If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you’ve probably been tempted by those warm, buttery breadsticks that seem to melt in your mouth. They’re the perfect side to any meal, and now, you can recreate them right in your own kitchen! This recipe is my go-to for making soft, fluffy breadsticks that are just as good—if not better—than what you get at the restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Let’s face it, there’s something about breadsticks that just hits the spot. This recipe is super easy to follow, and the breadsticks come out perfectly soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp exterior. What’s even better is that they’re brushed with a rich, garlic-infused butter that gives them that irresistible flavor. You can’t help but keep dipping them into your favorite sauce or enjoying them as they are. Plus, the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen? Absolute heaven.
Ingredients
(You can find the full list of ingredients at the end of this post)
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic powder
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast, and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This tells you the yeast is working its magic and is ready to help the dough rise.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms. You might need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but it should come together into a nice, soft ball.
3. Knead and Let It Rise
Once your dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, slender breadstick shape and place them on a greased baking sheet. Be sure to leave a little space between each breadstick so they have room to rise further.
5. Bake the Breadsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. You want them to be soft and fluffy on the inside, with just the right amount of color on the outside.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the garlic powder. As soon as your breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. This step is what gives them that amazing, savory flavor you’re looking for!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: The yeast needs time to work, so don’t rush the rise. It’s tempting, but that extra hour will make your breadsticks soft and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Water: The water you use to activate the yeast should be warm, but not too hot. Water that’s around 110°F is perfect. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast!
- Add a Touch of Parmesan: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the breadsticks just before they go in the oven. It adds a nice, salty kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the breadsticks before baking for a cheesy twist. You can also mix cheese into the dough for extra cheesy goodness.
- Herb Infused Butter: If you love herbs, try adding some dried oregano or basil to the garlic butter for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these breadsticks gluten-free. Just make sure to check the package instructions for any other adjustments needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are perfect for serving with your favorite Italian dishes like pasta, lasagna, or salad. They also pair wonderfully with soups, especially creamy ones like tomato basil or minestrone. If you’re looking for a lighter pairing, a fresh green salad with Italian dressing will balance the richness of the breadsticks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
4 FAQs
1. Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked breadsticks. To freeze unbaked dough, shape the breadsticks and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked breadsticks, freeze them in an airtight container, and reheat as needed.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just shape and bake the breadsticks.
3. What’s the best way to shape the dough?
If you want perfectly even breadsticks, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out evenly before cutting it into pieces. For a rustic look, simply pinch off pieces of dough and roll them by hand.
4. Why are my breadsticks too hard?
If your breadsticks turn out hard, it’s likely that they were overbaked or didn’t have enough moisture. Make sure to keep an eye on them while baking and don’t let them get too brown. Also, ensure you’re using enough butter for that soft, fluffy texture.
Conclusion
Making Olive Garden-style breadsticks at home is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that delicious restaurant experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or enjoying them on their own, these breadsticks are sure to be a hit every time. Try them out, and get ready to fall in love with these warm, buttery delights!
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Olive Garden Breadsticks: The Secret to Perfectly Soft, Buttery Breadsticks at Home
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate Olive Garden’s signature soft and buttery breadsticks right in your kitchen. With a garlic-infused butter glaze and a golden, fluffy texture, these breadsticks are perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- Warm water – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon
- All-purpose flour – 3 cups (360 g)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 4 tablespoons (for brushing)
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the Dough: Mix the flour, salt, yeast mixture, and olive oil to form a dough.
- Knead and Let It Rise: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into 10-12 pieces. Shape them into breadsticks and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake the Breadsticks: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Melt butter and garlic powder together, then brush it over the baked breadsticks.
Notes
- Let the dough rest to ensure soft, fluffy breadsticks.
- Use room-temperature water to activate the yeast.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadsticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg