Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Delicious

Olive Garden’s breadsticks are iconic. Known for their warm, fluffy texture and irresistible buttery flavor, they’ve become a favorite for anyone who visits the restaurant. But what if you could make these famous breadsticks at home, anytime you want? Well, now you can! With this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe, you’ll be able to recreate that magic in your very own kitchen.

Perfect as a side dish for Italian meals or a snack all on their own, these breadsticks will be a hit with everyone. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

There’s something about homemade breadsticks that just feels special, and when they’re inspired by the famous Olive Garden breadsticks, they’re even better. Here’s why you’ll love making this recipe:

Soft and Fluffy: These breadsticks have the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.

Buttery and Flavorful: A generous coating of garlic butter is what gives these breadsticks their signature taste, making them impossible to resist.

Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have these breadsticks in no time, and there’s no special baking skill required!

Customizable: While the classic version is fantastic on its own, you can customize these breadsticks by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra flavor twist.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Breadsticks

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of delicious breadsticks:

For the Breadsticks:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks

Making these breadsticks is as simple as following a few straightforward steps. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to combine and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix the ingredients together until they form a dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—this could make the breadsticks too dense.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Grease a large bowl with a bit of olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into Breadsticks

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip into a breadstick shape, then place them onto a greased baking sheet.

Step 6: Let the Breadsticks Rise Again

Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This gives them time to puff up and become extra fluffy.

Step 7: Bake the Breadsticks

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and lightly crispy around the edges.

Step 8: Make the Garlic Butter

While the breadsticks are baking, prepare the garlic butter by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Once the breadsticks are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter.

Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Breadsticks

• Yeast Temperature: When activating the yeast, make sure the water isn’t too hot (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and the dough won’t rise properly.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The second rise is key to achieving that fluffy texture. Be patient, and give the dough time to rest.
• Freshly Made Garlic Butter: The garlic butter is what gives these breadsticks their signature flavor, so don’t skip this step! Brush generously over the warm breadsticks.
• Add Fresh Herbs: For a fun twist, you can add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough before baking for a herby touch.

How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks

These breadsticks are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with your favorite meals. Here are a few ideas:

• With Pasta: Pair your breadsticks with a big bowl of pasta, like spaghetti and meatballs, or fettuccine alfredo.
• As a Side: Serve them alongside a fresh salad, like a Caesar salad or a Caprese salad.
• With Soup: Dip them in a hearty soup like minestrone or tomato basil soup for a warm and filling meal.
• For Snacking: Of course, you can just enjoy these breadsticks as a snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Storing and Reheating Olive Garden Breadsticks

Storing:

Once your breadsticks have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply place the breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but for a crispier texture, the oven is the best option.

Why These Breadsticks Are So Special

There’s just something magical about breadsticks, especially when they’re made from scratch. The buttery garlic topping paired with soft, pillowy dough is simply irresistible. These breadsticks are perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even as a snack to enjoy with friends. Whether you’re craving that Olive Garden experience at home or just love baking fresh bread, these breadsticks are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Final Thoughts on Olive Garden Breadsticks

Homemade breadsticks can be just as delicious as the ones you love at Olive Garden—and maybe even better. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy soft, buttery, and flavorful breadsticks anytime you want. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes or make the perfect snack on their own. So next time you’re craving a warm, garlicky treat, give this recipe a try!

Enjoy your freshly baked Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks!