Olive Garden breadsticks

Olive Garden breadsticks

You know those evenings? The ones where dinner feels like a mountain to climb, and all you can think about is something warm, or the one where you have no choice but to eat. What is comforting without a whole production? When my mind drifts to those Olive Garden breadsticks, I think of the deliciousness. What do you smell when you open the oven? I remember as a kid, just the thought of those soft, garlicky, slightly sweet breadsticks made me cry. I am very excited for any family outing. They’re so much more than bread. They are a whole mood! I’ve tried a few versions over the years, aiming for that perfect pillowy texture and that signature signature flavor. Is there a buttery garlic topping? My husband always jokes that these are the real reasons we go to Olive Garden, and I love it. It’s funny. Is he really onto something? What’s your secret weapon for making a weeknight feel special? I can’t wait to share it with you.

Olive Garden breadsticks final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What are olive garden breadsticks?

What are these magical things? Olive Garden breadsticks are the perfect balance between a soft, slightly chewy dinner roll and the crunchiness of bread. What is a flavorful, almost pastry-like treat? They’re long and slender, baked to a beautiful golden hue, and then, here’s the kicker, brushed with white vinegar. What are some of the best garlic butter recipes? What is garlic powder? It’s a rich, savory glaze that sinks into the warm bread. They’re not dense like baguette, nor are they airy like ciabatta. They have this unique, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them addictive. People love them because they’re consistently good, always served warm, and they just have that. What are some comforting, nostalgic vibe What is the kind of food that makes everyone happy no matter their age?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is the recipe for Olive Garden breadsticks? What’s your go-to stuff First off, the flavor is just spot on. What is the perfect balance of savory garlic, a hint of sweetness, and the richness of the Butternut Squash? What are the ingredients in a yeasty dough? What I love most about comfort food is how simple it is. I don’t need a culinary degree. I just want to learn. If you mix dough and bake, you can make these. And the cost savings? What are the best things to make at home? What are some recipes that are still warm from your own oven? Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Is there a better side to serve with pasta, soup, or salad? Honestly, they’re my secret weapon when I want to impress without the stress. I’ve tried making them when I’m in a rush, and even then, they turn out fantastic. Is there a recipe for happiness?

How do you make olive garden breadsticks?

Quick Overview

The whole process is actually pretty straightforward, even if it feels a bit involved at first. We’ll make a yeasted dough, let it rise, shape it, and bake it to 375 degrees F. Then we’re ready to bake. What really happens is the garlic butter glaze applied right after they come out. What are the steps to be followed? What are some of the best flavors to try? Is it more intimidating than it sounds?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why?
Warm water: About 1 14 cups. It needs to be warm, not hot, just enough to wake up the yeast. What is bathwater temperature? If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it’s cold, they won’t rise properly.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 14 teaspoons, which is usually one packet. Make sure your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam up when you add it to warm water and a pinch of sugar, you’ll need to grab .a new bottle of water.
Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons. This is for the yeast to feed on and adds a touch of sweetness to the breadsticks themselves.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 12 to 4 cups, plus more for dusting. Start with 2 cups and add more as needed. I always find that humidity can affect how much flour I need.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. This is crucial for flavor and also helps control the yeast activity.
Vegetable Oil: 14 cup, plus more for greasing the bowl. I sometimes use a mild olive oil, but vegetable oil keeps the flavor neutral.

What is the recipe for Garlic Butter Glaze?
Unsalted butter: 12 cup (1 stick), melted. Using unsaltered butter lets you control the saltiness.
Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons. I find garlic powder gives that authentic, slightly dried-out garlic flavor that’s key.
Salt: 12 teaspoon. Just a touch to enhance the butter and garlic.
Parmesan cheese: 14 cup, grated (optional, but so good! ). I love adding a little Parmesan to the glaze for extra umami.

Olive Garden breadsticks ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get my oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)? While the oven is working, grab a baking sheet. You can either lightly grease it with oil or butter, or even better, line it up with parchment paper. What makes cleaning a breeze, and nobody wants their precious breadsticks sticking?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 12 cups of all-purpose flour and the 1-14 teaspoons of salt. Set aside. How do you give salt a good whisk? Breadstick will be perfectly seasoned. Why don’t you skip this little step?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine the warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Mix well. Give it a gentle stir. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes. Is it normal to see foam on top? What is your yeast activating?

Step 4: Combine

Now pour the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 14 cup of vegetable oil to a blender. Mix well. Start mixing everything together using a sturdy spoon or dough whisk. Once it starts coming together into a shaggy dough, turn it out onto sifted flour. How do I make a smooth, elastic dough? If it’s too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time. I usually end up adding just a bit more than the recipe calls for, but go slowly. If you’re looking for a dough that springs back slightly when you poke it, you can find it on Google.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the top with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes. What happens when a molecule is doubled in size? I like to put mine in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!) or near shady windows.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s get that glorious garlic butter glaze ready. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 12 cup of butter. Set aside. Once it’s fully melted, stir in the 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and 12 teaspoon of salt. If you’re using Parmesan, whisk it in too. Set it aside. What is coming?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto your floured surface again. You can either roll it into one big rectangle about 12 inch thick, or you can divide it in smaller pieces. If you want individual breadsticks, you can buy them individually. I usually aim for a rectangle that’s roughly 10×15 inches. Do you use garlic butter mixture on dough? What are some ways to roll up a jelly roll? Pinch the seam to seal it, and then slice the roll into strips about 34 inch to 1 inch thick. What are breadsticks?

Arrange the breadsticks on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Is it necessary to let the cookies rest for about 15 minutes before baking for an extra fluffy result? If you are short on time, this is strictly necessary.

Step 7: Bake

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. They should sound a little hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them liberally with the oil. What is the remaining garlic butter glaze? Make sure every breadstick gets a good coating! The heat from the breadsticks will melt the glaze and make it sink in, creating that irresistible aroma. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to the wire rack. How do you set the breadsticks?

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Serve them warm! They are truly at their absolute best when they’re fresh out of the oven and still warm. If you made one big log and didn’t slice them before baking, you can now slice them into individual portions. Be careful, they’ll be hot! Enjoy them just as they are, or with your favorite dipping sauce or marinara.

What should I serve it with?

I love breadsticks. They are so versatile. For a cozy breakfast, they’re surprisingly delicious with Ice Cream, maybe with some fresh fruit or veg. What’s a little smear of butter? My kids love scrambling eggs on a Saturday morning. For an elevated brunch, imagine these as part of a spread with quiche or frittata. What are some good savory desserts? How do I make a sweet treat with honey? I’ve also served them as a sweet finish to my meal when I don’t want to eat heavy cake. What are some of the best cozy snack moments? What are some good side dishes to serve with a bowl of tomato soup? My family tradition is to always have spaghetti and meatballs. I feel incomplete without them.

How do you make olive garden breadsticks?

I’ve definitely learned a thing or two over the years of making these, so here are my best tips to ensure your breadsticks are absolute perfection. First, about the yeast: always make sure it’s fresh! If you’re unsure, just do the little water-and-sugar test before you start. It’s a lifesaver. When it comes to mixing the dough, don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! Kneading by hand really helps you feel the dough’s texture. You’re looking for that soft, slightly tacky but not sticky consistency. If it’s too wet, add flour *one tablespoon at a time*. Seriously, go slow. Over-flouring can make them dry.

For the swirl, I like to make sure the butter mixture is spread evenly all the way to the edges before rolling. This gives you that beautiful marbling effect. And don’t roll it too tightly, or it can be hard to slice evenly. When it comes to baking, ovens are quirky! Keep an eye on them towards the end. If one side is browning faster, you can rotate the pan. The most important part, though, is that garlic butter glaze. Make sure you brush it on when the breadsticks are HOT from the oven. That’s what makes the butter soak in and create that incredible flavor. If you want a thicker glaze, you can reduce the melted butter slightly, but I usually use it all!

If you don’t have vegetable oil, substitute a light olive oil or even melted butter. If you use unsalted butter for dough, it might slightly alter the flavor profile. If you don’t like garlic powder, you can substitute fresh garlic for the glaze. Sauté it lightly in the butter first to mellow out the raw garlic taste. Some people add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the glaze, which is nice touch. If your dough is a bit dense, it could be that your yeast wasn’t active enough or the dough was too dry. Is the liquid too hot or too cold? How do you make homemade breadsticks? What are some of the

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What are some good breadsticks to eat fresh? If you have leftovers, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or a plastic bag. Is resealable bag for about 2-3 days? They might lose a little of their initial softness, but they’ll still be tasty. For longer storage, the refrigerator is your friend. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week. If you reheat them, they’ll become a bit firmer, so you’re definitely going to want to.

How do you reheat potatoes? Wrap them loosely in foil and pop them in a warm oven. Is it safe to cook at 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through? What is that softness? Can you microwave them in a microwave? Do not overheat your microwave chips as they can get chewy. If you want to prep ahead for a party or just have them ready for future cravings, you can freeze them. If you bake them, let them cool completely, then wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Can you freeze them in the freezer for up to 3 months? What is the best way to thaw potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating?

For the glaze timing, it’s best to apply it fresh after baking. If you freeze them, you can reheat them and then brush with a fresh batch of garlic butter or garlic powder. What is the best way to add a little butter to your favorite dish? If the glaze is frozen and reheated, it can get a bit uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! I’ve had success using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. Start with the lower end of the water amount and add more if needed until the dough feels right – it might be a bit stickier than traditional dough. Baking time might also vary slightly, so keep an eye on the color. The texture will be a little different, perhaps a bit more tender, but still delicious!
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Wait, zucchini? I think there might be a mix-up! These are breadsticks, so there’s no zucchini involved in this recipe. If you were thinking of a different recipe that uses zucchini, then yes, peeling it is often recommended for a smoother texture and milder flavor, especially in baked goods. But for these breadsticks, we’re focusing on flour, yeast, and that magical garlic butter!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
That’s an interesting thought! While these are designed to be a long, breadstick shape, you could potentially adapt the dough for muffins. You’d likely want to reduce the baking time significantly, maybe to 15-20 minutes at around 375°F (190°C), and check for doneness with a toothpick. You’d also need to make sure to brush the tops with the garlic butter glaze as soon as they come out of the oven. They might not have the exact same chewy texture, but I bet they’d still be super tasty with that garlic flavor!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
The 2 tablespoons of sugar in the dough provide a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic. If you prefer them less sweet, you can try reducing the sugar to 1 tablespoon. For the glaze, the sweetness is minimal, mostly from the butter itself. If you find you really want them sweeter, you could add a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the glaze, but I find the original balance is pretty spot-on for that classic Olive Garden taste.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
Oh, you have options! If you don’t want to use the garlic butter glaze, you could simply brush them with melted butter right after baking for a plain, soft breadstick. Another idea is to sprinkle them with flaky sea salt and a touch of dried rosemary or Italian herbs while they’re still warm. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese after baking is also lovely. However, the garlic butter is truly what makes them taste like the real deal, so I highly recommend giving it a try!

Final Thoughts

Olive Garden breadsticks slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it! My absolute favorite recipe for those irresistible Olive Garden breadsticks, made right in your own kitchen. I truly hope you give these a try. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re a little slice of happiness, perfect for making any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty pasta dish, a comforting soup, or just enjoying them on their own with a cup of coffee, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. I know for us, they’re a family favorite that brings everyone to the table with smiles. If you make them, please, please let me know how they turn out in the comments below! I’d love to hear your variations or any funny stories that happen in the kitchen while you’re making them. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious, garlicky bite!

Olive Garden Breadsticks

Recreate the famous Olive Garden breadsticks at home with this easy recipe!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Breadsticks

  • 2.25 cups warm water
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour

Topping

  • 0.5 cup melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • Stir in olive oil and salt.
  • Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
  • Place breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • While breadsticks are baking, mix melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and parsley.
  • Brush the topping mixture over the hot breadsticks immediately after they come out of the oven.

Notes

Serve warm for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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