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Breadsticks Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)
5 from 168 votes

Breadsticks Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat)

These breadsticks replicate Olive Garden’s style using a yeast dough that is kneaded until smooth, allowed to rise, then shaped into ropes and baked to golden, soft perfection. They are finished with a butter, salt, and garlic powder topping that adds a savory richness. The breadsticks are soft inside with a slightly chewy texture and a buttery garlic-flavored crust.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
11 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time
3 hrs 6 mins
Servings: 12
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water 110 - 115 degrees, warm, 2 Tbsp
  • 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar divided
  • 3 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
  • 1 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
Topping
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer whisk together warm water, yeast and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar until yeast has dissolved. Allow to rest 10 minutes.
  2. Add in remaining 1 Tbsp + 2 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 3/4 tsp salt and vegetable oil, then fit mixer with paddle attachment and blend mixture until well combine.
  3. Switch mixer to dough hook attachment, add in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour and knead mixture on low speed, adding up to 1/4 cup additional flour as needed, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic*.
  4. Transfer dough to a large buttered mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest in a warm place free from draft until double, about 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Punch risen dough down, divide into 12 equal portions (2 ounces each by weight), keep them covered with plastic wrap as you work. Roll each piece into a 9 inch rope on a lightly floured surface, then transfer to two parchment paper lined baking sheets.
  6. Cover and let rise 1 hour. Preheat oven to 425 during the last 10 minutes of rising.
  7. Bake in preheated oven 11 - 13 minutes until golden**. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together 1/4 tsp salt and garlic powder.
  8. Remove breadsticks from oven and run a stick of butter over hot breadsticks (using 2 Tbsp, or brush with melted butter) and immediately sprinkle with garlic salt mixture.
  9. Serve warm. Let any left over cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • The dough should be slightly sticky and pull away from the sides of the bowl for optimal texture.
  • Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, which can cause tougher, drier breadsticks.
  • For a more golden brown top, move the oven rack up one level during baking but monitor closely to prevent burning.