If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know that their warm, garlicky, and fluffy breadsticks are absolutely addictive. There’s nothing better than biting into a soft, buttery breadstick fresh out of the oven!
Now, you can recreate these famous breadsticks at home with this easy, foolproof recipe. These homemade breadsticks are just as soft, chewy, and flavorful as the ones from Olive Garden—maybe even better! Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for pairing with pasta, soups, or salads.
Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Soft & Buttery – Just like the restaurant version, with a rich garlic butter glaze.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and no fancy equipment needed.
✔️ Perfect for Any Meal – Serve with pasta, soups, or a fresh salad for the ultimate experience.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough in advance for fresh breadsticks anytime!
Ingredients (Measured in Grams for Accuracy)
For the Breadsticks:
- All-purpose flour – 375g (3 cups)
- Warm water (about 43°C / 110°F) – 240ml (1 cup)
- Active dry yeast – 7g (1 packet or 2¼ teaspoons)
- Granulated sugar – 25g (2 tablespoons)
- Salt – 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (melted) – 30g (2 tablespoons)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- Unsalted butter (melted) – 45g (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic powder – 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Salt – 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Parsley (optional, for garnish) – 5g (1 tablespoon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
1️⃣ In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
2. Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2️⃣ Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter, then mix until a dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
1️⃣ Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
1️⃣ Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2️⃣ Roll each piece into a 7-inch (18 cm) log and place them on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
3️⃣ Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2️⃣ Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter
1️⃣ While the breadsticks are baking, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and salt.
2️⃣ Once out of the oven, brush the warm breadsticks with generous amounts of garlic butter.
3️⃣ Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve warm!
Nutritional Information (Per Breadstick, Based on 12 Servings)
- Calories: ~140 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fats: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Pro Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Breadsticks
???? Use Fresh Yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam up, it may be expired. Always check before using.
????️ Control the Water Temperature – Water should be warm, not hot (about 43°C/110°F) to activate the yeast.
⏳ Let the Dough Rise Properly – This ensures soft and fluffy breadsticks. Be patient!
???? Brush with Butter Twice – For the best flavor, brush once right out of the oven and again after a few minutes.
Fun Variations to Try
???? Cheesy Breadsticks – Sprinkle parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
????️ Spicy Garlic Breadsticks – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
???? Sweet Honey Butter Breadsticks – Swap garlic butter for a honey-butter glaze for a sweeter version.
???? Bacon & Cheese Breadsticks – Wrap the dough with crispy bacon and shredded cheese before baking.
How to Store & Reheat
???? Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freeze for Later – Freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
???? Reheat Like Fresh – Warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
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