The Ultimate Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks: Soft, Buttery, Garlicky & Easy Homemade Recipe
There’s a universally acknowledged truth among casual diners: Olive Garden breadsticks are legendary. Their irresistible combination of soft, pillowy texture, rich buttery glaze, and savory garlic salt topping makes them an iconic appetizer. But what if we told you that you could recreate—and even surpass—that beloved restaurant experience right in your own kitchen? Get ready to bake a batch of homemade breadsticks that are not just as good as Olive Garden’s, but arguably even better! These perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth breadsticks are surprisingly simple to make, requiring only a handful of common pantry ingredients and a little over an hour of your time. Say goodbye to endless trips to the restaurant and hello to fresh, warm, garlicky goodness anytime you crave it.
The magic of Olive Garden breadsticks lies in their simplicity and consistency. Everyone who has enjoyed a meal there knows the comfort of those warm, unlimited breadsticks arriving at the table. Now, imagine bringing that same delightful experience to your home, but with an added layer of freshness and personal touch. This recipe ensures that every breadstick is incredibly soft and pillowy, perfectly buttery, and boasts just the right amount of aromatic garlic. They are fantastic on their own, a perfect accompaniment to any Italian meal, or ideal for soaking up the last delicious drops of pasta sauce from your plate. The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this a convenient and rewarding baking project. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these exceptional homemade treats.
Why You’ll Love These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
I make these buttery, garlicky breadsticks all the time, and they never fail to disappear quickly. Here’s why I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Unmatched Freshness. While Olive Garden breadsticks are undeniably good, nothing compares to the tender, pillowy softness of breadsticks pulled fresh from your own oven. The aroma filling your kitchen alone is worth the effort! You’ll be amazed at the superior taste and texture when they’re still warm and just brushed with melted garlic butter.
- Remarkably Simple. Many people hesitate to bake bread, fearing it’s too complicated or time-consuming. While some bread recipes can be quite involved, this isn’t one of them! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for success even for novice bakers. With only 7 common ingredients that are staples in most pantries, and a total preparation and bake time of just over an hour, you’ll find bread-making is much more accessible than you imagined.
- Impressively Delicious. The universal appeal of Olive Garden breadsticks means that serving your homemade version will garner rave reviews. When your friends and family taste these perfectly soft, buttery, and garlicky creations, they’ll be absolutely blown away. Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe – you’re guaranteed to impress everyone you share them with.
- Budget-Friendly Indulgence. Dining out, especially for a large family, can add up quickly. Making these copycat breadsticks at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer without the hefty price tag. You’ll save money while still savoring the rich flavors you love.
- Customizable Perfection. One of the greatest advantages of baking at home is the ability to customize. Want a little more garlic? Go for it! Prefer a touch of Italian seasoning in the butter? Experiment! This recipe provides a perfect base for you to adapt and make your own, tailoring the flavors to your exact preferences.
What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients & Tools
Gathering your ingredients and tools before you start will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s everything you need to create this perfect copycat bread. For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this article.
For the Breadsticks:
- Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the leavening agent that gives the breadsticks their light and airy texture. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking its expiration date and observing its foamy reaction with warm water and sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: A small amount of sugar acts as food for the yeast, helping it activate and rise more quickly. It also contributes to the breadsticks’ golden-brown crust and a hint of sweetness.
- Bread Flour: While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour is highly recommended for its higher protein content. This higher protein develops more gluten, resulting in a chewier, more structured, and ultimately better-textured breadstick, mimicking the restaurant version more closely.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, salt also plays a vital role in controlling yeast activity and strengthening the gluten structure in the dough, leading to a better rise and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the breadsticks, especially since garlic salt will be used in the topping.
For the Flavorful Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: Again, unsalted butter is preferred for the topping to ensure you can perfectly balance the saltiness with the garlic. Melting it allows for easy brushing and even distribution over the warm breadsticks.
- Garlic Salt: This is the key to achieving that signature Olive Garden flavor. It’s a convenient blend of salt and granulated garlic. If you don’t have garlic salt on hand, you can easily substitute it with a mixture of granulated garlic powder and a pinch of fine salt (adjusting to taste).
Essential Kitchen Tools:
- Large Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
- Whisk: To mix dry ingredients evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Kitchen Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your water is at the optimal temperature for yeast activation.
- Baking Sheets: At least one large baking sheet to accommodate 12 breadsticks.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towels: For covering the dough during its resting period.
- Pastry Brush: For applying the luscious garlic butter topping evenly.
- Optional: Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: While not essential, a stand mixer can make the kneading process effortless and faster.
How to Make Breadsticks Like the Olive Garden
Get ready to embark on a delightful baking journey! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making homemade breadsticks that taste incredibly similar, if not superior, to the ones you crave from Olive Garden:
- Activate the Yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (remember, 105-115°F is ideal), a pinch of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. This crucial step is called “proofing” the yeast. You’ll know your yeast is active and healthy when the mixture becomes visibly foamy and bubbly on the surface, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Whisking ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for consistent flavor and dough development.
- Integrate Wet Ingredients. Once your yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter to this mixture. Using a sturdy spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix everything together. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together, forming a shaggy ball and pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough. Lightly flour a clean work surface (a countertop or large cutting board works well). Turn the shaggy dough ball out onto the floured surface. Now, it’s time to knead! Knead the breadstick dough for approximately 5 minutes. The goal of kneading is to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture. As you knead, the dough will transform from sticky and rough to smooth, elastic, and more manageable. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the dough is smooth.
- Divide the Dough. Once kneaded, gently form the dough into a square or rectangle on your counter. Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. This ensures consistent sizing for your breadsticks.
- Shape the Breadsticks. Take each of the 12 dough portions and gently roll it between your palms or on your lightly floured surface to form a breadstick shape, approximately 6-8 inches long. Aim for a fairly uniform thickness.
- Prepare for Rising. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil (lightly greased), or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the shaped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during rising.
- Rest and Rise. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the covered breadsticks in a warm, draft-free spot (like a slightly warm oven that’s turned off, or near a sunny window) for about 45 minutes. During this time, the yeast will continue to ferment, causing the breadsticks to double in size and become wonderfully light and airy.
- Preheat the Oven. Towards the end of the resting period, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the breadsticks are ready to bake, which is crucial for a good rise and even cooking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection. Uncover the risen breadsticks and carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the breadsticks are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
- Prepare the Irresistible Topping. While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic salt until well combined. This is your flavorful, aromatic glaze.
- Glaze and Serve. As soon as you remove the hot, golden breadsticks from the oven, immediately brush them generously with the melted garlic butter topping. The warm breadsticks will absorb the butter, infusing them with incredible flavor and moisture. Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy the fresh, buttery, garlicky taste of your homemade Olive Garden breadsticks!
Tips for Success & Troubleshooting
Even though this recipe is designed to be simple, a few expert tips can ensure your copycat Olive Garden breadsticks turn out perfect every single time:
- Understand Your Yeast. This recipe calls for active dry yeast, which needs to be “proofed” (activated) in warm water and sugar before being added to the dry ingredients. Instant yeast, on the other hand, can often be mixed directly with dry ingredients. Always double-check the type of yeast you have and follow the instructions for that specific type.
- Proper Yeast Storage is Key. Yeast is a living organism, and its potency can degrade over time, especially if not stored correctly. For best results and longevity, always store your active dry yeast in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as your refrigerator or freezer. If stored in the pantry, ensure it’s in an opaque container away from heat and light. Properly stored yeast can last for months, if not years.
- Precision with Yeast Activation. The success of your breadsticks hinges on properly activated yeast. Ensure your water temperature is precisely between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Using a kitchen thermometer is highly recommended. Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, rendering it ineffective, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it sufficiently, leading to a poor rise. Additionally, respect the rising time; over-proofing can lead to a slightly alcoholic taste and a deflated texture, while under-proofing results in dense breadsticks.
- Measure Flour Accurately. Baking, especially with bread, is a science. The most common mistake is adding too much flour. Fluff your flour with a spoon before lightly spooning it into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. For ultimate accuracy, use a kitchen scale to measure flour by weight (1 cup of bread flour is typically around 120-130 grams). Too much flour will result in dry, dense breadsticks.
- Don’t Over-Knead or Under-Knead. Kneading develops gluten, which provides structure. Too little kneading results in a crumbly, dense texture. Too much kneading, however, can make the dough tough and difficult to work with, leading to rubbery breadsticks. The ideal dough should be smooth, elastic, and spring back slowly when poked.
- Create a Warm Environment for Rising. Yeast thrives in warmth. If your kitchen is cool, your dough may take longer to rise, or might not rise as much. You can create a warm environment by placing the covered dough in an oven that’s been briefly warmed and then turned off, or simply in a warm spot free from drafts.
- Don’t Over-Bake. Over-baking will dry out your breadsticks, making them tough instead of soft and pillowy. Bake until they are lightly golden brown. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
- Customize Your Garlic Topping. While garlic salt is specified, feel free to adjust to your preference. You can add a pinch of dried parsley or Italian seasoning to the melted butter for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color. For a stronger garlic punch, you can even add a tiny amount of minced fresh garlic (ensure it’s very finely minced) to the butter, just be careful not to burn it.
Serving Suggestions
These garlicky, buttery breadsticks are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Naturally, I love to enjoy them the same way they’re served at Olive Garden: alongside comforting Italian meals. They are perfect for soaking up rich sauces and complementing savory flavors. Here are some of my favorite recipes that truly shine when served with these irresistible breadsticks:
- Homemade Lasagna: A classic pairing, perfect for scooping up layers of cheese and meat sauce.
- Sausage Penne Pasta: The robust flavors of sausage and creamy sauce are beautifully complemented by these breadsticks.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: The tangy, sweet notes of sun-dried tomatoes find a perfect match in the savory breadsticks.
- Italian Chicken Bake: Use the breadsticks to mop up any delicious juices from this hearty chicken dish.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: A lighter but equally satisfying combination, offering a perfect crunch and garlic kick.
Beyond Italian cuisine, these breadsticks are also fantastic with soups, stews, or simply as a snack on their own. They make an excellent addition to any dinner table, elevating even the simplest meal.
Storage & Reheating for Lasting Freshness
While these breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, any leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, maintaining their deliciousness for days.
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to extend their freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp. Alternatively, for a quicker reheat, use the microwave on 80% power in 15-second increments, being careful not to over-microwave, which can make them tough.
Freezing Instructions:
These breadsticks freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping or having a quick side dish ready at a moment’s notice. To freeze, first allow the cooked breadsticks to cool completely. Then, wrap each breadstick individually in plastic wrap, or wrap several tightly together. Place the wrapped breadsticks into a freezer-safe airtight bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them at room temperature before reheating, or reheat them directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and golden. This method preserves their soft texture and delightful flavor.
More Homemade Bread Recipes to Explore
If you loved making these Olive Garden copycat breadsticks, you might enjoy delving into more homemade bread recipes. Baking bread from scratch is a rewarding experience, and there are countless delicious variations to try. Here are some other fantastic bread recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Honey Oat Bread: A wholesome and slightly sweet loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread: Recreate that iconic dark, slightly sweet, and incredibly soft restaurant bread.
- French Bread Dinner Rolls: Fluffy and light dinner rolls with a hint of crisp crust, ideal for any meal.
- Potato Bread with Chives: A unique and flavorful bread, made tender with the addition of potato and aromatic chives.
- Little Caesars Crazy Bread: If you’re a fan of garlicky, cheesy bread, this copycat recipe is a must-try.
Olive Garden Breadsticks (Copycat Recipe)
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Video Tutorial
Ingredients
For the breadsticks
- 1 1/2 cups warm water, at 105-115°F (40-46°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, approx. 1 standard package
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the irresistible topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Gently stir to dissolve the sugar and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until a foamy layer appears on top, indicating the yeast is active.2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 cups warm water
-
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the bread flour and salt. Pour the activated yeast mixture and the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix with a sturdy spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough starts to come together and form a shaggy ball.4 1/4 cups bread flour, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons melted butter
-
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky.
-
Gently form the kneaded dough into a rough square or rectangle. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your hands or on the floured surface to form individual breadsticks, approximately 6-8 inches long.
-
Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving some space between them. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the breadsticks rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
-
While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is hot and the breadsticks have risen, uncover them and place the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadsticks are lightly golden brown on top.
-
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small bowl. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of garlic salt until fully combined.1/4 cup butter, 1 teaspoon garlic salt
-
Immediately upon removing the breadsticks from the oven, generously brush them with the melted garlic butter topping. Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from You Made That.
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To reheat from room temperature, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes, or microwave on 80% power in 15-second increments.
- To freeze, allow breadsticks to cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight freezer bag. Store for up to 4 months.
- To reheat from frozen, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Additional Information
Did you love this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
I’ve created a fun and engaging community group on Facebook, and I’d be thrilled for you to join us! It’s a fantastic place where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, exchange baking tips, and stay updated on all the exciting new recipes from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you never miss out on delicious inspiration!).
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU create at home!
Don’t forget to follow me on my social media channels, so you
never miss a post, new recipe, or update!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.