Olive Garden Breadsticks
If you’ve ever found yourself craving the warm, buttery breadsticks from Olive Garden, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe brings the magic of their iconic breadsticks right to your kitchen. Perfectly soft, with a golden crust and a savory garlic butter topping, these breadsticks are an irresistible side for any meal. Whether you’re serving them with soup, salad, or your favorite pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
A Family Favorite: Bringing Olive Garden Breadsticks to Our Dinner Table
There’s something special about Olive Garden’s breadsticks that makes every meal feel like a celebration. For my husband and our kids, no visit to Olive Garden is complete without indulging in a basket (or two) of these delightful breadsticks. When we decided to try making them at home, it quickly became a beloved tradition. Now, whenever we have pasta night, everyone eagerly awaits the warm, fragrant breadsticks fresh out of the oven. It’s like bringing a piece of Olive Garden right to our dining table, and I love seeing the smiles they bring to my family’s faces.
Why You’ll Love Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Soft & Buttery: Just like the original, these breadsticks are soft on the inside with a perfectly buttery crust.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy these breadsticks fresh out of the oven in no time.
- Versatile Side: Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, pastas, or just enjoying on their own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These breadsticks are sure to be a hit with family and friends at any meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready, making them convenient for busy nights.
Ingredients Notes For Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing the perfect texture for soft breadsticks.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast gives the breadsticks their light, airy rise.
- Sugar: A little sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Butter: Both in the dough and brushed on top, butter gives these breadsticks their signature rich flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Sprinkled over the top, garlic powder adds that irresistible savory touch.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the breadsticks, making them perfectly seasoned.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until the dough forms.
Knead & Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a 7-inch rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Garlic Butter Topping: While the breadsticks are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in garlic powder and salt. Brush the butter mixture over the warm breadsticks as soon as they come out of the oven.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve the breadsticks warm with your favorite soup, salad, or pasta, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Breadsticks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the breadsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the breadsticks before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary to the dough for a fragrant, herb-infused breadstick.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Q2: How can I make the breadsticks vegan?
A2: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly.
Q3: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A3: Yes, if using instant yeast, skip the initial proofing step and add the yeast directly to the flour mixture.
Q4: How do I get the breadsticks to rise faster?
A4: Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, such as inside a turned-off oven with the light on, to help it rise more quickly.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat frozen breadsticks?
A5: Reheat frozen breadsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven, wrapped in foil, for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients
- Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: Add the softened butter, 2 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-8 inch long breadstick. Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Second Rise: Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes, until they are slightly puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Add the Topping: While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the breadsticks warm with your favorite pasta or soup.
