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Delicious Olive Garden breadsticks served warm with garlic and herbs

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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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.