Print

Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

Enjoy these soft, buttery Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks that perfectly replicate the beloved restaurant classic. These breadsticks are flavorful with a garlic butter topping and have a tender, airy crumb with a golden crust. They’re ideal for pairing with pasta, soups, or salads and are delightful warm out of the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, plus a pinch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

Garlic Butter Topping

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1–2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of warm water (110°F), 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until a frothy layer forms on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in 4 cups all-purpose flour until a shaggy dough forms that starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand for 10-12 minutes or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 7-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
  4. First Rise (Proofing): Lightly grease a clean large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough into the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover tightly and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape Breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16-20 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch long, ½-¾ inch thick rope. Arrange the shaped breadsticks about 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  6. Second Rise & Preheat Oven: Lightly cover the shaped breadsticks and let them rise again in a warm, draft-free spot for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy. During the last 15 minutes of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Bake Breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bottom.
  8. Apply Garlic Butter Topping: While the breadsticks bake, melt ½ cup unsalted butter and stir in 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder and an optional pinch of salt. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, generously brush the tops and sides with the garlic butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with extra garlic powder or dried parsley for added flavor and color.
  9. Serve: Serve the breadsticks warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure water is not too hot when activating yeast; 110°F is ideal to avoid killing the yeast.
  • For a softer crust, brush extra olive oil or butter immediately after baking besides the garlic butter topping.
  • The breadsticks can be frozen after shaping and before the second rise; thaw and let rise fully before baking.
  • Use fresh garlic powder for the best flavor impact in the topping.
  • Do not skip the second rise to ensure fluffy breadsticks.
  • To make it vegetarian, confirm the sugar is bone char free if necessary.

Keywords: Olive Garden breadsticks, homemade breadsticks, garlic breadsticks, soft breadsticks, Italian breadsticks

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/homemade-olive-garden-breadsticks-recipe/