Name: Olive Garden Bread Sticks
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water, divided; 4 1/4 cups flour; 2 tbsp butter, softened; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp oregano

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If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know their breadsticks are the real MVP of the meal. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, they’re the kind of comfort food that keeps you coming back for more.

But what if you could recreate that magic at home? These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are just as delicious as the restaurant version, and the best part is, you can make them whenever you want!

With a little time and a handful of simple ingredients, you can bring the irresistible aroma of freshly baked breadsticks to your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make these heavenly breadsticks step by step.

Why Make Olive Garden Breadsticks at Home?

There’s something special about homemade bread. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but it’s also incredibly satisfying to see your dough rise and transform into golden brown perfection. Making Olive Garden breadsticks at home is:

Cost-effective: Save money by skipping the restaurant and making a big batch at home.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or butter topping to suit your taste.
Convenient: You don’t have to wait for a table to enjoy these iconic breadsticks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few extras for that signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (divided)
4 1/4 cups flour
2 Tbsp butter (softened)
2 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt

For the Topping:

3 Tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with the dry active yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the sugar, softened butter, salt, and 4 cups of flour. Add the yeast mixture and the remaining warm water to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

Gradually add more flour (about 1/4 cup or more) until the dough becomes soft and smooth. Knead it for a few minutes to ensure everything is well incorporated.

3. Shape the Breadsticks

Transfer the dough onto a floured countertop. Divide it in half and roll each half into a one-foot-long log. Cut each log into 8 equal pieces, giving you a total of 16 pieces of dough. Roll each piece into a 7-inch-long breadstick shape.

4. Let Them Rise

Place the shaped breadsticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of space between each one. Cover them with a clean cloth and let them rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, fluffy texture.

5. Preheat and Prepare Topping

While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and oregano for the topping. Brush half of this mixture over the breadsticks before baking.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, immediately brush them with the remaining butter mixture for that final touch of flavor and shine.

Tips for Success

Halve the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can easily cut this recipe in half to make 8 breadsticks instead of 16.
Make It Easier: Short on time? Use store-bought frozen bread dough or frozen rolls as a shortcut. Just shape them into breadsticks before baking!
Storage: Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked taste.

Nutrition Information

Each breadstick contains approximately:

Calories: 164 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g
Sodium: 542mg

While these breadsticks are undeniably delicious, they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to their calorie and sodium content.

Final Thoughts

There’s no need to wait for your next Olive Garden outing to enjoy their iconic breadsticks. This copycat recipe brings all the flavor and fluffiness straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or salad, these homemade breadsticks are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

So go ahead—grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.