If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks, you’re in for a treat! These breadsticks are every bit as soft, buttery, and garlicky as the restaurant version—and the best part? You can enjoy them fresh from your own oven, any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better Than Takeout: Homemade means fresher, fluffier breadsticks with that classic buttery finish—no need to wait for delivery.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Nothing fancy here! You’ll find everything you need right in your kitchen, making this recipe perfect for spur-of-the-moment baking.
- Customizable for Every Taste: Whether you love extra garlic, a cheesy top, or want to make them vegan, these breadsticks adapt easily to your preferences.
- Irresistible Fresh-Out-of-the-Oven Aroma: There’s nothing cozier than the scent of baking breadsticks filling your home—instant mood booster!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using just basic baking staples. Each ingredient plays its role in creating the signature flavor and pillowy texture you crave in restaurant-style breadsticks.
- Warm Water (1 cup + 2 Tbsp, 110-115°F): The perfect temperature to activate your yeast without killing it—think baby bath warm, not steaming hot.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 1/4 tsp): The magic ingredient that lifts and softens your breadsticks. Always check that it’s fresh for a stellar rise.
- Granulated Sugar (2 Tbsp, divided): Not only sweetens the bread a touch, but also helps the yeast grow nice and bubbly.
- All-Purpose Flour (3–3 1/2 cups): The backbone of your breadsticks—measure by gently scooping and leveling for best texture.
- Salt (1 3/4 tsp, plus extra for topping): Essential for both the dough and that crave-worthy, savory finish.
- Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil (3 Tbsp): Keeps the breadsticks tender and adds a subtle richness you’ll love.
- Butter (2 Tbsp, for topping): Melted over hot breadsticks, it soaks in for that soft, glossy Olive Garden sheen.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp, for topping): Delivers that unmistakable, savory garlic aroma—don’t skip this step!
Variations
The beauty of these Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks? You can personalize them to fit your craving, occasion, or dietary preferences—making them a true homemade favorite every time you bake.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Sprinkle your breadsticks with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella right after brushing with butter for a gooey, golden top.
- Herb Lovers’ Twist: Mix Italian seasoning or chopped fresh parsley into the garlic butter for a fragrant, garden-fresh finish.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for melted plant-based spread to make amazing dairy-free breadsticks everyone can enjoy.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nutty flavor and a boost of fiber.
How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking together the warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Let it rest for about 10 minutes—you’re waiting for bubbles and a frothy top that tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add in the rest of the sugar, 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and oil. Fit your mixer with the paddle attachment and beat until everything is just combined and looking shaggy. Don’t worry if it’s still sticky at this point!
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Switch to the dough hook, adding the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour (and a little more if needed). Knead on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides and feels soft and elastic, about 6–8 minutes. You want it slightly sticky, not dry.
Step 4: First Rise
Grease a large bowl with butter and plop your silky dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size—about 1.5 hours. This is the secret to light, fluffy breadsticks!
Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces (2 ounces each if you want to be precise). Roll each piece into a smooth, 9-inch rope and arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Keep the others covered with plastic to prevent drying.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover your shaped breadsticks and let them rise again for about an hour—they’ll puff up beautifully, ready for baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F during the last 10 minutes of this rise.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake breadsticks for 11–13 minutes, until they’re golden and fragrant. While they’re hot, brush generously with melted butter and sprinkle with your garlic-salt topping. It’s pure Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks bliss, right in your kitchen!
Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks
- Get Yeast Happy: Make absolutely sure your water is in the 110–115°F sweet spot—too cool and your dough might not rise, too hot and you risk sad, inactive yeast.
- Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should feel supple and only slightly sticky; excess flour will make your breadsticks dense and dry, so add it gradually as needed while kneading.
- Shape Like a Pro: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface, using gentle pressure from both hands for smooth, even breadsticks that bake up beautifully uniform.
- Bake to a Perfect Golden Brown: For that signature soft-yet-golden finish, keep an eye on the breadsticks during the last few minutes—move them up a rack if you crave a deeper color.
How to Serve Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks
Garnishes
For the full Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks experience, brush the breadsticks with a bit of extra melted butter just before serving and sprinkle with a touch more garlic powder or even freshly chopped parsley for a pop of vibrant green. Feeling adventurous? A dusting of Parmesan takes them over the top!
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are an absolute dream alongside classic Italian dishes—think hearty lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, or a bubbling baked ziti. They also shine as a snack dunked in warm marinara or as the perfect companion to a crisp Caesar salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks in a cozy bread basket, wrap them in a linen napkin to keep them warm, or arrange them in a standing jar for a fun, interactive centerpiece. For gatherings, stand them in individual glasses with dips on the side for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra breadsticks (though they disappear fast!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready for reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled breadsticks tightly in foil, then place them inside a freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months—perfect for last-minute cravings or guests. Thaw overnight on the counter or gently reheat from frozen.
Reheating
For best results, wrap breadsticks in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds, but oven reheating brings back that fresh-baked texture. Brush with extra melted butter and a pinch more garlic powder, if desired, before serving.
FAQs
-
Can I make Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Simply mix the dough by hand in a large bowl until well combined, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but the results are just as delicious.
-
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and you can gently press it with a fingertip—the indentation should slowly spring back. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
-
Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise and shaping, you can cover the breadsticks and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking as usual. This makes fresh Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks even more convenient for dinner parties or busy evenings.
-
What’s the best way to make sure my breadsticks are soft and not tough?
The secret is in two things: don’t add too much flour (the dough should remain a little sticky), and don’t overbake. Watch closely in the oven and remove once they’re just golden—they’ll continue to cook and set as they cool slightly.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks are the kind of magic you can easily recreate in your own kitchen—warm, fluffy, and always disappearing in minutes. Give them a try soon and watch your family’s eyes light up as you serve the ultimate sidekick to any meal (or just on their own!). Happy baking!
Print
Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Olive Garden copycat breadsticks at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp warm water (110 – 115 degrees)
- 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 3 – 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
Topping:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar until yeast has dissolved. Allow to rest 10 minutes.
- Add in remaining 1 Tbsp + 2 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 3/4 tsp salt, and vegetable oil. Fit mixer with paddle attachment and blend mixture until well combined.
- Switch mixer to dough hook attachment, add in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour and knead mixture on low speed, adding up to 1/4 cup additional flour as needed, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a large buttered mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rest in a warm place free from draft until double, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch risen dough down, divide into 12 equal portions (2 ounces each by weight), keep them covered with plastic wrap as you work. Roll each piece into a 9-inch rope on a lightly floured surface, then transfer to two parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 425 during the last 10 minutes of rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 11 – 13 minutes until golden. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 tsp salt and garlic powder.
- Remove breadsticks from the oven and run a stick of butter over hot breadsticks (using 2 Tbsp, or brush with melted butter) and immediately sprinkle with garlic salt mixture.
- Serve warm. Let any leftovers cool and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Dough should pull away from sides of the bowl but should still be slightly sticky. If you add too much flour, the dough becomes too hard to shape and breadsticks will be drier and denser.
- If you want rolls more golden brown on top, you can move the oven rack up one level to bake. Just keep an eye on them too, as every oven varies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *