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

Close-up of freshly baked, golden garlic breadsticks seasoned with parsley, piled high in a white bowl.
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You asked for the best homemade breadsticks, and we delivered. This recipe fixes the common flaws in other guides to give you soft, fluffy, and perfectly garlicky breadsticks just like the restaurant favorite. This is the foolproof guide you need.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 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
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)

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 the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  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 it has doubled in size.
  5. Preheat and shape: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin stick, about 10 to 12 inches long. Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  6. Second rise (optional but recommended for fluffiness): Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the breadsticks are light golden brown.
  8. Prepare the garlic butter topping: While the breadsticks bake, combine the 1/2 cup softened butter, garlic powder, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
  9. Finish: Immediately after removing the hot breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm. This is the best homemade breadsticks experience you can have.

Notes

  • For a quick version, you can reduce the second rise time or skip it, but the texture will be slightly denser.
  • If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the butter topping right after they come out of the oven.
  • Use instant yeast if you prefer, but you can skip the initial 10-minute proofing step; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorandpin.com/best-breadsticks-copycat-recipe/