Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, warm, and buttery little sticks of happiness. They’re lightly brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt and herbs to make you want to eat them by the handful. These breadsticks are famously delicious and an essential side that’s hard to resist.
I love making a batch at home because the smell of the garlic butter baking in the oven fills the whole kitchen and makes everyone excited. I like to keep a bowl of marinara sauce nearby for dipping—it feels like a little treat every time you dunk one in. These breadsticks bring so much comfort and are always a crowd-pleaser when I serve them at dinner or snack time.
Whenever I make these, I imagine sitting down with friends or family around a cozy table. They’re perfect for sharing and always disappear quickly! Whether you’re pairing them with pasta, soup, or just enjoying them on their own, Olive Garden Breadsticks always bring a simple kind of joy that brightens any meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is great for this recipe since it helps the dough rise nicely and gives the breadsticks a soft texture. If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast works too and can be mixed directly with the flour without proofing.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these breadsticks their classic soft yet slightly chewy texture. You can also try bread flour for a chewier bite or whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser.
Butter and Garlic: Butter is essential to get that rich, soft feel and buttery finish. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil for brushing, mixed with garlic and herbs, although it won’t be quite as rich.
Herbs and Salt: Dried parsley adds a fresh touch and color, but feel free to swap in dried oregano or basil if you prefer. Coarse salt on top adds a nice pop of flavor and a bit of crunch, but you can use regular table salt if needed.
How Can I Get Soft, Fluffy Breadsticks Like Olive Garden’s?
The secret lies in the dough and how you handle it:
- Proofing the Yeast: Make sure your water is warm (about 110°F). Too hot and it kills the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate. Let it sit until foamy—that means the yeast is alive and ready.
- Kneading: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This builds the gluten, which traps air bubbles and creates that light texture.
- Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled. This gives the yeast time to work and helps produce fluffy breadsticks.
- Shaping and Second Rise: After shaping, let the dough rest again. This second rise puffs the dough up just before baking so it stays soft inside.
- Baking: Bake at 400°F until golden brown. Don’t overbake or the breadsticks will get hard.
- Garlic Butter Brush: Brush warm breadsticks immediately with garlic butter for that shiny, flavorful finish.
Following these steps will help you make soft, tasty breadsticks just like Olive Garden’s!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients easily and giving the dough space to rise.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right for perfect breadsticks.
- Whisk or fork – helps to mix the yeast, water, and sugar until it’s foamy and ready.
- Wooden spoon or dough hook – great for mixing the dough before kneading or if you use a stand mixer.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake your breadsticks evenly; lined with parchment paper helps for easy clean-up.
- Pastry brush – to spread the garlic butter evenly on the warm breadsticks for that classic glossy finish.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover the dough while it rises and keeps it from drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding shredded mozzarella cheese inside or on top for cheesy breadsticks that melt with every bite.
- Swap out dried parsley for Italian seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary for extra herb flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter brush if you like a little kick in your breadsticks.
- Mix in finely chopped cooked bacon or pepperoni into the dough for a meaty twist that’s great as a snack.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for garlic butter)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- Coarse salt or sea salt for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the dough to rise, and 12-15 minutes of baking. Add a quick 20-minute resting time before baking to let the breadsticks puff up. So, in total, set aside around 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is alive and ready.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until you get a rough dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 5 to 7 minutes instead.
4. First Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Shape the Breadsticks:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long breadstick and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for 20 minutes so they puff up nicely.
6. Bake:
Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown.
7. Garlic Butter Topping:
While baking, melt butter and mix in minced garlic, garlic powder, and parsley flakes. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with this garlic butter mix and lightly sprinkle coarse salt on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm breadsticks with some marinara sauce for dipping if you like. Enjoy the soft, buttery, garlicky goodness just like Olive Garden!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can! Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without proofing. Just skip the step where you let the yeast sit in warm water and proceed with mixing the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to regain softness.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just take it out about 30 minutes before shaping to bring it back to room temperature.
What’s a Good Substitute for Butter in the Garlic Topping?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, olive oil works well. Simply mix olive oil with minced garlic, garlic powder, and parsley, then brush it on the warm breadsticks for a tasty finish.
