Olive Garden Breadsticks

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know that their breadsticks are a highlight of the meal. Now, you can recreate these delicious, warm breadsticks at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these breadsticks are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic flavor that rivals the Olive Garden experience.
- Quick and simple preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile for serving with pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Breadsticks:
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
For the Topping:
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.
- Mix in flour, butter, and salt to form a dough.
- Knead dough until smooth, then let it rise.
- Roll out dough and cut into breadsticks.
- Bake until golden brown, then brush with garlic butter topping.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the water is at the correct temperature for the yeast.
- For a cheesy variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal texture.
- Brush the breadsticks with garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These breadsticks pair perfectly with a classic spaghetti marinara or a hearty minestrone soup. For a complete Italian meal, serve with a Caesar salad and a glass of Chianti.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, wrap the breadsticks in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but the rising time may be shorter.
- Can I freeze the dough for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen and thaw it before baking.
- How can I make the breadsticks gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Can I add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor with your favorite herbs.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the secret to perfect Olive Garden-style breadsticks, it’s time to get baking. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Italian dishes, your guests are sure to be impressed. Enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of these homemade breadsticks and don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintOlive Garden Breadsticks
Enjoy the taste of Olive Garden breadsticks at home with this easy recipe. These soft and fluffy breadsticks are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying on their own.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12–16 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add flour, butter, and salt. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Divide dough into sticks. Place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Bake at 400°F/200°C for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of garlic powder and salt in the topping to suit your taste.
- For a cheesy version, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: breadsticks, homemade, Olive Garden, baking, appetizer