Soft Olive Garden Breadsticks is an easy copycat recipe made from scratch. They turn out fluffy, chewy, and even better than the restaurant version. Fresh, warm, homemade breadsticks are impossible to resist.
While Olive Garden famously offers unlimited breadsticks, you can enjoy them anytime at home with this straightforward recipe. These breadsticks are savory and finished with a buttery garlic topping that mirrors the original.
They make an ideal side for soups like creamy chicken gnocchi, hearty chili, or a simple salad. Serve them warm alongside your favorite bowl for a comforting meal.
Key Ingredients
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast for a light, tender crumb.
- Yeast: Use instant or active dry yeast. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dough; active dry yeast should be dissolved in warm water with a little sugar and allowed to foam before mixing.
- Flour: All-purpose or bread flour both work well.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps create a soft, supple dough. You can substitute a little melted butter if preferred.
- Salt, garlic granules, and butter: Melted butter brushed over warm breadsticks with garlic granules and salt gives the classic finishing flavor.
How To Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast begins to foam.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Shape the dough into a ball and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then roll each ball into a rope about the length you prefer for breadsticks.
- Place the ropes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until puffed.
- Ten minutes before the rise is complete, preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and, while still warm, brush with melted butter. In a small bowl combine garlic granules and salt and sprinkle over the buttered breadsticks. Serve immediately.
Tips For Making Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and effort when kneading, though hand-kneading works fine too.
- For a glossy finish, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. You can also brush with a strong black tea concentrate for color and subtle flavor.
What To Serve With
These breadsticks pair beautifully with soups like creamy pumpkin soup, curried cauliflower soup, broccoli cheddar, or lentil soup. They’re also excellent with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan served with marinara and melted cheese.
As an appetizer, serve them with hummus, roasted sweet potato hummus, or creamy tzatziki for dipping. They’re versatile and complement many dishes.
Recommended Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy helps when working with yeast dough.
- Stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading effortless.
- Half sheet pans – two pans give you space for all the breadsticks.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper – prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Clean kitchen towel to cover dough while it rises.
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Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Equipment
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Measuring cups and spoons
-
Stand mixer
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2 half sheet pans
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Silicone mats or parchment
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Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons dry or instant yeast
- 4 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules
Instructions
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Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast foams.
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Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic, 5–7 minutes by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
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Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Shape each into a ball, then roll into a rope.
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Place the ropes on a prepared baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until puffy.
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Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C) ten minutes before rising is complete. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Brush warm breadsticks with melted butter, then sprinkle with the garlic-salt mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process easier, but hand-kneading works well too.
- Brush with egg wash or strong black tea before baking if you want an extra glossy finish.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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