Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Picture this: The warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked breadsticks wafts through your kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy Italian embrace. Soft, pillowy strands of dough, kissed with garlic and sprinkled with Parmesan, melt in your mouth with each irresistible bite. This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe brings the magic of an iconic restaurant right to your home, promising an experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning an impressive meal, these breadsticks are your golden ticket to comfort-food heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

• Ready in 2 hours and 10 minutes: From mixing to baking, these breadsticks come together with ease, letting you enjoy fresh, homemade goodness without hours in the kitchen.
• Uses simple ingredients: No hunting for fancy or obscure items—your pantry staples like flour, yeast, and Parmesan are all you need for this delectable treat.
• Perfect for beginners: Straightforward steps and foolproof techniques make this recipe approachable for any skill level, turning first-timers into bread-baking pros.
• Impressive presentation: Serve these golden, garlic-kissed breadsticks alongside your favorite meal and watch your guests swoon at your cooking prowess.
• Customizable: Add a sprinkle of herbs or dipping sauces to make these breadsticks truly your own culinary signature.

Why This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Works

The secret to these heavenly breadsticks lies in a few genius details. First, the yeast is gently proofed in warm water with sugar, ensuring a lively, fluffy dough that rises beautifully. Then, the combination of bread flour, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese adds layers of flavor and a tender yet chewy texture that perfectly mimics the restaurant classic. Finally, the dough’s rising time allows it to develop those irresistible air pockets and elasticity, resulting in breadsticks that are soft inside and golden-crisp outside. Together, these techniques create a texture and flavor profile that truly capture the essence of Olive Garden’s beloved breadsticks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the authentic flavor and texture of the Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe.

• Warm water (80-90°F): Activates the yeast for perfect dough rise.
• Dry active yeast: The magic behind the soft, airy breadsticks.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances browning.
• Bread flour: Creates chewiness and structure for the dough.
• Garlic salt: Infuses the dough with savory, garlicky goodness.
• Baking powder: Helps tenderize and lift the breadsticks.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
• Canola oil: Keeps the breadsticks moist and tender.
• Grade AA egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Dry active yeast: Instant yeast can be used, but skip the proofing step and add directly to flour.
• Bread flour: All-purpose flour works in a pinch but expect a slightly softer texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
• Canola oil: Olive oil lends a richer, fruitier flavor to the dough if preferred.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining 2 cups of warm water, 1 teaspoon of dry active yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a liquid measuring cup. Let it rest on your countertop for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s frothy and bubbly, signaling that the yeast is alive and eager to work its magic.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a thermometer to check your water temperature—it should feel like warm bathwater, not hot enough to burn your fingers.

Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 5 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Create a well in the center and add one egg, 1/3 cup canola oil, and the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and mix until the dough forms, then knead for 5 minutes until the dough is tacky, elastic, and coming together beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much—softness is key!

Step 3: Grease and Rise the Dough

Grease a large bowl with oil and transfer your dough ball inside. Use oiled hands to shape the dough, then coat the top with a little more oil. Cover the bowl loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size and irresistibly pillowy.

💡 Pro Tip: Placing the bowl near a warm (not hot) spot, like inside an off oven with the light on, helps the dough rise faster.

Step 4: Shape Dough into Breadsticks

Once risen, flour a large pastry mat and gently transfer the dough onto it. Divide the dough into 4 equal sections, then cut each into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then gently stretch or roll it into approximately 7-inch long breadsticks. Use flour as needed to prevent sticking but keep it light.

💡 Pro Tip: Try to keep the breadsticks evenly sized for consistent baking.

Step 5: Arrange Dough on Pans and Second Rise

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the breadsticks evenly spaced on the pans and cover loosely. Let them rise again for 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this second rise—it’s what gives you that signature softness combined with a golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Breadsticks

Bake your risen breadsticks at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until they’re lightly browned and puffed up with that perfect chewy crumb on the inside. If freezing, aim for 7-8 minutes to avoid overbaking.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them near the end of baking—every oven varies and you want just the right golden glow.

Step 7: Brush with Butter and Serve

While the breadsticks bake, melt 8 tablespoons of salted butter in a small saucepan. Once out of the oven, immediately brush each breadstick with the warm melted butter and sprinkle generously with 2 teaspoons of garlic salt. Serve hot, wrapped in a kitchen towel-lined bread basket for that authentic touch.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra flavor punch, add a pinch of dried parsley or Italian seasoning to the butter before brushing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls to elevate your breadstick game every time:

• Too hot or cold water: This can kill or inhibit the yeast, leading to flat or dense breadsticks.
• Skipping or rushing the rise times: Results in chewy, dense bread instead of soft and airy breadsticks.
• Using too much flour when shaping: Can make breadsticks tough and dry instead of tender.
• Overbaking: Leads to hard, dry breadsticks without the classic softness inside.
• Not brushing with butter immediately: Causes less flavorful, less moist breadsticks.
• Unevenly sized dough pieces: Causes some breadsticks to underbake while others overbake.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe, have fun experimenting with these mouthwatering twists:

Cheesy Herb Breadsticks

Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and dried Italian herbs on top before baking for a cheesy, flavorful upgrade.

Spicy Garlic Breadsticks

Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the melted butter before brushing to give your breadsticks a little kick.

Everything Bagel Breadsticks

Top your breadsticks with everything bagel seasoning after brushing with butter for a zesty, crunchy crust.

Parmesan and Rosemary Breadsticks

Fold chopped fresh rosemary into the dough and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a fragrant, savory treat.

Sweet Cinnamon Breadsticks

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a deliciously sweet version perfect for dessert.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes

Try fresh chopped parsley, a light dusting of grated Parmesan, or a vibrant sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that extra visual and flavor appeal.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair beautifully with hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, creamy Alfredo, or even a refreshing green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your breadsticks upright in a rustic bread basket wrapped in a colorful kitchen towel, or stack them on a large wooden board alongside small bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter dip for dipping fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread inside the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

Flash-freeze the unbaked breadsticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw, let rise again, and bake.

Reheating

Warm leftover breadsticks in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them soft. Or microwave for 15-20 seconds, then brush with a little melted butter for fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes! All-purpose flour works fine, though breadsticks might be slightly less chewy and more tender.

Do I have to proof the yeast?

If using dry active yeast, proofing activates it for better rise, but instant yeast can be mixed directly without proofing.

How long do these breadsticks last?

Stored properly, they stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature.

Can I make these gluten-free?

While this recipe is designed for bread flour, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends may work, but texture will differ.

What dipping sauces go best with these breadsticks?

Classic marinara, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even pesto make fantastic companions.

Can I add herbs into the dough?

Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, or oregano add delicious layers of flavor.

Is it necessary to brush with butter?

Brushing with butter seals in moisture and delivers that signature Olive Garden flavor; it’s highly recommended but optional.

Can I freeze the breadsticks after baking?

Yes, wrap cooled breadsticks tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is like inviting a little Italy into your own kitchen. Every step, from the warm proofing of yeast to that final buttery brush, is a loving labor that leads to pure joy on a plate. Soft, garlicky, and addictive, these breadsticks are perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or impressing guests with your baking flair. There’s truly nothing better than the smell of homemade bread filling your home, and this recipe lets you experience that magic with every bite.

Have you tried this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍞🧄

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