If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know that their warm, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks are an irresistible treat that perfectly complement any meal. Now, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home with this easy Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or a salad, these breadsticks add the perfect touch to any dish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and butter, you can achieve the same soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor you love. The breadsticks are pillowy on the inside, with a crisp, golden exterior, and are finished off with a generous brushing of garlic butter. Plus, this recipe doesn’t require any special equipment—just a bowl, a baking sheet, and your hands to knead the dough!
What makes these breadsticks truly irresistible is the garlicky butter coating that adds flavor to every bite. You’ll find yourself making these again and again, whether for a family dinner or a special gathering. This Olive Garden breadstick recipe is a great way to elevate your homemade meals and impress your guests with a bakery-quality treat that’s simple to make.
Get ready to enjoy fresh, warm breadsticks straight from your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe that will bring the taste of Olive Garden right to your dinner table.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe. First and foremost, the taste is spot on—these breadsticks are buttery, garlicky, and incredibly soft, just like the ones you enjoy at the restaurant. Making them at home means you can enjoy fresh, warm breadsticks whenever you want, without the need to wait for a table or leave your house.
What sets these homemade breadsticks apart from store-bought versions is their texture. The dough rises beautifully, creating the perfect balance between a light and fluffy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. The garlic butter coating gives the breadsticks that signature Olive Garden flavor that everyone loves, and it’s easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Another great reason to make these breadsticks at home is the simplicity of the recipe. With minimal ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your kitchen—you can create these soft, flavorful breadsticks in just under an hour. The dough requires only one rise, making the process quicker and easier than many other breadstick recipes. Plus, you don’t need any fancy kitchen tools; just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet will do.
These breadsticks are also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, salads, soups, or even just for snacking, they’ll be a hit with everyone at the table. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, and you’ll never have to miss out on Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks again.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for finishing)
Equipment Used
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine your dry and wet ingredients for the dough.
- Baking Sheet: A sheet to arrange your shaped breadsticks for baking. Lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Rolling Pin (optional): To roll out the dough if you prefer a more uniform shape for your breadsticks.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter on the breadsticks after they bake.
- Small Saucepan: To melt the butter and prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Clean Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough while it rises, preventing it from drying out.
Directions & Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin rope, about 6-8 inches in length, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Breadsticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the garlic powder and optional parsley.
- Finish and Serve: Once the breadsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 per breadstick
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Olive Garden breadsticks are a relatively indulgent treat, with each serving providing a good amount of carbohydrates for energy. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the garlic butter adds richness and flavor. To make this recipe lighter, consider reducing the amount of butter or using a healthier fat alternative, but note that the breadsticks may not have the same buttery flavor. Despite the calories, these breadsticks are a perfect complement to a lighter meal, such as a fresh salad or vegetable soup.
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks: Add a small amount of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the dough before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Infused: Mix in some dried Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the dough for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Whole Wheat Breadsticks: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-packed version.
- Spicy Garlic Breadsticks: For a spicy kick, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for an added burst of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these breadsticks in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise, and then store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, shape and bake the breadsticks as instructed.
Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Absolutely! After baking, let the breadsticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Active dry yeast works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to activate it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the flour mixture.
Can I make these breadsticks without garlic?
Of course! You can skip the garlic butter topping if you prefer. Alternatively, you can add other seasonings like cinnamon sugar or Parmesan for a different flavor.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size—this is key for achieving soft, pillowy breadsticks.
- Keep the Dough Covered: When the dough is resting, make sure it’s covered with a clean towel or plastic wrap to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the breadsticks from sticking to the baking sheet, line the pan with parchment paper.
Serving Suggestions
These Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks are perfect when served with a variety of dishes. Pair them with a classic Italian meal like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo. You can also serve them alongside soup or salad for a lighter meal. For a fun twist, make a dipping sauce bar with marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip to add more flavor to each bite.
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe : The Perfect Copycat
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine your dry and wet ingredients for the dough.
- Baking Sheet: A sheet to arrange your shaped breadsticks for baking. Lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and yeast.
- Rolling Pin (optional): To roll out the dough if you prefer a more uniform shape for your breadsticks.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the garlic butter on the breadsticks after they bake.
- Small Saucepan: To melt the butter and prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Clean Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough while it rises, preventing it from drying out.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for finishing
Instructions
- To make these Olive Garden breadsticks even more delicious, try adding extra flavor to the dough by mixing in some Parmesan cheese or Italian herbs like basil and oregano. For a crispy finish, sprinkle the breadsticks with a little extra salt or garlic powder before baking. You can also drizzle a bit of honey over the warm breadsticks for a sweet contrast to the garlicky butter.