There’s something magical about those warm, buttery breadsticks served at Olive Garden. Soft, fluffy, and coated with just the right amount of garlic butter, they’re the ultimate comfort food. With this easy copycat recipe, you can bring the same delicious experience to your own kitchen—perfect for pairing with pasta, soup, or enjoying on their own straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Breadsticks
- Soft, fluffy texture like the original
- Buttery garlic flavor brushed on fresh from the oven
- Simple ingredients and easy steps
- Freezer-friendly for future cravings
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Kitchen towel
- Basting brush
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the flour, softened butter, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and knead by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6–7 inches long. Place the breadsticks on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise
Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Make the Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder and salt.
8. Brush and Serve
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan over the breadsticks after brushing with butter.
- Don’t skip the second rise: This helps them become extra soft and fluffy.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to refresh.
These homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks are everything you love about the restaurant version—soft, buttery, and loaded with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty bowl of soup or a classic pasta dish, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.