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Hello! I’m Amelia, welcome to Ritzy Recipes. My love for cooking started from a very personal journey when my son was young and needed nutritious, comforting meals. Back then, I realized that bread is the ultimate comfort food. This Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat recipe is one of those soulful, heart-filled treats that makes every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Next, you might think making yeast bread at home is a chore. Well, honey, let me tell you that this soft garlic breadsticks recipe is much simpler than you imagine. There is nothing like the smell of rising dough filling up your cozy kitchen. This Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat comes together fast. Also, you get to skip the long wait times at the restaurant and enjoy these warm right out of the oven. Grab a glass of sweet tea and let’s get baking!
Then, let me share the secret to that perfectly pillowy texture. It isn’t about fancy equipment; it is about giving your dough a little bit of grace and warmth. These homemade Olive Garden breadsticks turn out light, airy, and dripping with garlic butter. My kitchen isn’t about perfection, but these golden beauties sure come close! Your guests will feel like they are sitting right at the table with me.
What You Need for Fluffy Yeast Breadsticks
Before we jump in, we need to gather our simple ingredients. For these easy garlic butter breadsticks, the quality of your yeast matters most. You want to make sure it is fresh so your bread gets that beautiful, fluffy lift.
- Bread Flour: This gives the sticks that chewy, restaurant-style structure.
- Active Dry Yeast: The tiny engine that makes our dough grow.
- Warm Water: Think of a warm bath—not too hot, or you’ll hurt the yeast!
- Sugar: Just a pinch to feed the yeast and help with browning.
- Salted Butter: For the dough and that famous glistening topping.
- Garlic Salt: This provides that unmistakable savory punch.
If you are looking for a hearty main dish to pair with these, try my marry me chicken recipe or a big bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup. Also, if you love Italian flavors, check out this supreme pizza recipe for your next family night.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Restaurant Style Breadsticks
Step 1: Mix and Knead
First, stir your yeast and sugar into warm water and let it sit until it gets foamy. Next, add your flour and a bit of melted butter. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about five minutes. Also, don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy—that’s where the love happens in this Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat!
Step 2: The First Rise
Now, place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a warm cloth. Let it rest in a draft-free spot until it doubles in size. After it has puffed up beautifully, punch the dough down gently. For more cozy side ideas, you might enjoy my best cheesy garlic bread recipe or these buttery garlic swirl rolls.
Step 3: Shape and Proof
Divide your dough into equal pieces and roll them into long, even ropes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Then, cover them again for a quick second rise. These fluffy yeast breadsticks need about 15 more minutes to get nice and airy before they hit the heat.
Step 4: The Garlic Salt Finish
Bake your sticks at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. While they are turning golden, melt some butter. As soon as you pull them out, brush that butter on thick. Finally, sprinkle them generously with your garlic salt breadsticks topping. The warmth of the bread will soak up that flavor instantly.
FAQs
The secret to the soft, pillowy texture is a high-moisture yeast dough and a quick proofing time. Using bread flour can also provide the necessary structure while keeping the inside light and airy, mimicking the restaurant’s signature consistency.
The iconic topping is a simple but flavorful blend of melted margarine or butter brushed on immediately after baking. It is then sprinkled with a specific mixture of garlic salt and sometimes a touch of dried parsley.
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow ferment often improves the flavor. Just let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and performing the final bake.
To keep them from getting tough, wrap the breadsticks in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10–15 seconds. Alternatively, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their original softness.
Wrap-Up & Call to Action
This Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat is a favorite in my home because it makes even the simplest soup feel like a feast. They are soft, salty, and smell absolutely divine. I hope you find as much joy in baking these as I do!
Please Pin this for later on your favorite Pinterest board so you can always find this recipe when the craving hits. If you try these, leave a comment below and tell me how they turned out. I love hearing from my neighbors! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more soulful, real-life recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
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Easy Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat (Soft & Garlicky!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat recipe delivers soft, pillowy breadsticks brushed with savory garlic butter. Perfect for dipping in your favorite soup!
Ingredients
1 cup warm water (110°F)
1 packet (2.25 tsp) Active Dry Yeast
2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
3 cups Bread Flour
3 tbsp Melted Butter (for dough)
1 tsp Salt
3 tbsp Melted Butter (for topping)
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Dried Parsley
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture, 3 tbsp melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes until doubled.
6. Punch dough down and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a 7-inch rope.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for 15 more minutes.
8. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
9. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley immediately.
Notes
For the softest results, do not over-bake. Using bread flour is highly recommended over all-purpose flour for that chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
