If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could bring the irresistible aroma and soft, buttery goodness of Olive Garden right into your own kitchen, then you are in for an absolute treat. This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe captures that signature taste and texture so perfectly, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it. These breadsticks are delightfully fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, generously brushed with garlic butter that melts on every bite. It’s a simple recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite, perfect for sharing during a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these breadsticks starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together to deliver that soft, chewy texture and delicious flavor you love. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the yeast that gives the dough rise, to the garlic powder that adds just the right hint of savory warmth.
- Warm water (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast to create a fluffy dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet): The essential leavening agent that makes the breadsticks rise.
- Granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 tbsp + 3 tbsp): Adds richness and moisture to the dough and finishing brush.
- Salt (1¼ tsp + ½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses the breadsticks with that classic garlicky aroma Olive Garden is famous for.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start off by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, which means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough. This is the secret first step to achieving those soft, airy breadsticks.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Next, stir in the melted butter, salt, and two cups of flour. Mix everything well before gradually adding the remaining flour. You’re aiming for a soft dough that isn’t too sticky but still slightly tender, the perfect texture to knead and mold into your breadsticks.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten that will give your breadsticks structure and chewiness. If you prefer, a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook can cut this time down to 6 to 8 minutes—but I love the hands-on feeling that kneading gives.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a generously oiled bowl to prevent sticking. Cover it and leave it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for a light, airy crumb inside each breadstick.
Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch long rope and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This shaping helps recreate the familiar look of Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let your shaped breadsticks rest loosely covered for another 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, they will puff up and become even softer, setting you up for the perfect bite after baking.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake your breadsticks for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown. The smell during baking is absolutely mouth-watering and will have everyone in the kitchen waiting eagerly.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
As soon as your breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter mixed with garlic powder and salt. This finishing touch seals in moisture and delivers that unmistakable garlic flavor that makes this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
For a little twist, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan right after brushing with garlic butter. It adds a pop of color and a burst of savory flavor that complements the softness of the breadsticks beautifully.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair perfectly with almost any meal, especially Italian favorites like spaghetti Bolognese, creamy alfredo pasta, or even a hearty minestrone soup. Their buttery, garlicky flavor makes them ideal for dipping into marinara sauce or melted cheese as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these breadsticks in a rustic bread basket lined with a warm napkin for a charming touch, or present them alongside a trio of dipping sauces—think garlic ranch, marinara, and pesto—to create a fun and interactive appetizer experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry out breadsticks quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked breadstick dough after the first rise. Divide and shape the dough, place it on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw and go through the second rise before baking for fresh-baked taste anytime.
Reheating
To reheat breadsticks, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep them soft, fresh, and delicious as if they were just baked.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without activating it in warm water first. It will still produce fluffy breadsticks, just slightly shorten the rising time.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Don’t worry! Add flour a little at a time on your kneading surface, but be careful not to add too much or your breadsticks might end up dense. The dough should feel soft yet manageable.
Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?
It’s possible but requires a special gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast breads to achieve a similar texture. Also, expect the taste and chewiness to be a bit different from the classic recipe.
How do I know when the breadsticks are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown color on the top and bottom, and a hollow sound if you tap the crust lightly. They should feel firm but still soft inside when you break one apart.
Is garlic powder necessary for the flavor?
While garlic powder is key to replicating that iconic Olive Garden garlic breadstick flavor, you can experiment with fresh minced garlic in the butter for a more robust, but less subtle, garlic taste.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe—it’s a little slice of Italian-American comfort that everyone will adore. Once you make these, you’ll see how simple ingredients and a little patience come together to create something truly special. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of fresh-baked breadsticks that taste just like your favorite restaurant’s.
Print
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, just like the beloved restaurant classic. Perfectly golden and fluffy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, they’re an irresistible side for any Italian meal or a delicious snack on their own.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that is no longer sticky.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for 6–8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch long rope and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and allow them to rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy and slightly risen.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12–14 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately after baking, brush the breadsticks with a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and salt to give them their signature savory garlic flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a softer texture, brush the breadsticks with the garlic butter multiple times right after baking while still hot.
- You can add a sprinkle of dried parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
- Make sure the water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have garlic powder, you can substitute with fresh minced garlic mixed into the melted butter, but be cautious as fresh garlic is more potent.
- These breadsticks freeze well. Once baked and cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
