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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 32 breadsticks 1x
  • Category: Bread, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe delivers soft, warm, and garlicky breadsticks that closely mimic the beloved restaurant favorite. With a perfect balance of parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and a tender chewy texture, these homemade breadsticks are baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted butter for that irresistibly rich flavor. Ideal for serving alongside pasta dishes or as a delicious appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (80-90°F)
  • 1 tsp dry active yeast
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 5 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 tsp garlic salt (Lawry’s brand recommended)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Kraft brand recommended)
  • 1/3 cup canola oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
  • 1 grade AA egg

Topping

  • 8 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
  • 2 tsp garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a liquid measuring cup, combine 2 cups of warm water (80-90°F), 1 tsp of dry active yeast, and 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed while preparing other ingredients until foamy and activated.
  2. Combine and knead the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together 5 cups bread flour, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Create a well in the center. Add 1 grade AA egg, 1/3 cup canola oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, stir until dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until dough is smooth but tacky.
  3. Grease and rise the dough: Grease your hands with oil and shape the sticky dough into a ball. Lightly oil the top of the dough and the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  4. Shape dough into breadsticks: Once risen, transfer the dough onto a floured large pastry mat dusted with 1/4 cup flour. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, then cut each piece into 8 smaller pieces for a total of 32 breadsticks. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll out into a 7-inch long breadstick, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Arrange dough onto pans: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Place the shaped breadsticks evenly on the pans. Let them rise for an additional 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (start preheating 15 minutes into the rise time).
  6. Bake the breadsticks: Bake the risen breadsticks at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. If using frozen breadsticks, bake for 7-8 minutes.
  7. Brush with melted butter and garnish: Meanwhile, melt 8 tablespoons of salted butter. Once the breadsticks come out of the oven and are still hot, generously brush them with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with 2 teaspoons garlic salt. Serve immediately in a bread basket lined with a kitchen towel for best enjoyment.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure water temperature for yeast activation is between 80-90°F to properly proof the yeast.
  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture that mimics Olive Garden’s breadsticks.
  • The dough is sticky initially; greasing your hands helps with shaping.
  • You can freeze shaped breadsticks before baking; just adjust baking time to slightly less as noted.
  • Brush with melted butter immediately after baking to retain flavor and softness.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/copycat-olive-garden-breadsticks-recipe/