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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks: Soft, Buttery, and Garlicky Homemade Recipe

A stack of freshly baked, cheesy garlic breadsticks topped with herbs, ready to eat.

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You can make soft, buttery breadsticks just like Olive Garden at home! This easy copycat recipe uses simple ingredients to create fluffy, garlic-brushed breadsticks perfect as an appetizer or dinner side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Garlic Butter Topping:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 10 to 12 inches long. Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rest for 20 minutes. While they rest, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Bake: Brush the tops of the breadsticks lightly with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  8. Prepare the topping: While the breadsticks bake, combine the 1/2 cup melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
  9. Glaze: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter topping immediately after brushing them out of the oven.
  • For a quicker rise, place the dough in an oven that is turned off but has the light on.
  • You can use instant yeast if you prefer; skip the waiting time and mix it directly with the dry ingredients before adding the water.

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