Introduction
Who doesn’t love warm, soft, and buttery breadsticks? If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know how hard it is to stop at just one! Their breadsticks are golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and brushed with garlic butter that makes your taste buds dance.
The best part? You don’t need to visit the restaurant to enjoy these delicious breadsticks. You can make them right at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether it’s a family dinner, party, or just a snack, these homemade Olive Garden-style breadsticks will make everyone happy. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Olive Garden Breadsticks
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make these soft and yummy breadsticks:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1¾ teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more for kneading)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional: a pinch of dried parsley for color
Step by Step Process – Olive Garden Breadsticks
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
- In a large bowl, mix the warm water and sugar.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy (this means the yeast is active).
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add the softened butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until smooth.
- Slowly add the rest of the flour (1 cup), a little at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy.
- If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour (but not too much).
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rest in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope-like shape (about 6–7 inches long).
- Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Let the Breadsticks Rise Again
- Cover the tray with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up a bit more.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Add the Garlic Butter
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt.
- As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle some dried parsley if you like a bit of color.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q2: What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead. Just skip the proofing step (the part where you wait for it to foam) and mix it directly into the flour.
Q3: Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Yes! Bake them fully, let them cool, and store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes.
Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be a little different. Make sure your blend has xanthan gum or something similar.
Q5: What can I serve with these breadsticks?
They go great with:
- Pasta dishes (like spaghetti or Alfredo)
- Soup (like tomato or chicken noodle)
- Salad
- Or just by themselves with dipping sauces!
Final Thoughts
These simple Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and full of flavor. The best part is—you don’t need to be a chef to make them! With easy ingredients and simple steps, anyone (even beginners) can enjoy fresh homemade breadsticks right from the oven.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party, movie night, or just want a warm treat, these breadsticks are sure to impress. Plus, the smell of fresh bread baking in your kitchen? It’s hard to beat!
So why not give this recipe a try? Your family and friends will thank you—and you might never need store-bought breadsticks again!
