Olive Garden Breadsticks: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them at Home

Olive Garden Breadsticks are a beloved staple that have captured the hearts and taste buds of diners around the world. These warm, buttery delights are not just a side dish; they are an experience that elevates any meal. Originating from the popular Italian-American restaurant chain, these breadsticks have become synonymous with comfort and indulgence. Their soft, pillowy texture combined with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of salt makes them irresistible, often leading patrons to request extra servings.

People love Olive Garden Breadsticks for their convenience and versatility; they pair perfectly with soups, salads, and pasta dishes, making them a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a delightful snack, these breadsticks bring a taste of Italy right to your table. Join us as we explore the secrets behind this iconic recipe and learn how to recreate the magic of Olive Garden Breadsticks in your own kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Add the melted butter to the mixture.
4. Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
5. Once the dough has formed, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

First Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Breadsticks

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. You can use a bench scraper or a sharp knife for this step.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 8-10 inches in length. Make sure to keep the thickness uniform for even baking.
4. Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each stick.

Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped breadsticks with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Baking the Breadsticks

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the breadsticks are rising.
2. Once the breadsticks have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
3. While the breadsticks are baking, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
4. When the breadsticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Serving the Breadsticks

1. Allow the breadsticks to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
2. Serve warm with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. These breadsticks are perfect as an appetizer or as a side to your favorite Italian dishes.

Storage and Reheating

1. If you have any leftover breadsticks, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
2. To freeze, place the cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.


Conclusion:

In summary, this Olive Garden breadsticks recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, fluffy bread that perfectly complements any meal. The delightful combination of garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of salt creates an irresistible flavor that will have your family and friends coming back for more. Whether you serve them alongside a hearty pasta dish, a fresh salad, or simply enjoy them on their own with a side of marinara sauce, these breadsticks are sure to elevate your dining experience. For a fun twist, consider experimenting with different toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a unique flair to your breadsticks. You can also try making them into garlic knots or using whole wheat flour for a healthier version. The possibilities are endless! We encourage you to try this Olive Garden breadsticks recipe in your own kitchen and share your experience with us. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a comforting snack, these breadsticks are sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media to show off your delicious creations! Happy baking! Print

Olive Garden Breadsticks: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them at Home
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
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Description
These soft and fluffy homemade garlic breadsticks are bursting with flavor, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish for any Italian meal. Enjoy them warm with marinara or Alfredo sauce for a delightful treat.
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
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Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the flour and salt. Add the melted butter.
4. Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix until a shaggy dough forms. If too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes if using a stand mixer.
6. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides.
7. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface.
9. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
10. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 8-10 inches in length.
11. Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
12. Cover the shaped breadsticks with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
13. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
14. Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. While baking, prepare the garlic butter topping by mixing melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
16. When done, remove from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
17. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
18. Serve warm with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
• For a more intense garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic powder in the topping.
• These breadsticks can be customized with herbs or spices of your choice.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes