Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

This copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe makes soft, buttery and chewy homemade breadsticks that are irresistible with a garlic butter topping!

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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

I’ve been wanting to make copycat Olive Garden breadsticks for a while now that are a little closer to the original than my easy breadsticks recipe. I say I’ve accomplished my mission because these are pillowy-soft and taste even better than the original!

Our family loves going to Olive Garden to order the chicken gnocchi soup or the pasta e Fagioli with a side of Olive Garden salad and their signature Olive Garden dressing! Now we can create a restaurant experience at home with the addition of breadsticks, too!

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

They’re simple enough to whip up when the cravings come calling and believe me, they will. Having a basket of these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks is a surefire way to be full before dinner and not be the least bit sorry about it!

1. Proof the yeast. Mix the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast and let it sit and foam up for 5 minutes. For details on how to proof yeast, I’ve got you covered.
2. Knead the dough. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil and start kneading. Use your hand or a dough hook, it’s up to you.
3. Let it rise. Add 1/2 cup of flour at a time until the dough is smooth. It should no longer be sticky. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 15-30 minutes.
4. Roll into logs. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 pieces, rolling them into 8-10″ logs. Place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
5. In the oven, they go! Bake for 10 minutes then remove them from the oven to brush with the melted butter, garlic powder, and garlic salt mixture. Bake for 3-5 more minutes until lightly golden brown on the bottom.
6. Finish off with another brushing of that delicious garlic butter!

Recipe Tips

• Bread recipes rely on properly measuring flour! Use the spoon and level method for best results.
• Do not use hot water to proof the yeast. Somewhere between hot and room temperature. In other words, warm!
• As always test your yeast first. If it doesn’t foam up, it’s no longer active. Get rid of it and use fresh yeast.
• Bread flour also works, as long as the flour you use is unbleached. It just makes for a better flavor.
• To get the tops of the breadsticks a little browner, you can bake them a few extra minutes, or move them to the top rack for the last couple of minutes.

Sauce To Serve With Them

These copycat Olive Garden breadsticks are best enjoyed warm on the first day. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Sometimes a creamy garlic sauce, white pizza sauce or ranch dressing is also called for!

Garlicky breadsticks are amazing on the side of soups and salads, but if you’re all about the carbs, you’ve got to have them on pizza or pasta night!