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
Scale
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.
