Soft Olive Garden Breadsticks are an easy copycat recipe made from scratch. They turn out fluffy, chewy, and even better than the restaurant version. Fresh, warm, and brushed with garlic butter, these homemade breadsticks are impossible to resist.
You can enjoy unlimited breadsticks at Olive Garden, but this simple recipe lets you make them at home any time. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, or as an appetizer with dips.
Key Ingredients
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast for a light, airy crumb.
- Yeast: Instant (rapid) yeast can be mixed straight into the dough; active dry yeast should be proofed in warm water with a pinch of sugar until bubbly.
- Flour: All-purpose or bread flour both work well.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough; melted butter may be used in the topping.
- Salt, garlic granules, and butter: Melted butter brushed over warm breadsticks, then sprinkled with garlic granules and salt, delivers the classic finish.
How To Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy (if using active dry yeast). If using instant yeast, this step may be brief or optional.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook).
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball, then roll each ball into a rope about the length you prefer for breadsticks.
- Place the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Cover lightly with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until puffy.
- About 10 minutes before the end of the rising time, preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for roughly 15 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Mix the garlic granules and salt in a small bowl and sprinkle over the warm buttered breadsticks. Serve warm.
Tips For Success
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and effort, though hand-kneading works fine.
- For a glossy finish, brush with an egg wash before baking. A very concentrated black tea also gives a golden sheen if you prefer not to use egg.
What To Serve With
These breadsticks are ideal alongside creamy or hearty soups—think gnocchi, broccoli-cheddar, lentil, or pumpkin soups. They also complement classic Italian mains like chicken Parmesan with marinara and melted cheese. As an appetizer, serve with hummus, roasted sweet potato hummus, or a creamy tzatziki for dipping.
Recommended Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional) to make kneading easier.
- Two half-sheet pans or baking sheets lined with parchment.
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
- Clean kitchen towel to cover dough while it rises.
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy these soft, buttery breadsticks as much as I do. If you make them, consider leaving a review to share your experience.
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons dry or instant yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
Instructions
- Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a small bowl and let stand about 5 minutes until foamy (if proofing active dry yeast).
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a mixer).
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Shape each into a ball, then roll into ropes.
- Place ropes on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) about 10 minutes before the end of the rise. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- Brush warm breadsticks with melted butter, then sprinkle the garlic-and-salt mixture over them. Serve immediately.
Notes
- A stand mixer with a dough hook speeds up kneading but isn’t required.
- Brush with egg wash or a concentrated black tea for a shiny finish if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 223 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 39 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 5 g |
Sodium: 438 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and provided for convenience only.