If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know their breadsticks are something special. But did you know you can make them at home? Soft, warm, and perfectly buttery, these Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food. They’re so easy to make, and the best part is that you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time. Serve them with your favorite pasta or just enjoy them on their own. Either way, they’ll be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These breadsticks are everything you love about the ones at Olive Garden, but now you can make them right in your own kitchen. They’re soft on the inside, golden brown on the outside, and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, they’re the perfect side to any meal. Plus, the recipe is so simple, you’ll be making them all the time.

Ingredients
(Full ingredient list below, but here’s a sneak peek!)

1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This is how you know the yeast is working!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Add in the melted butter, and mix until you have a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin strip, about 6 inches long. Place the breadsticks on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 5: Bake the Breadsticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter

While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Don’t be shy – they’ll soak it up and be even more delicious!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make sure the water is warm, not hot: Yeast is sensitive, and if the water is too hot, it could kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of around 110°F (43°C).
Let the dough rise in a warm place: Yeast dough rises best in a warm environment. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C), turn it off, and let the dough rise inside with the oven door closed.
Use fresh yeast: If you’re using yeast that’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, double-check the expiration date. Fresh yeast makes for fluffier, lighter breadsticks.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top of the breadsticks just before baking. It adds a nice salty flavor and melts beautifully.
Herb butter: If you’re craving more herbs, try mixing in some dried oregano or basil with the garlic butter for an Italian-inspired flavor.
Whole wheat option: You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These breadsticks are perfect with any Italian dish. Serve them alongside your favorite pasta, like spaghetti and marinara or fettuccine Alfredo. They also go wonderfully with a fresh salad or as an appetizer with a dip like marinara or ranch dressing. But honestly, they’re so delicious, you might just enjoy them on their own!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. For extra garlic butter, just brush them again before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Yes, if you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to mix and knead the dough. Just be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the flour.
How can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these breadsticks without yeast?
While yeast is key to getting the soft, fluffy texture, you could experiment with a quick bread recipe using baking powder instead of yeast, but the result will be different in texture.
Why did my breadsticks turn out hard?
If your breadsticks turned out hard, they may have been overbaked, or the dough may have been overworked. Make sure to check them toward the end of baking and don’t knead the dough too much.

Conclusion

These Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks are the perfect addition to any meal. Soft, buttery, and with just the right amount of garlic flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality breadsticks at home. Make a batch today, and they’ll be gone in no time!

Olive Garden Breadsticks

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Soft, warm, and perfectly buttery, these Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make, they’re a great side dish to any meal or just a treat on their own. Fresh from the oven, these breadsticks will quickly become a favorite!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian (Inspired by Olive Garden)
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a 6-inch strip and place on a greased baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Breadsticks

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter

Melt remaining butter and mix with garlic powder and parsley. Brush the baked breadsticks generously with the garlic butter.

Notes

Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
Let the dough rise in a warm environment to ensure proper proofing. If necessary, use your oven (preheat to 200°F/93°C, then turn off) to create a warm space.
For extra flavor, you can mix in more herbs with the garlic butter, such as oregano or basil.