Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe

Imagine biting into a warm, soft, and unbelievably delicious Olive Garden breadstick without ever having to leave your home. That dream is now a reality with our ultimate copycat recipe! These iconic Italian favorites are famous for their signature buttery, garlicky topping and irresistible fluffiness, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from a hearty pasta dish to a light salad or a comforting bowl of soup.

The Irresistible Allure of Olive Garden Breadsticks

For many, a trip to Olive Garden isn’t complete without indulging in their unlimited basket of warm, garlicky breadsticks. There’s something truly magical about that first bite – the delicate crust, the pillowy soft interior, and the savory butter-garlic salt topping that lingers on your palate. I confess, I’m one of those people who eagerly anticipates their arrival, watching the server navigate through the restaurant until that delightful basket is finally placed before us.

While dining out is a wonderful treat, it’s not always practical. Like many families, we’re focused on smart budgeting this year, making conscious choices to save money and reach financial goals, such as paying off our car. This commitment has inspired a new culinary mission: recreating our favorite restaurant dishes right in our own kitchen. The satisfaction of crafting these beloved flavors at home is immense, and it allows us to enjoy those special restaurant experiences more frequently, without the added expense.

And let me tell you, this copycat Olive Garden Breadstick recipe is nothing short of revolutionary! Seriously, prepare for an explosion of flavor that might just make you question ever ordering takeout again. It’s so good, it comes with a delicious warning: these breadsticks are dangerously addictive!

Our Journey to the Perfect Copycat Breadsticks

Our dedication to perfecting this recipe began way back in 2013 when we first shared our initial version. Over the years, our passion for baking and photography has grown, and with it, our skills. We’ve fine-tuned the recipe, experimented with techniques, and updated our presentation to bring you the absolute best possible homemade Olive Garden breadsticks. This improved version benefits from years of experience and countless batches, ensuring that every breadstick you pull from your oven is as close to the restaurant original as possible.

Crafting Your Own Olive Garden Breadsticks at Home

Making bread from scratch might seem daunting, but with this recipe, it’s a surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding process. The key to achieving that signature Olive Garden texture and flavor lies in understanding each step and giving the dough the attention it deserves. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying warm, soft, and utterly delicious breadsticks in no time.

Essential Ingredients

For ease of use, I’ll list the core ingredients first, and then break down the specific measurements within the step-by-step instructions. This approach helps prevent confusion, as some ingredients are added at multiple stages of the recipe.

• Warm Water
• Active Dry Yeast
• Granulated Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Vegetable Oil

Ingredients needed for the irresistible topping once the breadsticks are out of the oven:

• Margarine or Unsalted Butter
• Salt (preferably fine-grain)
• Garlic Powder

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a basket of pure joy! Here’s how to create your very own Olive Garden copycat breadsticks:

1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer (we highly recommend a KitchenAid Mixer for this), combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of warm water, 1 ¼ teaspoon of active dry yeast, and ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar. Whisk gently until the yeast has completely dissolved.
2. Proof the Yeast: Allow the mixture to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast should become foamy, indicating it is active and ready to work.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon and 2 ½ teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ¾ teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the yeast mixture in the mixer bowl.
4. Mix Initial Dough: Attach the paddle attachment to your mixer and blend on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined and a shaggy dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Knead the Dough: Switch to the Dough Hook attachment. Gradually add the remaining 1 ½ cups of flour, ¼ cup at a time, while kneading the mixture on a slow speed. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, though it may remain slightly sticky to the touch. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a large, lightly buttered mixing bowl. Turn the dough once to coat it in butter, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rise for approximately 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Divide and Shape: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal segments. Keep the segments you’re not actively working with covered to prevent them from drying out.
8. Form Breadsticks: Roll each dough segment into a rope, about 6-8 inches long and ½-¾ inch thick. Aim for a consistent shape and size for even baking.
9. Second Rise: Arrange the shaped breadsticks on a Silpat Mat-lined or buttered cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise for another 1 hour. This second rise contributes to their signature fluffiness.
10. Preheat Oven: While the breadsticks are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
11. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 11-13 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top and bottom. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
12. Prepare Garlic-Salt Topping: While the breadsticks are baking, whisk together ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder in a small bowl.
13. Butter and Season: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush or rub a stick of melted butter or margarine generously over their hot surfaces. While still warm and buttery, promptly sprinkle them with the prepared garlic-salt combination. This ensures the topping adheres perfectly and melts into the breadsticks.
14. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade Olive Garden breadsticks warm and savor every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Flawless Homemade Breadsticks

• Water Temperature: Ensure your water is warm (105-115°F or 40-46°C) for yeast activation. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will prevent it from activating.
• Don’t Skimp on Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for soft, elastic breadsticks. If kneading by hand, this can take 8-10 minutes.
• Warm Rising Spot: A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for proper dough rising. If your kitchen is cool, preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
• Even Shaping: Try to make all breadsticks roughly the same size and thickness for uniform baking.
• Generous Topping: Don’t be shy with the butter and garlic-salt topping! This is what gives Olive Garden breadsticks their iconic flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh active dry yeast for the best results. Check the expiration date!

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

These homemade Olive Garden breadsticks are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any meal. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Italian Dinner: Serve them alongside your favorite pasta dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.
• Soup’s Best Friend: They are perfect for dipping into a rich minestrone, creamy Zuppa Toscana (another Olive Garden copycat!), or any comforting soup.
• Salad Companion: Enjoy them with a fresh garden salad, especially one with Italian dressing, to complete a lighter meal.
• Appetizer: Serve them on their own with a side of marinara sauce or a cheesy dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Sandwich Rolls: Slice them lengthwise and fill them with deli meats and cheese for unique mini subs.

Storing and Reheating Your Breadsticks

While these breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can store leftovers to enjoy later. Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until soft and heated through. You can also quickly warm them in a microwave, but the oven method will help restore their crisp-soft texture.

Explore More Copycat Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed recreating this Olive Garden favorite, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other restaurant-inspired recipes that allow you to bring those beloved flavors home. Dive into our collection of Olive Garden Recipes, where you’ll find everything from their famous soups and marinara sauce to delightful desserts and more. Don’t stop there – be sure to check out our extensive range of copycat recipes, as well as our tempting dessert recipes, and incredibly convenient Crock Pot Recipes for effortless meal planning.

Olive Garden Breadstick Recipe

Learn how to make Olive Garden Breadsticks at home with this detailed and easy-to-follow recipe.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

(Note: Specific quantities are detailed in the step-by-step instructions below, as some ingredients are used at multiple stages.)

• Water (Warm)
• Active Dry Yeast
• White Granulated Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Vegetable Oil

For the Topping (after baking):

• Butter or Margarine
• Salt
• Garlic Powder

Instructions

1. In a bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water, 1 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast, and ½ teaspoon granulated sugar until the yeast has dissolved.
2. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon + 2 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ¾ teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil to the bowl.
4. Switch to the paddle attachment and blend until the mixture is well combined.
5. Switch the mixer to the dough hook. Add in 1 ½ cups flour gradually, ¼ cup at a time, kneading the mixture on slow speed until the dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from the bowl but is still slightly sticky.
6. Transfer the dough to a large buttered mixing bowl, cover, and allow to rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 ½ hours.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal segments. Keep unused segments covered while working.
8. Roll each segment into a rope on a lightly floured surface, approximately 6-8 inches long.
9. Transfer the shaped breadsticks to a Silpat Mat or a buttered cookie sheet.
10. Cover and let rise for another 1 hour.
11. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C).
12. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. While baking, whisk together ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl for the topping.
14. Remove breadsticks from the oven. Immediately run a stick of butter/margarine over the hot breadsticks to melt and coat them.
15. Immediately sprinkle with the garlic/salt combo.
16. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade Olive Garden breadsticks!

Kitchen Tools

• KitchenAid Mixer (or similar stand mixer)
• Cookie Sheets
• Silpat Baking Mat (optional, but recommended)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Notes

I typically list specific quantities for each ingredient at the top of a recipe. However, for these breadsticks, ingredients are added at several different stages, which can make a single consolidated list confusing. Therefore, I’ve opted to detail the exact amounts within the step-by-step instructions for clearer guidance. This ensures you add the right amount at precisely the right time for the best results!

Love this recipe? Follow @TammileeTIps on Pinterest for more delicious ideas!

Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Mention @TammileeTipsLife when you share a photo on Instagram!

Recipe originally shared January 29, 2013. Updated on March 7, 2020.