Soft, fluffy texture just like the restaurant version.
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Brushed with buttery garlic flavor for irresistible taste.
Perfect alongside pasta, soups, and salads.
Great for family dinners, parties, and holiday meals.
Can be prepared ahead and reheated easily.
Tastes fresh and homemade straight from the oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Garlic powder
Fine sea salt or kosher salt
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and a small amount of softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a rope approximately 7–9 inches long and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover loosely and allow the breadsticks to rise for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the breadsticks for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While still warm, brush generously with melted butter.
Mix garlic powder and a pinch of salt together and sprinkle over the buttered breadsticks.
Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the breadsticks after brushing with butter.
Add Italian seasoning to the garlic topping for extra flavor.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Brush with herb-infused butter made with parsley and oregano.
Create cheesy breadsticks by adding shredded mozzarella before baking.
Add roasted garlic to the butter mixture for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped breadsticks for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm.
Wrap in foil before reheating to maintain softness.
Microwave individual breadsticks for 10–15 seconds for a quick option.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight after the first rise.
Why are my breadsticks dense?
Dense breadsticks are usually caused by insufficient rising time or inactive yeast.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be substituted and mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I keep breadsticks soft?
Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze the baked breadsticks?
Yes, they freeze very well and can be reheated directly from frozen.
What is the best flour to use?
All-purpose flour works perfectly, while bread flour creates a slightly chewier texture.
Can I make these without garlic?
Yes, simply brush with butter and sprinkle lightly with salt.
How do I get a golden top?
Brushing with melted butter immediately after baking helps create a beautiful finish and enhances flavor.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Parmesan or mozzarella are excellent additions.
What should I serve with these breadsticks?
They pair wonderfully with soups, pasta dishes, salads, casseroles, and a variety of dipping sauces.
Conclusion
These Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks bring the beloved restaurant experience right into your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, they are the perfect accompaniment to countless meals. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty pasta dinner or enjoying them as a snack, these homemade breadsticks are sure to become a family favorite.
Olive Garden Style Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, buttery breadsticks with a light golden crust and a delicious garlic butter topping. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these homemade breadsticks taste just like the restaurant favorite and are perfect for serving with pasta, soups, salads, or as a comforting snack. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:14 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 20 minutes
Yield:12 breadsticks
Category:Bread / Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Garlic Butter Topping
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a rope approximately 7–9 inches long.
Arrange the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Cover loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While the breadsticks are still warm, brush generously with melted butter.
Combine the garlic powder and salt, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered breadsticks.
Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to keep the breadsticks soft.Bread flour can be substituted for a slightly chewier texture.Brush with butter immediately after baking for the signature restaurant-style finish.For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning to the topping.These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh but reheat beautifully.
