The Perfect Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I recreate this Olive Garden breadsticks recipe that reminds me of cozy Italian restaurants.

Memories of warm, buttery bread wafting through dining rooms sweep me back to nostalgic moments.

Restaurants near home never quite matched the soft, golden texture I craved.

Crispy outside and fluffy inside, these breadsticks capture restaurant magic right in your own cooking space.

Perfect alongside pasta or enjoyed as a standalone snack, they promise comfort in every delicious bite.

Salt, garlic, and butter create an irresistible combination that will make everyone ask for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this simple yet incredible recipe that brings restaurant magic directly to your table.

What’s Classic About Olive Garden Breadsticks

• Bake Bakery-Quality Breadsticks at Home: Perfect homemade version that rivals restaurant favorites.
• Master Simple Dough Crafting: No advanced baking skills required, making this recipe accessible for beginners with basic kitchen equipment.
• Quick Weekend Cooking Project: Takes just over an hour from start to finish, allowing families to enjoy fresh, warm breadsticks without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Soft, buttery breadsticks that appeal to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Components

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and silky base for creating perfect breadsticks, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Living organism that helps dough rise and develop delicious flavor, fresh and unexpired is key.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, helps activate fermentation process.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps blend ingredients, temperature should be around 110°F.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create soft, tender breadstick texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and strengthens gluten structure.

• Garlic Powder: Provides classic Olive Garden breadstick signature flavor, use fresh for best taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates golden, glossy surface and adds rich, buttery taste.
• Dried Oregano: Optional herb that adds traditional Italian restaurant-style seasoning.
• Kosher Salt: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and authentic restaurant-style finish.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Baking Guide

Step 1: Mix Yeast Activation

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Bread flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Gradually add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.

Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead vigorously for 7-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

The texture should feel soft and springy when pressed.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel.

Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.

Roll each portion into a long, smooth rope about 7-8 inches long.

Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped breadsticks and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they look puffy and slightly larger.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown.

The edges should look crisp and the surface should have a beautiful, even color.

Step 9: Final Touch

Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the breadsticks with more melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley for that classic Olive Garden look and flavor.

Breadstick Baking Tips from Olive Garden

• Ensure water temperature is between 110-115°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating soft and fluffy breadsticks.
• Roll dough into smooth, uniform logs about 7 inches long, keeping consistent thickness for even baking and professional appearance.
• Brush warm breadsticks generously with garlic butter immediately after baking to enhance flavor and create that signature Olive Garden shine.
• Cover rising dough with damp kitchen towel to maintain moisture and prevent skin from forming, ensuring tender breadsticks.
• Store cooled breadsticks in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, reheating briefly in oven to restore warmth and softness.

Olive Garden Breadsticks That Stay Soft

• Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and prevent drying out.
• Wrap breadsticks in aluminum foil and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, warm texture and original deliciousness.
• For quick reheating, place breadsticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking.
• If breadsticks feel slightly stale, sprinkle with water before reheating to help restore their original softness and warmth.

Dip Ideas for Olive Garden Breadsticks

• Boost Bread Flavor: Pair these warm, garlicky breadsticks with a crisp Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and complements the buttery texture.
• Enhance Dipping Experience: Serve alongside marinara sauce or herbed olive oil for an extra burst of Italian-inspired taste that elevates the simple breadstick.
• Create Appetizer Magic: Combine with a light antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, and fresh mozzarella to transform these breadsticks into a complete starter.
• Perfect Cheese Companion: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or aged Romano on top to add a sharp, salty kick that intensifies the breadstick's overall flavor profile.

Breadsticks with Easy Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Breadstick Swap: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
• Whole Wheat Health Boost: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutritional value.
• Herb-Infused Breadsticks: Mix dried Italian herbs like rosemary, basil, and oregano directly into the dough for an aromatic flavor profile.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Use plant-based butter substitute and replace eggs with flaxseed meal or aquafaba to create dairy-free breadsticks.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Test your yeast by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbles within 5-10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your water is warm (not hot) and your yeast is fresh. Room temperature and a draft-free environment help the dough rise correctly.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these breadsticks?

A stand mixer helps, but you can also knead the dough by hand. A baking sheet and parchment paper are useful for baking.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Olive Garden Breadsticks invite you on a delicious journey through Italian-American comfort cuisine. Warm, buttery perfection pairs with garlic and herbs, promising a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Wet and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5 minutes.
2. Combine flour, salt, and softened butter in a large mixing bowl, creating a soft, elastic dough through gentle kneading.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
4. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions for uniform breadsticks.
5. Roll each portion into long, smooth cylinder shapes on a lightly floured surface.
6. Place the shaped dough on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each breadstick for expansion.
7. Allow the shaped breadsticks to proof for an additional 30 minutes, becoming slightly puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature, ensuring even heat distribution.
9. Brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried herbs before baking.
10. Bake until the breadsticks turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior with a soft interior.
11. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter and a light dusting of garlic salt.
12. Serve warm, offering a restaurant-style experience with a side of marinara or alfredo sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Ensure yeast is fresh and activated by checking for foamy texture when mixed with warm water and sugar.
• Knead dough thoroughly for at least 7-8 minutes to develop proper gluten structure and achieve that signature soft texture.
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it double in size and create airy, light breadsticks.
• Brush generously with garlic butter immediately after baking to get that classic Olive Garden golden sheen and rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg