If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know that the breadsticks are just as iconic as their pasta dishes. These soft, pillowy breadsticks are buttery, lightly seasoned with garlic, and perfect for dipping into marinara or your favorite sauce. While you may love them at the restaurant, now you can make them at home, fresh out of your own oven, with this easy-to-follow recipe.
In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate the Olive Garden breadsticks at home, with tips for making them soft and fluffy, and ideas for seasoning them to your personal taste.
Why Olive Garden Breadsticks Are So Irresistible
Olive Garden breadsticks are known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and they’ve gained a reputation as the perfect starter before your meal. But what makes them so irresistible? Let’s break it down:
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is light, airy, and soft—almost like a cloud. It has just the right amount of chewiness on the inside, while the outside gets a gentle golden crisp.
- Buttery Flavor: After baking, these breadsticks are brushed with a generous layer of butter, which gives them that rich, comforting taste that makes them hard to resist.
- Garlic and Seasoning: The garlic seasoning adds the perfect level of flavor without overpowering the bread, making it a wonderful companion to everything from pasta to soup.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to recreate these breadsticks at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be able to enjoy these breadsticks any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Olive Garden Breadsticks
This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures your dough will rise properly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Breadsticks
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and cut it into 12 equal strips. Gently roll each strip into a breadstick shape and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up a bit.
Step 7: Bake the Breadsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Add the Buttery Garlic Topping
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and dried parsley (if using). As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Use Warm Water: When activating the yeast, make sure the water is warm, not hot, to ensure the yeast blooms properly. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rise twice is crucial for achieving that soft, airy texture. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
- Brush With Butter While Warm: For the best buttery flavor, brush the garlic butter on the breadsticks right after they come out of the oven. This helps them absorb the flavor.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Olive Garden breadsticks are delicious as-is, here are a few ways you can customize them:
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top of the breadsticks before baking for a cheesy, melty twist.
- Herb Infused: Experiment with different seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to add extra flavor.
- Spicy Garlic Breadsticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a little kick.
Serving Suggestions
These breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal, such as:
- Pasta: Pair them with your favorite pasta dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine alfredo, or lasagna.
- Soups and Stews: They’re great for dipping into a hearty bowl of tomato soup or minestrone.
- Salads: Serve them alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a complete meal.
With this recipe, you can easily recreate the Olive Garden breadsticks at home and enjoy the warm, buttery, and garlicky goodness of these soft and fluffy treats anytime you want. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a comforting side dish for your family meal, these breadsticks are sure to become a new favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up some delicious, golden breadsticks that rival the restaurant version!