Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Garlicky
You can make soft, buttery breadsticks just like the famous Olive Garden version right in your own kitchen. This easy copycat recipe delivers fluffy, garlicky breadsticks perfect as an appetizer or dinner side.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 14 min
- Total Time: 94 min
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
- Add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin stick shape, about 8 to 10 inches long. Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the breadsticks are lightly golden brown.
- While the breadsticks bake, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Immediately after removing the breadsticks from the oven, brush the warm garlic butter mixture generously over all the breadsticks.
- Serve your homemade breadsticks warm.
Notes
- For the softest texture, ensure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter topping while the breadsticks are still hot from the oven.
- You can use instant yeast if you prefer, skipping the 5-minute proofing step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 15