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
Scale
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
