Name: Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing); 1 tsp garlic powder

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There’s something undeniably magical about Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks. Picture this: warm, fluffy, golden-brown breadsticks that practically melt in your mouth with every buttery bite. delicious honey butter rolls The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making you wonder if you’ve been transported directly to an Italian kitchen. savory miso brioche rolls.

These breadsticks aren’t just a side dish; they’re the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a cozy night in, these breadsticks will elevate any meal and leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are easy to make at home with minimal ingredients
Their soft texture and buttery flavor are simply irresistible
Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they add that restaurant-quality touch to any meal
Plus, you can customize them with your favorite seasonings for added flair

I recall the first time I made these breadsticks; my son’s eyes lit up like he’d just seen Santa Claus. He devoured them faster than I could pull them out of the oven!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the perfect dough texture; sift it beforehand for best results.
Active Dry Yeast: Use fresh yeast to ensure proper rising; it’s the secret to fluffy breadsticks.
Warm Water: Not too hot! Aim for around 110°F (43°C) to help activate the yeast without killing it.
Sugar: Just a hint to feed the yeast and balance flavors; granulated sugar works wonders here.
Salt: Enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this crucial ingredient.
Butter: Melted butter is rubbed over warm breadsticks post-baking for that classic Olive Garden experience.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds a delightful garlicky kick that elevates these breadsticks to another level.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C): In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir gently until dissolved, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes—indicating that your yeast is alive and ready to party.

Once your yeast mixture is bubbly: add salt and gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Trust me, this is where you get your arm workout in!

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel: Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size—patience pays off here!

After the dough has risen beautifully: punch it down (yes, really!) and roll it out into long sticks, about 6 inches each. Arrange them on a greased baking sheet with some space between each stick because they’ll puff up during baking.

Allow your shaped breadsticks to rise again for about 30 minutes while you twiddle your thumbs or consider how many sticks you can realistically eat alone. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder for that signature Olive Garden flavor explosion!

Let them cool slightly before serving—if you can resist diving right in—and enjoy these amazing Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks with pasta dishes or by themselves as an irresistible snack! spicy gochujang mashed potatoes. creamy gochujang mac and cheese.

You Must Know

The quest for the perfect Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks begins with warm, fluffy dough and a sprinkle of garlic salt
This recipe captures that restaurant magic at home
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients before adding wet ones to create a smooth dough. Let it rise properly to achieve that delightful fluffiness we all crave.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these breadsticks by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top also adds a delicious twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To keep your Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks soft, avoid overbaking them; they should be golden but not too dark
Also, using room-temperature ingredients helps create a smoother dough
Lastly, don’t skip the garlic butter topping; it’s what makes these breadsticks irresistible!

I remember one rainy evening when I first attempted these breadsticks. My friends were skeptical, but after one bite, they were begging for the recipe!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I freeze Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks?

For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Yes, you can freeze them after baking; just thaw and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with these breadsticks?

These breadsticks pair beautifully with soups, salads, and pasta dishes for a complete meal.

How do I make them more garlicky?

Increase the amount of garlic powder in the dough or brush more garlic butter on top!