If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know their breadsticks are more than just bread — they’re soft, buttery perfection with a mouthwatering garlic kick. This copycat recipe brings that magic straight into your kitchen, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven anytime. Pair them with pasta, dunk them in soup, or savor them all on their own.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but makes life easier)
- Kitchen towel
- Basting brush
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour, softened butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough, divide it into 12–14 equal portions, and roll each piece into a 6–7 inch rope. Arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise
Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 20–30 minutes, until puffy.
6. Preheat the Oven
While they rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Make the Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks bake, melt the butter and stir in garlic powder and salt.
9. Brush and Serve
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Perfect Breadsticks
- Want them cheesy? Sprinkle fresh Parmesan over the breadsticks right after brushing with garlic butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and the results taste just like (or better than) the Olive Garden version. Plus, nothing beats the smell of fresh bread filling your home.
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