If you have ever wondered how to bring the cozy warmth and irresistible aroma of Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks right into your own kitchen, you are in for a treat. This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe captures that perfect balance of soft, fluffy interior with a subtle golden crust, all brushed with a buttery garlic-parsley finish. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough to make on a weeknight yet special enough to serve when you want to impress your guests. Each bite will remind you why these breadsticks have become a beloved classic for so many people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature texture and flavor you expect. From the yeast that gives the breadsticks their airy lift to the garlic salt with parsley that adds that familiar savory kick, none of these components are complicated but together they form something truly magical.
- 1 cup warm water: Activates the yeast to make the dough rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent responsible for that light texture.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and moisture to the dough.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Gives the breadsticks that rich, buttery finish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes: The classic seasoning that gives the breadsticks their signature flavor profile.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Leave it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a delightful foam forming at the surface. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic by making your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Initial Ingredients
Add salt, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to your yeast mixture. Give it a good stir so everything begins to blend together. This starts to bring the dough together with the right salty flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Add Remaining Flour Gradually
Slowly incorporate the rest of the flour, about ¼ cup at a time. You’ll notice the dough coming together – soft, slightly sticky, but pulling away from the sides of the bowl. This gradual addition of flour helps develop the dough’s perfect texture, ensuring it doesn’t end up too dense or tough.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 5 to 7 minutes, adding a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle. Kneading is where the dough gains its elasticity and bounce, key for those fluffy, tender breadsticks we’re after.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for at least 30 minutes. You’ll want to wait until it doubles in size, signaling that the yeast has done its job and the dough is ready for shaping.
Step 6: Divide and Shape the Breadsticks
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 12 evenly sized portions. Then, roll each into a 9-inch rope. This shaping sets the stage for that iconic elongated form.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay each shaped breadstick onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to allow for a second rise. This helps maintain that soft, pillowy texture throughout.
Step 8: Final Rise Before Baking
Cover your breadsticks with a towel again and let them rest for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final rise gives them that extra lightness just before they go into the oven.
How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe stand out, don’t skip the finishing touch. Brush the hot breadsticks with melted butter mixed with garlic salt and parsley flakes as soon as they come out of the oven. This step infuses them with their beloved buttery garlic flavor and gives them that inviting glossy shine.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks shine as a side, especially alongside classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy fettuccine alfredo, or warming minestrone soup. Their mild garlic flavor and soft texture are perfect for dipping into sauces or sopping up every last drop of your favorite pasta sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take your presentation up a notch? Serve these breadsticks in a basket lined with a cheerful napkin for casual family dinners. Alternatively, arrange them on a wooden board alongside bowls of marinara, ranch dressing, or olive tapenade for a stylish appetizer platter that invites everyone to nibble and chat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, you can wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel before placing them in the container, which helps retain moisture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these delicious breadsticks later? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you want a quick snack, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive your breadsticks, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their golden crust while warming the soft interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that original texture intact, as it can sometimes make them chewy.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe?
Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it may alter the classic soft texture slightly. You might consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a good balance.
Do I need a bread machine to make these breadsticks?
Not at all! This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and does not require any special equipment beyond some mixing bowls and basic kitchen tools. Hand kneading is all it takes to get great results.
Can I make these breadsticks gluten free?
Unfortunately, this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe relies on gluten to achieve its texture and structure, so it’s not suitable for gluten-free diets as is. However, there are gluten-free bread recipes that use alternative flours if you want a similar experience.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should ideally rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on room temperature. You can give it a longer rise in a cooler environment but avoid overproofing, which can weaken the dough.
What’s the secret to getting the breadsticks fluffy and soft?
The key is proper yeast activation, good kneading, and those two thoughtful rises. Brushing with melted butter right after baking also locks in moisture to keep them soft. Following the steps exactly helps recreate that irresistible Olive Garden quality.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe a try because it truly brings that warm, comforting bakery feel right into your kitchen. These breadsticks are perfect for sharing, dipping, or just enjoying on their own with a little bit of butter and garlic magic. Once you make them, I’m sure they’ll become your go-to recipe whenever you want a little slice of cozy deliciousness.
Print
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned with garlic salt and parsley. They’re easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients and have a delicate, fluffy texture with a golden crust. Perfect as an appetizer or side to any Italian meal.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine initial ingredients: Add salt, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined into a wet dough.
- Add remaining flour: Gradually add the rest of the flour, about ¼ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but slightly sticky, ensuring the right consistency.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, incorporating flour as needed to prevent sticking, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Divide dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for uniform breadsticks.
- Shape breadsticks: Roll each portion into a 9-inch long rope and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and allow them to rise again for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven: While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Bake breadsticks: Bake the raised breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Brush with butter and season: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley flakes for that classic Olive Garden flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate the yeast properly, around 105-115°F (40-46°C) for best results.
- Make sure not to add too much flour during kneading; the dough should remain slightly sticky for a soft texture.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to refresh softness.
- For a whole wheat or gluten-free version, adjust flour types accordingly but note that texture will vary.
