If there’s one recipe that has my friends hanging around the kitchen, sneaking tastes before dinner, it’s Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe. These golden, pillowy breadsticks are more than a side—they’re everyone’s favorite carb-hug, infused with irresistible garlic butter and a gentle sweetness in the dough. Whether you’re aiming to recreate that cozy restaurant atmosphere at home or you just want a basket of homemade breadsticks to complement your favorite pasta night, this is the recipe that never fails to deliver warmth, flavor, and happy faces all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe is that the ingredients list is truly simple—almost deceptively so. Each staple from your pantry works together to create that magical combination of softness, flavor, and aroma that everyone craves.
- Warm Water (1 cup, 110°F/43°C): The perfect temperature to wake up your yeast and put your dough on the path to fluffiness.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 tsp, 1 packet): This is what gives the breadsticks their lofty rise—always check it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp): Not just for sweetness; sugar helps the yeast get going and creates that tender crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Your everyday flour transforms into dreamy, soft breadsticks—the backbone of this classic.
- Salt (1 1/2 tsp for dough, 1/2 tsp for topping): Enhances flavor in the dough and adds that perfect savory finish on top.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp softened for dough, 3 tbsp melted for topping): Butter brings richness to the breadsticks and, when melted and brushed on, creates that signature golden sheen.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses every bite with warm, inviting garlicky notes reminiscent of the original restaurant treat.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Gently stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when it turns foamy on top. This step is crucial; it means your breadsticks will rise beautifully and have that signature pillowy texture.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add your all-purpose flour, salt, and the softened butter to the bowl. Stir until the ingredients come together and look a little shaggy—don’t worry, you’re on the right track! Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or use a dough hook if you have a stand mixer. After about 8 minutes, your dough should be soft, elastic, and just a bit tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise – Let It Double
Transfer your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and set it in a warm spot, letting it rise for about 1 hour until it’s doubled in size. This patient pause gives your breadsticks their delightful lightness and makes the flavor deepen.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Once your dough has risen, give it a gentle punch to release any air bubbles. Split the dough into 12 even pieces and roll each into a 7-inch log—think about the iconic shape! Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about an inch of space between each. Cover again and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes, so they get nice and puffy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the breadsticks have puffed up, bake them for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful, light golden color, which is the breadsticks’ irresistible calling card.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are still warm and fresh out of the oven, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Generously brush this mixture over each breadstick, letting it soak in for that signature glossy, flavorful finish. Serve right away—you’ll find these go fast!
How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe
Garnishes
For that classic restaurant feel, keep it simple by sprinkling a little extra garlic powder or a pop of fresh chopped parsley right after brushing with butter. If you like a tiny bit of cheese, a whisper of grated parmesan over the top adds a savory kick while letting the breadsticks’ buttery soul shine through.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks absolutely shine next to a steaming bowl of soup (think minestrone or creamy tomato), but they are just as magical with a big Italian salad or as a side for your favorite pasta. Honestly, Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe is the supporting actor every Italian main course dreams of.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving breadsticks in a lined basket with a cloth napkin to keep them cozy and warm, or create an at-home “breadstick bar” with bowls of marinara, Alfredo, or pesto for dipping. For a party, stack them in a crisscrossed centerpiece—guaranteed to impress every carb-lover in the room!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra breadsticks (a rare occurrence, let’s be honest), just let them cool completely and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them keep their signature softness and flavor.
Freezing
The Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled breadsticks individually in foil and then place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for a month—just thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring breadsticks back to peak deliciousness, wrap them in foil and pop them into a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. If you froze them, give them an extra minute. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh from the oven—don’t forget another brush of melted butter for extra flavor!
FAQs
What makes Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe so soft?
The secret is in the perfectly balanced dough and letting it rise fully twice. The combination of soft butter and proper kneading ensures those legendary fluffy results.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you use instant yeast, you can skip the “proofing” (foaming) step—just mix it directly with your dry ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as written.
How do I make the breadsticks vegan?
Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and double-check your sugar brand for vegan processing. The breadsticks will still come out soft, buttery, and delicious with a vegan twist.
Can I double the garlic in the topping?
Yes, and it’s a popular move for garlic lovers. Doubling the garlic powder in the topping makes the flavors pop and brings your Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe even closer to the restaurant experience.
Should I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Bread flour is a fun experiment! It will give you a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour delivers that delicate softness Olive Garden breadsticks are famous for.
Final Thoughts
If you love simple comfort food with big flavor and can’t resist sharing baskets of freshly-baked bread, Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Whether for family dinners or cozy nights in, this is a must-try recipe. Roll up your sleeves and give it a go—your kitchen will smell amazing, and every bite will be pure, buttery bliss.
Print
Olive Garden Breadsticks: An Amazing Ultimate Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Olive Garden’s famous soft and garlicky breadsticks at home with this ultimate classic recipe. These breadsticks are a perfect addition to any meal and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise for another 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake breadsticks for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While they bake, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Brush over warm breadsticks as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve warm and soft—just like the restaurant version.
Notes
- These freeze beautifully—just reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- For extra garlicky flavor, double the garlic powder in the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
