why make this recipe

Olive Garden Breadsticks are not only a beloved staple at the restaurant, but they are also easy to make at home. The soft, warm breadsticks are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying with your favorite pasta dish. This recipe gives you the chance to recreate that amazing taste in your own kitchen. Making these breadsticks is also a great way to impress family and friends, as they will love the fresh, warm aroma that fills your home. Plus, they are simple enough to bake alongside any meal, making dinner a little extra special.

how to make Olive Garden Breadsticks

Creating these delicious breadsticks is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. With just a few ingredients, you can turn flour and water into a warm, golden delight. Follow these steps to enjoy homemade Olive Garden-style breadsticks!

Ingredients :

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Directions :

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, start by combining 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
Mix the Dough: Gradually add 1 ½ cups of warm water while mixing. Stir until a dough begins to form. This step is important as it helps the ingredients combine properly.
Knead the Dough: Dust a clean surface with flour, and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You should work it until the surface is smooth and elastic. Kneading is crucial as it helps develop the gluten, making the breadsticks chewy.
Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 1 hour. This step is essential as it allows the dough to expand, contributing to the airy texture of the final product.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting those perfect golden-brown breadsticks.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal pieces, depending on how big you want your breadsticks to be. Each piece can be around 1-2 ounces for reasonably sized sticks.
Roll the Breadsticks: Roll each piece of dough into a long strip. Aim for about 6-8 inches in length. The rolled shape is important as it helps them bake evenly.
Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This will prevent the breadsticks from sticking during baking.
Brush with Butter and Season: Brush each breadstick with melted unsalted butter. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley on top for flavor. This adds that classic Olive Garden taste.
Final Rest: Allow the breadsticks to rest for about 15 minutes. This short rest helps with baking and gives a little rise before they go in the oven.
Sprinkle with Salt: Before baking, sprinkle the breadsticks lightly with kosher salt. This adds an extra crunch and flavor.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as oven times can vary.
Enjoy Warm: Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience!

how to serve Olive Garden Breadsticks

These breadsticks are best served warm. They are versatile and can accompany a variety of dishes. You can serve them with the traditional marinara sauce for dipping or pair them with any pasta meal, salad, or soup. They also make a great appetizer at gatherings and parties—just place them on a platter for everyone to enjoy. For added flavor, consider serving with a side of olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for dipping, or even a homemade garlic butter sauce for those who love an extra kick.

how to store Olive Garden Breadsticks

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the breadsticks fresh, make sure they are completely cool before sealing them in the container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each breadstick in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their softness.

tips to make Olive Garden Breadsticks

Use Warm Water: Make sure the water you’re using is warm (not hot) to help activate the instant yeast without killing it. Aim for around 110°F (43°C), which is a comfortable temperature for yeast to thrive.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow your dough to rise until it’s doubled in size. This can take longer or shorter depending on the room temperature, so give it the time it needs.
Kneading: Kneading is important for the texture of the breadsticks. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth; this could take around 5 minutes.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix things up! You can experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor. Adding grated cheese on top before baking can also be delicious.
Serving Fresh: These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh. If possible, try to bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.

variation

While the classic Olive Garden Breadsticks are fantastic on their own, you can easily adapt the recipe for different flavors or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:

Cheesy Breadsticks: Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before baking to make cheesy breadsticks. You can also knead cheese into the dough for an even richer flavor.
Herb-Infused: Instead of just garlic powder and parsley, try adding herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme into the dough for a more aromatic taste.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version of the breadsticks. You may need to adjust slightly with more warm water to get the right consistency.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend includes xanthan gum, which will help provide the desired structure and texture.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first. Dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh garlic instead. Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and mix it with the melted butter before brushing it onto the breadsticks for a fresh, garlicky flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise. After the first rise, you can place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before shaping and baking.
How can I make sure my breadsticks are soft? To ensure your breadsticks are soft, avoid overbaking them. Once they are golden brown, take them out of the oven. Also, brushing them with melted butter before and after baking helps maintain their softness.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! After the first rise, you can wrap the dough well in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Olive Garden Breadsticks

Print Recipe

Soft and warm breadsticks inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying with pasta.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Mix gradually with warm water until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a cloth for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Shape the dough by punching it down, then divide into pieces.
Roll each piece into strips about 6-8 inches long.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolled breadsticks on it.
Brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley.
Rest the breadsticks for about 15 minutes before baking.
Sprinkle with kosher salt before placing in the oven.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy warm from the oven!

Notes

Serve warm with marinara or pasta; great for gatherings and can be frozen for later.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breadstick
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Olive Garden, breadsticks, homemade, garlic, easy recipes