Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These breadsticks are soft and fluffy on the inside, while golden brown on the outside, with just the right amount of garlic and buttery goodness. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or enjoying them on their own, this recipe brings a piece of the Olive Garden experience right to your table. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, softened butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch long rope and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake the Breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Prepare the Topping: While the breadsticks are baking, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt.
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Brush and Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them with the melted butter mixture. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-14 breadsticks
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour + 20-30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Breadsticks: After brushing with the garlic butter mixture, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the breadsticks for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in a teaspoon of dried herbs such as oregano or basil into the dough for a more herby flavor.
- Stuffed Breadsticks: You can stuff the dough with mozzarella or your favorite cheese before shaping them into ropes for a cheesy surprise.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warm. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You don’t need to activate it in water. Simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked breadsticks. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. What can I serve with these breadsticks?
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even on their own with a dipping sauce like marinara.
5. Can I add extra garlic to the topping?
Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the garlic powder in the topping to suit your taste.
6. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should have doubled in size during the first rise. You can check by pressing your finger into it; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
7. Why didn’t my breadsticks rise properly?
If the dough didn’t rise, the yeast may not have been activated properly or the room temperature might have been too cold. Ensure the water is warm (not hot) for the yeast.
8. Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?
Yes, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these breadsticks.
9. How do I make the breadsticks extra soft?
To keep the breadsticks extra soft, ensure you don’t overbake them and brush them with butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
10. Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Conclusion
Making Olive Garden breadsticks at home is easier than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy these soft, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks straight from your own kitchen. Whether as a side to your favorite Italian dish or as a snack on their own, they are sure to be a hit with everyone
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 breadsticks
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking Kneading
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the iconic Olive Garden breadsticks at home with this easy copycat recipe! These soft, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks are perfect as a side to pasta, soups, or even enjoyed on their own. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of Olive Garden right from your kitchen. This homemade version is just as delicious and will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-7 inch rope and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the breadsticks with a towel and let rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Breadsticks: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Topping: While baking, melt butter and mix in garlic powder and salt.
- Brush and Serve: Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture and serve warm.
Notes
- These breadsticks are best served immediately to maintain their freshness and softness.
- For extra flavor, try adding Parmesan cheese after brushing with the garlic butter.
- Adjust the garlic powder to your preference for a stronger or milder garlic taste.
- Feel free to experiment with adding herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for a twist.
