If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you’ve no doubt indulged in their warm, pillowy breadsticks that seem to melt in your mouth. These buttery, garlicky delights are the ultimate comfort food, and now, with this copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe, you can enjoy them at home any time you want!
Whether you're preparing them as a side to your favorite pasta dish or enjoying them as a snack, these homemade breadsticks will bring the iconic taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and brushed with a buttery garlic topping, these breadsticks are a treat the whole family will love. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic Taste – These breadsticks are just like the ones served at Olive Garden.
✔️ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have these breadsticks ready in no time.
✔️ Soft & Fluffy – These breadsticks are incredibly soft on the inside with a slight crunch on the outside.
✔️ Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them alongside your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Breadsticks:
- 240g warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 7g active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 5g granulated sugar
- 400g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 30g olive oil
- 30g unsalted butter, melted (for the dough)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with the olive oil and melted butter.
- Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky, but be careful not to add too much as it could make the breadsticks tough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. You can place the dough in an oven that’s been heated to 200°F (93°C) and then turned off to create a warm, draft-free environment.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle that’s about ½ inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal strips.
- Roll each strip into a long, thin shape, about 6 inches in length. Place each breadstick on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up slightly.
Step 6: Bake the Breadsticks
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the breadsticks have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, dried parsley, and salt. Stir well and allow the garlic to cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
- Once the breadsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Be sure to coat each breadstick evenly for that perfect buttery finish.
- For an extra boost of flavor, you can sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top while the butter is still hot.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’re still delicious when they cool down. Serve with your favorite pasta dish, salad, or just on their own for an irresistible snack!
Nutrition Facts (Per Breadstick, Approximate)
- Calories: 170
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: For soft, pillowy breadsticks, don’t rush the rise. Make sure the dough doubles in size before shaping.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: This is what gives the breadsticks their signature flavor. Be generous with it!
- Use a Pizza Cutter: For evenly cut strips, a pizza cutter makes the job easier and quicker.
- Add More Flavor: For extra richness, you can brush the breadsticks with a parmesan and garlic mixture or sprinkle some garlic powder into the dough.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like oregano or basil, feel free to add them to the garlic butter for an additional layer of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store the leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each breadstick in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Final Thoughts
These Olive Garden Breadsticks are the perfect addition to any meal. Soft, buttery, and just like the ones served at the restaurant, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Best of all, you can enjoy them fresh from your own kitchen, no reservation required! Pair them with your favorite pasta or soup, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food.
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