Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and infused with a hint of garlic salt, making them the perfect side for any Italian meal. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and taste just like the classic restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup butter (melted), for brushing
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, yeast, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until the dough starts to form a ball.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into a square and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
- Step 5: Place the breadsticks on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for about 45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown.
- Step 7: Mix the melted butter and garlic salt together. Brush this mixture generously over the hot breadsticks right after baking.
- Step 8: Allow the breadsticks to cool slightly before serving, so the butter topping sets a bit.
Tips & Variations
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top of the breadsticks right after brushing with garlic butter.
- If you prefer softer breadsticks, cover them tightly with a clean kitchen towel after baking to keep moisture in.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for an easier hands-off method.
Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze the baked breadsticks. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour gives the breadsticks a chewier texture, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.
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Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the soft, warm, and buttery Olive Garden-style breadsticks made from scratch. This recipe features a simple yeast dough that is kneaded, shaped into sticks, baked to a perfect golden brown, and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter topping for an irresistible appetizer or side.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for dough)
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the dough starts to come together into a ball.
- Knead Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead by hand for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Shape Breadsticks: Form the dough into a square shape on your countertop. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape about 6-7 inches long.
- Proof Dough: Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them apart. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown on the tops and bottoms.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks bake, mix together the melted 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon garlic salt in a small bowl.
- Brush Garlic Butter: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture to add flavor and moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the breadsticks to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy them as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Italian dishes or soups.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well is key to getting soft, airy breadsticks.
- Covering the dough while rising prevents it from drying out.
- You can substitute garlic salt with garlic powder and sprinkle some dried parsley for extra flavor.
- Freshly melted butter brushed immediately after baking enhances softness and taste.
- These breadsticks are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Olive Garden breadsticks recipe, homemade breadsticks, garlic butter breadsticks, easy breadstick recipe, Italian appetizer
