There’s nothing quite like a basket of warm Olive Garden Breadsticks — soft, fluffy, and brushed with garlicky butter that melts in your mouth. The good news? You can easily recreate that same restaurant magic at home with this simple, foolproof recipe.
These breadsticks are perfect for pairing with soups, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on their own. With their golden crust, pillowy texture, and savory aroma, they’re guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes exactly like the restaurant version
- Soft, chewy interior with buttery garlic topping
- Simple ingredients you already have at home
- Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or family meals
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the dough
Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the breadsticks
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rest for 15–20 minutes.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Add the garlic butter
While still warm, brush each breadstick with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Yes! Freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.
How can I make them extra soft?
Brush them with butter immediately after baking and cover with foil for 5 minutes to trap steam.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a slightly heartier texture.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 breadstick | 140 | 4g | 22g | 4g | 1g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
