There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, buttery Olive Garden-style breadstick fresh from the oven! These homemade breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and brushed with garlic butter, just like the ones you get at the restaurant—but even better because they’re made from scratch in your own kitchen.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make them! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a basket full of golden, pillowy breadsticks in no time. Pair them with your favorite soup, salad, or pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need
For the Breadsticks:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pro Tips for Perfect Breadsticks
- Use Warm Water (Not Too Hot!) – Water around 110°F activates the yeast perfectly. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- Knead for the Right Time – Kneading for about 8-10 minutes helps develop gluten, making the breadsticks soft and chewy.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly – A warm environment (like an oven with the light on) helps the dough double in size in about 1 hour.
- Shape Evenly – Roll the dough into equal-sized ropes (about 7 inches long) to ensure even baking.
- Brush with Garlic Butter Twice – Once right after baking for flavor, and again before serving for extra shine and taste!
Tools You’ll Need
- Stand mixer (or mixing bowl & wooden spoon)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen scale (optional, for evenly sized breadsticks)
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free? Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Whole Wheat? Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Extra Cheesy? Sprinkle Parmesan on top after brushing with garlic butter.
- Spicy? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough Prep: Make the dough a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, and let it come to room temp before baking.
- Freeze Unbaked Breadsticks: Shape and freeze the dough, then bake straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).
How to Make Olive Garden-Style Breadsticks
1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
Add melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch rope and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise & Bake
Cover and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Brush over the hot breadsticks immediately.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, Alfredo dip, or alongside pasta and salad!
Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Fridge: Store up to 5 days, reheating in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 3 months and reheat before serving.
Enjoy & Share!
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and impossible to resist! Perfect for any meal, party, or just because. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how they turned out! 🥖✨
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