Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

If you’re dreaming of cozying up to a basket of Olive Garden Breadsticks fresh from your own oven, you’re in for a treat! These pillowy, golden breadsticks are brushed with rich garlic butter and have that soft chew and irresistible aroma we all know and love. Perfect for everything from Italian feasts to casual snacking, making these crowd-pleasers at home is easier than you’d think and absolutely worth the effort. You’ll soon discover that nothing beats the moment you pull these warm, heavenly sticks from the oven—especially when you share them with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item on this list does double-duty: making the dough luscious and soft, building up subtle flavor, and ensuring that signature look and aroma. Let’s take a look at what you need for classic Olive Garden Breadsticks, and why each ingredient matters.

• Warm water (1 ½ cups, 110°F): The right water temperature wakes up the yeast and sets the foundation for a lofty rise.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This is the magic that gives your breadsticks their airy texture and wonderful oven spring.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): It’s strong enough to provide structure, yet all-purpose flour makes for tender, soft breadsticks everyone will love.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sugar not only feeds the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully, but also adds just a hint of sweetness that completes the flavor.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Melted butter in the dough means richness and a lovely, soft crumb from the inside out.
• Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Salt boosts all the other flavors and helps regulate the yeast’s activity for consistent results.
• For Garlic Butter Topping: This is the signature finish! You’ll need 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt for a craving-inducing topcoat.

How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine, then let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a frothy, bubbly layer on top—this means your yeast is alive and kicking, promising those tall, fluffy breadsticks!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Next, add the flour, melted butter, and salt straight into the yeast mixture. Take your time mixing; as the dough comes together, you’ll see it transform from a shaggy ball into something smoother. Use your hands or a dough hook to knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. It should end up silky and elastic—a true testament to the love put into Olive Garden Breadsticks.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Pop your dough into a greased bowl and cover it up (a clean towel or plastic wrap does the trick). Now comes the tough part: patience! Give it an hour in a warm spot, and let the yeast work its magic. The dough should double in size, becoming airy and soft.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Punch down the risen dough gently to release air, then divide it into 12 equal pieces—like portioning out little clouds. Roll each piece into that classic breadstick shape. There’s no need for perfection; those little quirky details make your Olive Garden Breadsticks special.

Step 5: Rise Again

Place your shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them once more. Give them another 30 minutes for a final rise, and they’ll get plumper and more beautiful, ready for their moment in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

With your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C), slide the breadsticks in and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out—they should be golden on top but still soft inside. The incredible smell will be your signal!

Step 7: Brush with Heavenly Garlic Butter

While they bake, melt your remaining butter and whisk in the garlic powder and salt. The moment the breadsticks come out, brush them generously with this mixture. This step is the secret to that classic Olive Garden Breadsticks flavor, making them downright irresistible.

How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks

Garnishes

These breadsticks are fantastic on their own, but a little flourish never hurts! Sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of parmesan cheese right after brushing with garlic butter. It adds color, aroma, and a touch of authenticity that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

Olive Garden Breadsticks are the ultimate sidekick for so many dishes. Pair them with a zesty marinara, creamy Alfredo sauce, or even a hearty bowl of minestrone. You can even serve them as dippers with soups and salads to soak up every last drop or bit of dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking the breadsticks in a circular “pull-apart” ring, serve them in a bread basket with a tea towel, or arrange them in a rustic vase-style container for a dinner party centerpiece. No matter how you present them, watching them disappear from the table is the real reward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Olive Garden Breadsticks (which is a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and flavorful but are always best enjoyed the day they’re made.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze baked breadsticks for future cravings. Just let them cool completely, wrap each one individually, and keep them in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer for up to two months. Label and date for best results!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked taste, warm your breadsticks in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes straight from the freezer, or 2 to 3 minutes if thawed. A quick extra brush of melted butter just before serving brings them right back to their original glory.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. The process is the same, just skip the proofing step—add the instant yeast directly to your flour mixture and proceed as usual for Olive Garden Breadsticks.

What if I don’t have garlic powder for the topping?

No need to panic. You can use a tiny bit of freshly minced garlic or even garlic salt (just reduce the added salt). The goal is that familiar savory kick in every bite.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate for up to 12 hours before shaping and baking. This is a great way to get ahead for a dinner party or busy weeknight—Olive Garden Breadsticks on demand!

How do I get perfectly shaped breadsticks?

Don’t stress about perfection! For the best results, gently roll each piece of dough between your hands and the counter. If the dough resists, let it rest for a couple of minutes before trying again. Practice makes deliciousness.

Why did my breadsticks turn out dense?

This often happens if the dough doesn’t rise enough, or if too much flour is added. Make sure to measure flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method and double-check that your yeast is active for delightfully soft Olive Garden Breadsticks.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried your hand at these homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks, you’ll never look back. Fresh, buttery, and downright delicious, they have a way of turning any meal into something special. Don’t be surprised if these become the most requested treat in your kitchen—give them a try, and enjoy every bite!

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