Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and butter—just like the ones served at the popular restaurant. These warm, pillowy breadsticks are ideal for pairing with pasta dishes, soups, or salads, and they’re incredibly easy to make at home. Their irresistible aroma and golden crust make them a crowd-pleasing favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

warm wateractive dry yeastgranulated sugarall-purpose floursaltunsalted buttergarlic powder

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add salt and half of the flour, mixing until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a 7-inch rope and place on the baking sheet.

Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.

While the breadsticks bake, melt butter and stir in garlic powder.

Brush the hot breadsticks with the garlic butter immediately after baking.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 breadsticks.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Baking time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Top with grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for extra flavor.
Brush with olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Make mini breadsticks for a party-friendly snack.

storage/reheating

Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure the water isn’t too hot, and the yeast is fresh and active.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to half of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier version.

Are these sweet or savory?
They’re savory, lightly seasoned with garlic and butter.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, this dough can be kneaded by hand.

Can I add cheese inside?
Yes, wrap dough around a piece of cheese before baking for a gooey center.

Why are my breadsticks too dense?
Avoid adding too much flour and make sure to knead thoroughly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and use within 24 hours.

Are these vegan?
Use plant-based butter to make them vegan-friendly.

What can I serve these with?
Great with marinara sauce, soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Breadsticks bring the comforting warmth of restaurant-style bread to your own kitchen. With their buttery garlic finish and soft interior, they make a delicious companion to any Italian meal or a satisfying snack on their own. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.