Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: There’s something magical about those warm, buttery breadsticks that hit your table the moment you sit down at Olive Garden. Soft, fluffy, garlicky—just the right mix of chewy and light. The best part? You don’t have to make a reservation to enjoy them. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to replicate Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks right in your own kitchen.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it’s also budget-friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have at home. The result? Golden, fresh-from-the-oven breadsticks that taste just like the restaurant version—or dare we say—even better!
Ingredients Needed
To get that authentic Olive Garden breadstick flavor, you’ll want to start with the right ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy—just basic pantry staples and a little bit of love.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the dough:
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
For the garlic butter topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy twist)
These ingredients create a fluffy, chewy breadstick with just the right balance of garlic and salt. Don’t skip the topping—it’s what transforms a plain breadstick into a crave-worthy Olive Garden copycat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you start mixing and kneading, make sure you have these kitchen essentials on hand:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re new to bread baking, don’t worry—this recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part: making the breadsticks! Follow these simple steps to achieve restaurant-quality results.
Step 1 – Preparing the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial—if your yeast doesn’t bubble, it’s not active, and your breadsticks won’t rise.
Next, add the softened butter, salt, and gradually mix in the flour. Start with about 3½ cups and add more as needed. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 2 – Kneading and First Rise
Once your dough comes together, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This rise gives the breadsticks their signature airy texture.
Step 3 – Shaping the Breadsticks
After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (or more if you want smaller breadsticks). Roll each piece into a log about 6-8 inches long.
Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 4 – Second Rise and Prepping for Baking
Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This second rise allows the breadsticks to puff up and get that soft, pillowy inside we all love.
Step 5 – Baking to Golden Perfection
Once the breadsticks have risen a second time, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are light golden brown. Don’t overbake—these breadsticks should be soft, not crispy.
Step 6 – Brushing with Garlic Butter
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and salt. For an extra punch, sprinkle with chopped parsley or Parmesan.
Tips for Perfect Breadsticks
Making breadsticks at home is both an art and a science. But don’t worry—once you get the basics down, it becomes second nature. Here are some key tips to help you master your Olive Garden-style breadsticks every single time.
1. Don’t Rush the Dough
Patience is your best friend here. Allowing the dough to rise fully—both during the first and second rises—makes a huge difference in the final texture. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the dough in the oven (turned off) with just the light on. It creates a cozy, warm environment that encourages perfect rising.
2. Be Gentle During Shaping
After the first rise, handle the dough with care. Don’t overwork it when dividing and shaping. Roll it softly into logs to maintain the air pockets inside, which leads to a light and fluffy interior.
3. Watch the Bake Time Carefully
It’s easy to overbake these breadsticks if you’re not careful. They should just be lightly golden—barely browning on top. That’s the sweet spot where they stay soft and chewy on the inside.
4. Use Real Butter for Best Flavor
This isn’t the time for margarine or oil substitutes. Real, unsalted butter delivers that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that makes these breadsticks truly addictive.
5. Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter Topping
The secret sauce of this recipe (quite literally) is the garlic butter brushed on right after baking. The heat from the fresh breadsticks helps it melt and soak in, coating them with savory, salty goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve got a batch of fresh, warm breadsticks in front of you, the next question is—what do you serve them with? These little golden beauties are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with a wide range of dishes.
1. Soups
Breadsticks and soup are a match made in comfort food heaven. Try them with creamy tomato basil soup, chicken gnocchi, or classic minestrone. They’re ideal for dipping, soaking, or just munching on the side.
2. Pasta Dishes
What better way to channel your inner Olive Garden fan than by pairing breadsticks with a bowl of fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti marinara? The buttery garlic flavor balances rich sauces beautifully.
3. Dips
Breadsticks are the ultimate scoopers for dips like spinach-artichoke, queso, or even hummus. Warm them slightly before serving, and watch them disappear at parties.
4. Appetizer Boards
Stack your breadsticks next to cheeses, cured meats, and olives for an Italian-inspired appetizer board. Cut them in half for easier sharing.
How to Store and Reheat
Let’s say you made a big batch (we all do), and now you’ve got leftovers. Good news: these breadsticks keep well with just a bit of care.
Storage:
- Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
- Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them (wrapped in foil or in a freezer bag) for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven method: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave method: Wrap a single breadstick in a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Air fryer method: Crisp them up at 320°F for 4-5 minutes.
Pro tip: Brush with a little extra garlic butter before reheating to refresh the flavor!
FAQs about Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
1. Can I freeze Olive Garden breadsticks?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.
2. What flour works best for breadsticks?
All-purpose flour works great for this recipe. If you want a slightly chewier texture, you can mix in a bit of bread flour.
3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp separately for elasticity.
4. How long does the dough last in the fridge?
You can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before shaping and baking.
5. Can I use an air fryer to bake breadsticks?
Yes! Shape smaller breadsticks and air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Don’t forget the garlic butter topping afterward!
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your own batch of warm, buttery breadsticks that taste just like Olive Garden’s. Whether you’re serving them alongside a big bowl of pasta or simply enjoying them with soup, these breadsticks are always a hit. The ingredients are basic, the process is straightforward, and the result? Totally crave-worthy.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Plus, the aroma alone while baking them is enough to make everyone in your house hover around the kitchen. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, flour your counter, and get baking. Your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you.
