If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a basket of pillowy, buttery, and oh-so-irresistible breadsticks right at your own table, these Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are the real deal. Soft inside, lightly golden outside, and kissed with a garlicky, salty topping, they’re perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to celebratory feasts with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spot-on Texture: These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks boast that signature light, fluffy crumb and slight chew—just like the originals.
- Simple, Pantry Ingredients: No fancy flours or hard-to-find yeasts here—everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Soak-Up-Your-Soup Good: That buttery garlic finish is practically engineered for swiping up every last spoonful of marinara, soup, or creamy sauce.
- Homemade Magic: The aroma of freshly proofing dough and garlicky butter wafting through your kitchen simply can’t be beat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something almost magical about how a few humble ingredients come together to make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks. Every element plays a role in the unforgettable texture and flavor—don’t overlook a single one!
- Warm water: The ideal temperature (100-110°F) wakes up your yeast for a perfect rise without risk of killing it.
- Instant yeast: This gives the breadsticks their lightness and that signature airy crumb—no need to proof separately.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness helps feed the yeast and contributes to golden, tender sticks.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the dough and brushed on top, it gives richness, softness, and irresistible flavor.
- Salt: Essential for both the dough and the garlicky topping; it rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Bread flour: This high-protein flour is key for strength and chew—swap for all-purpose in a pinch, but bread flour gives that Olive Garden bite.
- Kosher salt (for topping): Offers a gentle crunch and balances the final layer of garlicky butter.
- Garlic powder: The classic finishing touch—just a dusting for that familiar, inviting aroma!
Variations
The best part about making Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks at home? You can easily personalize them! Whether you’re meeting dietary needs or just in the mood for a twist, these variations have you covered.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Just before baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the tops for a melty finish.
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute up to half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier, heartier breadstick.
- Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or chopped fresh parsley to the topping butter for a flavor upgrade.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use a plant-based butter alternative and swap in maple or agave syrup in place of sugar for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by combining your warm water, instant yeast, sugar, melted butter, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Gradually add the bread flour as the mixer runs on low, then continue kneading on medium for about 10–15 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and tacky but not sticky. Add extra flour a tablespoon at a time if it tries to cling to your hands.
Step 2: First Rise
Gently remove the dough and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. This long, slow rise creates beautiful flavor and a soft crumb.
Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks
Once the dough has plumped up, divide it into 12 even portions (about 57 grams each for that classic restaurant look). Roll each piece into an 8-inch log. Line them up on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing each about two inches apart. Cover the pans and let the breadsticks rise a second time, about another hour or until puffy and doubled.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the breadsticks for 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt and garlic powder, then sprinkle it evenly over the hot breadsticks—this is the moment they transform into full-fledged Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Don’t wait—serve your breadsticks while they’re softest and most aromatic. If desired, add a second round of butter and garlic powder for extra richness. They’re best enjoyed straight out of the oven with family and friends gathered around.
Pro Tips for Making Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
- The Right Water Temperature: Use a thermometer if you have one—water that’s too hot will hinder your yeast and affect your breadsticks’ rise.
- Dough Texture Matters: Your dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, not dry or sticky; add flour gradually as needed while kneading.
- Let Them Rise Fully: Give your breadsticks plenty of time to become impressively fluffy—don’t rush the rising steps, as this is where the magic happens!
- Buttery Topping Timing: Brush the butter and sprinkle the garlic-salt mix while the breadsticks are piping hot so everything soaks in perfectly and sticks to the surface.
How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Garnishes
For classic flair, finish your Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks with a sprinkle of extra garlic powder or freshly-grated parmesan while they’re hot. A bit of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh scent that makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are pair-perfect with so many favorites: think homemade marinara or Alfredo for dipping, a bowl of zesty minestrone, or your favorite pasta dishes. They also play beautifully alongside a crisp salad or hearty soup for the ultimate comfort-food meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your breadsticks in a tall lined basket for that nostalgic restaurant vibe, or arrange them in a fan shape on a wooden board surrounded by dips and cheeses. For parties, tie a thin ribbon of parchment around a mini bundle of breadsticks and place on each plate—guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually have leftovers (kudos for your self-control!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The breadsticks will stay soft and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed as a snack or quick side with your next meal.
Freezing
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks freeze remarkably well. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and tuck them inside a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making it easy to satisfy cravings any time.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, preheat your oven to 425°F, arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet, and heat for 4-5 minutes. For extra decadence, re-brush with a touch more melted butter and dust with garlic powder and salt while they’re hot!
FAQs
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Can I make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will require about 10–15 minutes of steady kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic—think of it as a built-in arm workout with an extra-tasty reward.
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Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary—these breadsticks rely on traditional bread flour for their signature texture. If you try it, consider adding ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it for elasticity.
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Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring back to room temperature, shape, and proceed with the second rise and baking when you’re ready.
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Why didn’t my breadsticks turn out fluffy?
Fluffiness comes down to proper kneading and rising. Make sure your yeast is alive and the dough is kneaded until tacky and elastic, then allow for full rising times at a warm, draft-free location for the best, airy results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of these Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks from your own oven—the aroma alone is worth the effort! I can’t wait for you to share this little slice of restaurant joy with your family and friends. Trust me: once you make them, they’ll become a home-baked tradition you’ll all crave again and again. Mangia!
Print
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 44 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks at home with this easy recipe. These soft and fluffy breadsticks are perfect for dipping in soups or enjoying as a side dish.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water, about 100-110°F*
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups (381 grams) bread flour, plus more as needed**
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make Dough: Combine water, yeast, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a stand mixer. Gradually add flour and knead until elastic.
- Rise Dough: Let dough double in size, then divide into 12 portions and shape into logs. Let rise again.
- Bake: Preheat oven, bake breadsticks until golden brown. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Serve warm.
- Refresh: Reheat breadsticks in the oven, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder if desired.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is around 100-110°F for yeast activation.
- Flour amount may vary based on brand, climate, and kitchen environment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
