Olive Garden Breadsticks

These Olive Garden Breadsticks are warm, soft, and full of garlic butter. They remind many people of a fun meal out, but you can make them at home in a simple way. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, with a light inside, a soft crust, and a bright garlic flavor. It pairs well with pasta, soup, or a fresh salad, and it works for weeknights or parties. If you enjoy Olive Garden style food, you might also like the Olive Garden pasta salad for a full meal. Get ready to bake, and have fun pulling these warm sticks from the pan.

how to prepare Olive Garden Breadsticks

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water, about 110°F to 115°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for pan
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Pinch of salt, for topping

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mix and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot about 1 hour, until doubled.
5. Punch down dough. Divide into 12 to 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6 to 7 inch stick.
6. Place sticks on a greased baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover and let rise 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Bake breadsticks 12 to 15 minutes, until light golden on top.
9. Meanwhile, melt butter and stir in garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
10. Brush hot breadsticks with the garlic butter right after they come from the oven.
11. Serve warm.

Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Breadsticks

• Soft and light, just like the ones from the restaurant.
• Simple ingredients you likely have at home.
• Fast to make, and great for feeding a group.
• The garlic butter on top adds big, familiar flavor.

tips for success

• Use warm water, not hot, to wake the yeast.
• Knead until the dough feels smooth, this helps a soft crumb.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best volume.
• Brush with garlic butter right away, so the flavor soaks in.
• For extra chew, let the dough rest a bit longer before shaping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with marinara sauce or melted cheese for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad and pasta for a full meal.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan after brushing with butter.
• Wrap leftover breadsticks in foil and warm them in the oven before serving again.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, place the dough in the fridge after the first rise. Let it rest overnight, then shape and bake the next day.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast or instant yeast?
A: Both work. If you use instant yeast, you can mix it with the flour directly and skip the first proof step with water.

Q: How do I get the breadsticks soft, not crusty?
A: Do not overbake them. Brush with butter right after they come out of the oven to keep them soft.

Q: Can I freeze the dough or baked breadsticks?
A: You can freeze shaped sticks before the second rise, or freeze baked sticks in a sealed bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

For another tested copycat version, see this helpful recipe on Handle the Heat for tips and a full method, it can guide you if you want an exact match: copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe on Handle the Heat.

Olive Garden Breadsticks

These warm, soft breadsticks are full of garlic butter and reminiscent of Olive Garden's famous recipe. Perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 breadsticks

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water, about 110°F to 115°F Use warm water, not hot, to wake the yeast.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) Alternatively, you can use instant yeast.
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting Knead until smooth for best texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for pan
• 1 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted and mixed with seasonings.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 pinch salt, for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mix and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot about 1 hour, until doubled.
5. Punch down dough. Divide into 12 to 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6 to 7 inch stick.

Baking

1. Place sticks on a greased baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover and let rise 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Bake breadsticks 12 to 15 minutes, until light golden on top.

Finishing Touch

1. Meanwhile, melt butter and stir in garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. Brush hot breadsticks with the garlic butter right after they come from the oven.
3. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra chew, let the dough rest a bit longer before shaping. Serve with marinara sauce or melted cheese for dipping. Wrap leftover breadsticks in foil and warm them in the oven before serving again.