Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Warm, pillowy, and brushed with a glistening coat of garlic butter, Olive Garden Breadsticks are truly the bread of dreams. There’s something magical about that first bite—a tender crumb with a whisper of garlic and butter mingling on your tongue, sending you straight to carb heaven. Making a batch of these nostalgic restaurant favorites at home brings all the cozy, luxurious vibes of dining out right into your own kitchen. These breadsticks are a labor of love, yet so incredibly worth it: every twist, rise, and golden bake yields results that are (dare I say) even better than the original. Whether you’ve got family gathered ‘round or just want to treat yourself to a taste of classic Italian-American comfort, this Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe has your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to recreate that signature Olive Garden Breadsticks experience. Each ingredient plays a specific role, from adding flavor to building that signature soft texture and golden color.
- Warm water (1½ cups, 110°F/45°C): The perfect temperature helps activate the yeast and gives the dough a head start on rising.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Not only feeds the yeast but adds a gentle touch of sweetness, just like in the restaurant version.
- Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): The powerhouse that creates all the airiness and lightness you expect in great breadsticks.
- Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for flavor—don’t be tempted to reduce it, or your breadsticks will taste flat.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened, divided): Adds rich flavor to both the dough and that irresistible finishing brush of garlic butter.
- All-purpose flour (4–5 cups): Don’t rush—add just enough for a soft, slightly tacky dough that isn’t sticky; quality flour makes a difference here!
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Mixed with melted butter, it brings those classic, fragrant bakery aromas and flavors to life.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a pop of color and a faint herbal note on top; completely optional but so pretty.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine your warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface turns bubbly and foamy—this means your yeast is officially awake and ready to turn your dough into that signature fluffy breadstick!
Step 2: Build the Dough
Now, add the salt, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, and 3 cups of flour into your yeast mixture. Mix until everything is incorporated. Begin adding the remaining flour, a little at a time, kneading after each addition. You’re aiming for a dough that’s soft and just a tiny bit tacky but not sticky to the touch. If you’re kneading by hand, this process takes about 6–8 minutes; with a stand mixer, you’re looking at just 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl and transfer your dough into it, turning once to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and place in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise until it’s doubled in size—this usually takes about one hour. As the dough rests, those yeasty bubbles work their magic, building an irresistible light-and-airy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down that beautiful, puffy dough to release excess air and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 7 inches long—don’t worry about making them perfect, a little rustic charm is part of the appeal. Arrange these logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for them to puff up. Cover loosely and let rise again for 20–30 minutes. This second rise ensures your Olive Garden Breadsticks have the soft insides and nicely rounded shape you love.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the breadsticks are a stunning shade of golden brown. While they bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the garlic powder and parsley. As soon as the breadsticks emerge from the oven, immediately brush them generously with this fresh garlic butter. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a little kosher salt on top for that authentic, craveable restaurant touch.
How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks
Garnishes
To really channel the Olive Garden Breadsticks experience, brush warm breadsticks generously with homemade garlic butter and finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley and a pinch of kosher salt. That vibrant green from the parsley makes them extra inviting, and the glisten of butter is sure to get everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are the ultimate sidekick for hearty Italian dishes. Set them alongside a bubbling lasagna, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or a hearty bowl of soup. They’re particularly divine when dunked into marinara sauce or served with a fresh Caesar salad for that classic restaurant combo. Basically, if you’ve made something saucy, these breadsticks want in on the action!
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the (bread) box? Arrange your Olive Garden Breadsticks in a tall glass or a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin—the type Bread, Side Dish. For parties, slice them diagonally and serve with a trio of dips: garlic-infused olive oil, spicy arrabbiata, and a creamy spinach-artichoke—not only eye-catching, but absolutely irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your breadsticks cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate for up to 4 days—perfect for grabbing a quick, savory snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, Olive Garden Breadsticks freeze beautifully! Simply wrap cooled breadsticks individually or in small batches in foil or plastic wrap, then stash them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Whenever a craving strikes, you’re just a few minutes away from fresh breadsticks back on your table.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks (still wrapped in foil) in the oven and heat for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. For extra flavor, brush with a touch of garlic butter before serving. If you’re in a hurry, a zap in the microwave for 15–20 seconds also works, though they may not stay quite as crisp.
FAQs
What makes Olive Garden Breadsticks so soft and fluffy?
The combination of just the right yeast activation, a soft dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky, and two proper rises creates that trademark light and wonderful texture. The finishing brush of buttery goodness also helps keep the crust tender, just like the restaurant version!
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise the first time, and then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to shape and bake, bring the dough back to room temperature, divide, roll, and let rise a second time before baking for maximum freshness.
Is there a way to make these breadsticks vegan?
Yes! Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based substitute and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are already naturally plant-based, so a tiny tweak is all you need to make vegan Olive Garden Breadsticks.
My dough isn’t rising—what might have gone wrong?
Check that your yeast is still good and that the water wasn’t too hot or cold when you mixed it in (110°F is ideal). Old yeast or improper water temperature can both prevent the dough from rising. Try again with fresh yeast and a thermometer for accuracy if you’re having trouble.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Bread flour will yield a slightly chewier, more elastic breadstick with a bit more structure. If you love a heartier bite, give it a try! Either flour will bring you delicious, restaurant-style results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a tray of homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks fresh from your oven—the house smells incredible, and everyone is instantly drawn to the kitchen. If you’ve ever wished you could bring that irresistible warmth and flavor home, this recipe is your answer. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if these tender, buttery breadsticks become your new family tradition!
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Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to recreate the famous Olive Garden breadsticks at home with this simple and delicious recipe. These soft and garlicky breadsticks are perfect as a side dish for your favorite Italian meals.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups all-purpose flour
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add salt, 2 tablespoons butter, and 3 cups flour. Gradually add remaining flour, knead until soft and tacky. Rise for 1 hour.
- Shaping: Divide dough, roll into ropes, and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven, bake breadsticks for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
- Garlic Butter Finish: Melt 2 tablespoons butter, mix in garlic powder and parsley. Brush on hot breadsticks.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with kosher salt after brushing with garlic butter.
- You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise—just bring to room temperature before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1½ hours rising)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
