Olive Garden style breadsticks are a wonderful addition to any meal. They are soft, warm, and just a little buttery. These breadsticks make the perfect side for pasta dishes, soups, or even a simple salad. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home with just a few everyday ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick and simple. With just a little dough prep, you’ll have warm, delicious breadsticks right from your oven. They’re family-friendly and perfect for any weeknight dinner. Everyone will enjoy the rich, buttery flavor, and you’ll be happy to serve something made with love!
How to Make Breadsticks
Making these breadsticks is straightforward. Start with warm water and let the yeast foam, signaling it’s ready to use. Mix in the other ingredients to form a soft dough, knead it, and let it rise. After baking, brush them with melted butter and season. It’s simple enough for beginners and perfect for any home cook!
What You Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic powder to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar, and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix in the salt and melted butter, then gradually add flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into long strips. Shape them into breadsticks and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the warm breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley before serving.
How to Serve Breadsticks
These breadsticks are great on their own or served alongside your favorite meal. Pair them with pasta, chicken dishes, or a fresh garden salad. You can enjoy them warm straight from the oven or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They’re sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Store Breadsticks
To keep your breadsticks fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just let them cool completely, place in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. Reheating is easy; just pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture.
- Allow enough rising time for the dough to double in size.
- Don’t skip brushing with butter for that perfect finish!
- You can add herbs to the dough for extra flavor, such as rosemary or thyme.
Variations & Swaps
- Add grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Swap regular flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Mix in some Italian seasoning to the dough for added flavor.
- For a sweeter version, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top after brushing with butter.
- You can create garlic cheese breadsticks by adding shredded mozzarella before baking.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it and place it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise.
Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Absolutely! After baking, let the breadsticks cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
What’s the best way to reheat these?
The best way to reheat them is to preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast! Just mix it directly into the flour without letting it foam. You may also need to adjust the water slightly since instant yeast might absorb more liquid.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Check the expiration date of your yeast and ensure your water was warm enough (110°F). If the dough doesn’t rise, unfortunately, it’s best to start over.
Olive Garden Style Breadsticks
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients
- to taste garlic powder
- for garnish parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar, and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix in the salt and melted butter, then gradually add flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into long strips. Shape them into breadsticks and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the warm breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley before serving.
