Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are everything you want from the famous Italian restaurant, without having to make a reservation.

When it comes to comfort food, few things can compare to the warm, soft, and buttery goodness of Olive Garden breadsticks. Their iconic breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to a hearty pasta dish, a crisp salad, or even on their own as a snack. What if you could recreate that same delicious experience at home? With this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe, you can do just that! These breadsticks are easy to make, and the result is so close to the original, you might not even be able to tell the difference.

COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN BREADSTICKS

Making your own breadsticks requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The basic ingredients include warm water, instant yeast, sugar, salted butter, salt and flour. These all come together to create a soft and fluffy dough that bakes into golden perfection.

The topping is what gives these breadsticks their signature flavor. A mixture of melted butter, sea salt and garlic powder are brushed on after baking, infusing each breadstick with that irresistible garlic flavor we all love.

These homemade breadsticks are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite pasta dishes, soups, or salads, and you have a meal that will impress anyone.

INGREDIENTS

Dough

• 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons warm water (105 to 110 degrees F.)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups (about 380 grams) all-purpose flour

Topping

• 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

For Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the warm water, yeast, sugar, butter and salt with the dough hook. Slowly add the flour while the mixer is on low speed. Once all the flour is added, adjust the speed to medium and allow the dough to knead for 10 minutes.

Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size; about 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Once the dough has doubled, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll into a ball then shape into a log. Gently roll it evenly into an 8-inch log. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheets spacing at least 2 inches apart. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Bake the breadsticks for 10 to 12 minutes or until barely golden brown. Carefully remove from oven.

Topping

Mix the topping ingredients until combined. Brush the topping over the warm breadsticks. Serve warm and enjoy!

SERVINGS

This recipe yields 12 delicious breadsticks, perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying over several meals. Each batch is carefully portioned to create evenly sized breadsticks, ensuring that every one of them bakes up soft and fluffy on the inside with a perfectly golden crust on the outside.

THE PERFECT BREADSTICK

Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, but not hot. A temperature between 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly.  

Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it’s difficult to work with. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Rising Time: Give the dough enough time to rise and double in size. This will ensure that the breadsticks are light and airy. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit) to rise.

Topping Variations: While the classic butter, salt and garlic topping is delicious, you can also experiment with other flavors. Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a dash of Italian seasoning, or even a bit of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

HOMEMADE IS ALWAYS BETTER

Making breadsticks at home might seem like a bit of work, but the results are well worth the effort. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh, warm breadsticks straight from the oven, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into them. There are no preservatives or artificial ingredients – just simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family.

STORING AND REHEATING

If you have any breadsticks left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the breadsticks in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Pasta Night: Serve these breadsticks alongside a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. The breadsticks are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate.

Soup and Salad: Pair the breadsticks with a fresh garden salad and a bowl of warm soup, like minestrone or tomato basil. This makes for a light but satisfying meal.

Dipping Sauces: Enjoy the breadsticks with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or even a cheesy spinach dip would be great options.

Snack Time: These breadsticks also make a great snack on their own. Keep a batch on hand for when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

ENJOY THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE A FEW MORE COPYCAT RECIPES!

IHOP Pancakes Copycat – golden and fluffy pancakes that taste just like the ones from the popular restaurant! They get devoured every time I make them.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Copycat – full of delicious, sweet flavor. It pairs perfectly with burritos, tacos, nachos, tostadas, salads and so much more! Give this a try!

Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich Copycat – tastes just like the one from the famous fast-food chain! There is a secret ingredient that makes these tastes so amazing!

Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls – an homage to the classic quick stop treats. These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with that special cinnamon flavor!

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