Craving those irresistibly soft, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks from Olive Garden? You’ve come to the right place. This foolproof copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe delivers that iconic flavor and fluffy texture you love, right in your own kitchen. Forget waiting for a table; warm, fresh breadsticks are just a little over an hour away. They are the perfect companion to any pasta dish or soup, making any meal feel special.
We’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to perfection, ensuring anyone can recreate the magic at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with the ultimate comfort food appetizer that tastes just like the real deal.
Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
There’s a reason everyone loves the breadsticks at Olive Garden, and this recipe captures all of that magic. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Authentic Flavor & Texture: We’ve perfected the balance of a soft, pillowy interior with a slightly crisp, buttery, and garlic-salt-dusted exterior.
- Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let yeast intimidate you! The steps are straightforward, using simple pantry staples to create something truly special.
- Better Than The Restaurant: Nothing beats the taste of a truly fresh, warm breadstick straight from your own oven. They are unbelievably delicious and will disappear fast.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner of Homemade Alfredo Sauce or hosting a dinner party, these breadsticks elevate any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Warm Water: It’s crucial for activating the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 105-115°F (40-46°C).
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and creates that signature light, airy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a little bit to feed the yeast and add a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Melted Butter: We use it in the dough for richness and on top for that classic buttery finish.
- Salt: Essential for flavor in the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our breadsticks. You can also use bread flour for an even chewier texture.
- Garlic Salt: The key ingredient for the topping that gives these breadsticks their iconic savory flavor.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect homemade breadsticks. This process is simple and rewarding!
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter and salt. Fit your mixer with the dough hook attachment. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour, about one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Continue to knead the dough on low speed for 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7 to 8-inch rope. Place the ropes on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the baking sheet loosely with a kitchen towel and let the breadsticks rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they look puffy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Watch them closely in the last few minutes to prevent them from getting too dark.
Step 7: The Signature Garlic Butter Topping
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the remaining melted butter. Immediately sprinkle them with garlic salt. This final step is what makes them taste just like the ones from Olive Garden!
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Want to ensure your breadsticks are absolutely perfect? Follow these expert tips:
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast isn’t expired. The “proofing” step is your insurance—if it doesn’t get foamy, the yeast is no longer active, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Add the flour gradually. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry. Too much flour can result in dense, heavy breadsticks.
- A Warm Spot is Key: Yeast loves warmth. If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in an oven that is turned off but has the light on.
- Don’t Overbake: For that classic soft texture, pull the breadsticks from the oven as soon as they are a light golden brown. Overbaking will make them hard and dry.
Serving Suggestions
These copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are the perfect partner for so many meals. They are a must-have for dipping into a hearty soup like this Marry Me Chicken Soup or sopping up the sauce from a classic pasta dish. For a full restaurant-at-home experience, pair them with our Shrimp Alfredo or a fresh Roasted Beet Salad. They truly make any dinner feel more complete.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them.
Storing: Keep the breadsticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, wrap the breadsticks in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This helps them regain their softness. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but they may be a bit chewier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl with a wooden spoon, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Yes. After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
Yes, you can use instant yeast. If you do, you can skip the ‘proofing’ step and mix the yeast directly in with the dry ingredients. Your rise times may also be slightly shorter.
The key to soft breadsticks is not to overbake them. Pull them from the oven as soon as they are a light golden brown. Brushing them with butter immediately after baking also helps keep them soft and flavorful.
For best results, let the breadsticks cool completely after baking. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
We hope you love this simple recipe for Olive Garden Breadsticks! It’s a family favorite for a reason. If you enjoyed making these, we know you’ll have fun trying some of our other popular recipes. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Olive Garden Breadsticks (The BEST Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add 2 tbsp melted butter, salt, and gradually add the flour with the mixer on low, using the dough hook attachment. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 7-8 inch rope. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Immediately after baking, brush the hot breadsticks with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle generously with garlic salt.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
