Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving those soft, buttery sticks of joy from your favorite Italian restaurant, then you are about to have a moment of pure bliss! This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe brings that iconic, pillowy texture and garlicky flavor right into your own kitchen. Imagine the perfect golden crust, the melt-in-your-mouth softness inside, and that irresistible buttery garlic topping—these breadsticks are downright addictive and surprisingly simple to make from scratch. Get ready to turn every meal into a celebration with this beloved recipe that’s made for sharing and savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these irresistible breadsticks lies in the simplicity of each ingredient, each carefully chosen to recreate that perfect texture and flavor. From the rich butter to the fine sea salt, every element plays a crucial role in building the ultimate comforting bite.

• Warm water (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons, about 100-110°F): Activates the yeast to give the dough its perfect rise and softness.
• Instant yeast (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the dough to rise quickly and reliably, ensuring light and airy breadsticks.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the buttery flavors.
• Melted unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for dough, 2 tablespoons for brushing): Infuses the breadsticks with richness and keeps them tender.
• Fine sea salt (1 3/4 teaspoons in dough): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the bread.
• Bread flour (3 cups, plus more if needed): Provides the necessary gluten structure for that signature chewy texture.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Adds the perfect finishing touch when sprinkled on top after baking.
• Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers that subtle, aromatic garlic hit that makes these breadsticks irresistible.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Begin by preparing your workspace and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, melted butter, and sea salt. This blend wakes up the yeast and starts building flavor. Gradually add the bread flour while mixing on low speed. Once most of the flour is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for a good 10 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for a dough that is tacky but elastic. Be ready to add extra flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too sticky—getting the dough consistency right is the foundation for perfect breadsticks.

Step 2: First Rise

Once kneaded to perfection, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl to prevent sticking and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it somewhere warm to proof until it doubles in size, typically about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This resting time is where the magic happens, as the yeast works its wonders creating those lovely air pockets that create soft breadsticks.

Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks

After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions, about 57 grams each if you want to be precise. Roll each portion into an approximately 8-inch long log. Arrange them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Cover them loosely again and let them rise for another hour to an hour and a half until they puff up and look irresistibly fluffy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F, which will crisp the exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy. Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 14 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter, then sprinkle the garlic powder mixed with kosher salt over the top evenly. This finishing touch gives them that signature Olive Garden taste that keeps everyone reaching for more.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic garlic and salt topping is unbeatable, you can experiment by adding freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan cheese right after brushing with butter. This adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness or a cheesy punch that elevates the breadsticks to a gourmet experience. No matter how you garnish, serving them warm is key to bringing out their buttery, fragrant glory.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks are perfect companions to classic Italian meals like rich pasta dishes, hearty soups, or crisp salads. Imagine dipping one into a bowl of marinara sauce or alongside a creamy fettuccine Alfredo. Their soft chewiness and garlic kiss make them great for mopping up every last bite of sauce from your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe in a festive basket lined with a clean napkin for family gatherings or parties. Alternatively, arrange them in a circular “wreath” on a platter with small bowls of olive oil, marinara, and ranch dressing in the center for a shareable appetizer centerpiece. These presentation ideas make grabbing a warm breadstick feel even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover breadsticks (which is not very likely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry them out, losing that delightful texture.

Freezing

To keep your breadsticks fresh longer, freeze them once cooled completely. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen breadsticks can last up to 2 months, making it super convenient to have a batch ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat breadsticks by placing them on a baking sheet and warming in a 425°F oven for 4 to 5 minutes. For an extra touch, re-brush with melted butter and sprinkle a little garlic powder and kosher salt before warming to revive that fresh-from-the-oven flavor and aroma. Skip the microwave—it tends to make breadsticks chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour has a higher protein content that produces better gluten structure, giving you the signature chewy texture of these breadsticks. Using bread flour will yield the best results for this recipe.

How important is the dough resting time?

The resting and rising periods are essential because they allow the yeast to activate and develop flavor. Rushing this process will result in denser breadsticks without that soft, airy quality you want.

Can I make these breadsticks dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter in the dough and for brushing with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but the breadsticks will still be tender and tasty.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

Add flour a little at a time if too sticky, or a few drops of water if too dry. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but manageable. Overly sticky dough can be messy and hard to shape, while dry dough won’t rise properly.

Can I add herbs to the dough for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme during kneading. It adds an aromatic layer that complements the classic garlic and butter coating beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you ever wanted to bring a little restaurant magic into your home kitchen, this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s unbelievably satisfying to pull warm, buttery, garlic-kissed breadsticks out of your oven, especially when you know exactly what’s going into them. Give this recipe a try and watch as your family and friends fall in love bite after heavenly bite. Baking these breadsticks is not just making food—it’s creating moments to share and remember.

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