluten-free breadsticks requires using a gluten-free flour blend and modifying the recipe slightly for texture. While not a direct substitution, experimenting with gluten-free baking mixes designed for yeast breads can yield good results.
Can I add herbs to the dough for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Adding dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary to the dough before kneading can enhance the flavor wonderfully and give your breadsticks a unique twist.
How do I know when the breadsticks are perfectly baked?
Look for a golden-brown color on top and a slightly firm crust when gently pressed. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, which indicates they’re fully baked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe at home—it’s comfort, flavor, and a little bit of restaurant magic bundled into soft, buttery breadsticks you can share with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard not to make these from scratch every time you want that warm, garlicky goodness. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring a bit of Italian-American joy right into your kitchen!
Print
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and salt—just like the restaurant favorite. These homemade breadsticks are easy to make and pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (for topping)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix and knead dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly, then knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6–8 inches long, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough pieces and let them rise again for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Add topping and serve: While the breadsticks are still warm, brush them with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Sprinkle with salt to taste and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Breadsticks can be made ahead and frozen after shaping. Thaw and let rise before baking.
- For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the melted butter before brushing.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to activate yeast properly.
- Optional: Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
