Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (2024)

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Enjoy Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe at home any day of the week. These soft and fluffy breadsticks topped with garlic butter never disappoint.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (1)

Your friends and family will love this copycat recipe for Olive Garden Breadsticks. It is so simple to make at home and really delicious.

These bread sticks are yummy served warm and pairs nicely with a host of dishes. Once you learn how simple it is to prepare Olive Garden breadsticks, you will be hooked. It is an all around great recipe. They are even better dipped into Crock Pot Pasta fa*gioli.

Table of Contents

  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Garlic Butter Ingredients
  • Variations Ideas
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Recipe Tips
  • How to Store
  • Can Breadsticks be Frozen?
  • What to Serve with Breadsticks?
  • More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
  • Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Why We Love This Recipe

This copycat Olive Garden breadstick recipe is an easy recipe with simple ingredients. These simple steps will have you enjoying homemade breadsticks with all your favorite soups, pizza and Italian Recipes.

Ingredients

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (2)
  • Warm Water
  • Active Dry Yeast
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • All Purpose Flour

Garlic Butter Ingredients

  • unsalted butter, melted
  • salt
  • garlic powder

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and recipe.

Variations Ideas

  • Cheese. Coat the breadsticks with butter and sprinkle your favorite type of cheese on top. Some ideas include: Parmesan, Provolone, Mozzarella and more. Bake until the cheese has melted.
  • Cinnamon and Sugar. Try making sweet breadsticks with a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Omit the garlic. Spread melted butter on the breadsticks and then sprinkle with the mixture. If you like the flavor of cinnamon sugar pretzels, you will love this.

We absolutely love the traditional garlic and salt breadsticks. However, both of these options are tasty ways to change the flavor.

Both options are really simple and so delicious. Give them a try for another way to enjoy these.

Step by Step Instructions

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Step 1 – Combine the yeast. Mix warm water, instant yeast, and sugar in bowl or mixer. Let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.

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Step 2 – Mix in the olive oil. Add in the olive oil, salt and flour to yeast mixture. We recommend mixing together with stand mixer.

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Step 3 – Mix everything together. Knead the dough. Mix with the dough hook for 6-8 minutes on medium low speed until smooth.

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Step 4 – Prepare a bowl for the dough. Transfer to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray.

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Step 5 – Allow to rise. Let rise until doubled in size. It should be about an hour. Then Preheat the oven. It needs to be set to 425.

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Step 6 – Punch the dough. Punch down the dough and turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

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Step 7 – Separate the dough. Divide the dough into 12 even portions, approximately 2 oz each.

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Step 8 – Shape into breadsticks. Roll out into 8-9 inch logs and set on baking sheet. Let the breadsticks rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. The bread needs time to rest before baking. Please do not skip this step.

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Step 9 – While dough is resting, mix together the melted butter, salt and garlic powder to make the garlic butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

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Step 10 – Top with butter. Brush immediately with garlic butter. I love to generously coat each one in this delicious topping. It is so yummy.

Recipe Tips

  • Let Dough Rise – Allow ample time for the breadsticks to rise. This step can’t be rushed or skipped.
  • Baking Breadsticks – Don’t over bake the breadsticks or they will be dry. Also, don’t under the bake or the inside will be doughy.
  • Serving Breadsticks – These breadsticks are best served warm.
  • Butter Option – Unsalted butter is best to use in this recipe. Since you are also using salt in the coating, you do not want it to be overly salty.

This recipe really is simple and easy. While there are a few steps, each one is very easy. Anyone can make this recipe.

How to Store

While these are best served warm, you can still use leftovers. Just make sure they are cool and place inside an airtight container.

When ready to enjoy, reheat for about 5 minutes in the oven set at 350. Wrap the breadsticks in foil so they don’t get too brown on top.

It does not take long to reheat so keep a close eye on them. You can also microwave the breadsticks if you prefer. They will only take a few seconds.

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Can Breadsticks be Frozen?

Yes, these breadsticks definitely can be frozen.

  • Dough. You can freeze them prior to baking. Shape them into the breadsticks but do not let them rise the second time. Place into a freezer container and freeze up to 3 months. Just thaw and let them rise at room temperature and then bake.
  • Baked. Another options is to freeze the baked breadsticks. Allow them to cool and place inside a freezer container or bag. They can be frozen up to 2 months. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Either option is a great way to freeze these breadsticks. However, if you like fresh baked breadsticks, I would freeze the dough. This will allow you to enjoy just baked bread without all of the prep work involved.

I actually like to keep some in the freezer for dinners and get togethers. It makes it super easy to serve homemade breadsticks without much effort.

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What to Serve with Breadsticks?

If you like to dip the breadsticks, try some of our favorite sauces. There are several options and pair nicely with these yummy breadsticks.

  • Marinara– This classic dipping sauce is always a crowd pleaser with breadsticks.
  • Alfredo– My favorite dipping sauce for breadsticks and this homemade recipe is so easy.
  • Pizza Sauce– I love to sprinkle cheese on top of the pizza sauce. Then bake until just melted.
  • Ranch – My kids love ranch with everything so this is very popular!

You can use store bought sauces but it is so easy to make homemade. I think they taste better as well. My family loves when I set out several ramekins of various sauces.

Everyone can choose their favorite ones. It works great as an appetizer too. Whenever we do this, everyone raves about it.

More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

  • Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
  • Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi Recipe
  • Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

We love to hear from you. If you make this Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (15)

Review

Pin Print

Olive Garden Breadsticks

5 from 20 votes

Enjoy Olive Garden Breadsticks at home any day of the week. These soft and fluffy breadsticks topped with garlic butter never disappoint.

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 42 minutes mins

Servings 12

Cuisine Italian

Course Side Dish

Calories 224

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Garlic Butter Ingredients:

  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  • Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in bowl or mixer. Let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.

  • Add in the olive oil, salt and flour. Mix with the dough hook for 6-8 minutes on medium low speed until smooth.

  • Transfer to an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray. Let rise until doubled in size. It should be about an hour.

  • Preheat oven to 425.

  • Punch down the dough and turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

  • Cut into 12 even portions, approximately 2 oz each. Roll out into 8-9 inch logs and set on baking sheet.

  • Let rest on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.

  • While dough is resting, mix together the melted butter, salt and garlic powder to make the garlic butter.

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

  • Brush immediately with garlic butter.

  • Serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 224kcal, Carbohydrates 30g, Protein 4g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 390mg, Potassium 49mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 175IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 8mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (24)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are Olive Garden breadsticks made of? ›

Ingredients for Olive Garden Breadsticks

Active Dry Yeast: This is different from instant yeast. Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast. Extra Virgin Olive oil: Classic flavor for breadsticks. Salt: Needed for flavor and balance.

Why do Olive Garden breadsticks taste so good? ›

I work at Olive Garden – everyone always wants to know the secret of the breadsticks, here's why they taste so good. AN Olive Garden worker claims the chain's “glorious” breadsticks taste so good because they're covered in liquid margarine and topped with garlic salt.

What changed with Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

The famous Olive Garden breadsticks are once again sesame-free. The popular chain restaurant recently switched suppliers, so the customer favorite is made with flour – with no added sesame. Olive Garden was among several national eateries with bread products that suddenly contained sesame as of the end of 2022.

How long to bake unbaked Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

Bake at 400°F, for 12-14 minutes - or until golden brown.

Why do Olive Garden's breadsticks taste different? ›

Seasoning: In addition to the garlic butter, Olive Garden often adds a sprinkle of salt and parsley on top of the breadsticks, enhancing the overall flavor.

What brand does Olive Garden use for breadsticks? ›

It's no longer a secret that Olive Garden's breadsticks aren't made in-house, but where the restaurant actually gets them from isn't common knowledge. According to Darden Restaurants — the company that owns Olive Garden and a number of other chains — Turano Baking Company is the longtime supplier of its breadsticks.

What is the breadstick rule at Olive Garden? ›

Today, when you sit down at your table and peruse the menu (or think about what to pick from their secret menu,) you'll get a basket with one breadstick per person. If you want more, just ask, and you'll get another round of refill (again, one breadstick per person at the table.)

Are Olive Garden breadsticks fresh or frozen? ›

At this point, kitchen staff bake the breadsticks for a few minutes, so they are nice and toasty warm upon arriving at your table. Finding out that your favorite breadsticks are not frozen is definitely a good thing, especially when you consider just how many establishments use microwaves to "cook" meals.

Does Olive Garden use margarine or butter? ›

There is no dairy in our breadsticks or in the breadstick topping. The garlic topping is made from margarine.

Do they sell Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

Starting at 4.49

Available Freshly-Baked or Bake-At-Home. Add an extra dozen or half dozen breadsticks to your online order.

Why does Olive Garden give out free breadsticks? ›

Olive Garden does its best to make you feel welcome with some free salad and breadsticks — you get hungry and decide to order some food, and you leave the restaurant feeling satisfied while Olive Garden makes a profit. It's a win-win situation all around.

How to get free breadsticks from Olive Garden? ›

The truth is, you can't simply stroll into an Olive Garden, sit down, and declare, "I'll have the free, unlimited breadsticks only, please." They are only free with the purchase of a meal, and there are some backend rules and regulations that shape the famous perk.

Can you buy Olive Garden breadsticks unbaked? ›

Available Freshly-Baked or Bake-At-Home. Add an extra dozen or half dozen breadsticks to your online order.

Should I refrigerate leftover Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

Store your Olive Garden breadsticks in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag for up to 4 or 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Can i air fry Olive Garden breadsticks? ›

Using the air fryer is also an option if you already have it out on your counter. However, the best reheating method if you want that same texture and flavor you love when it comes to the table at the Olive Garden is to bake the breadsticks again in your oven.

Are Olive Garden breadsticks made fresh? ›

Newsweek quotes another Olive Garden employee who verifies the process for making the chain's breadsticks. The former worker, who claims to have been employed by the restaurant for a full decade, states that their location baked the pre-made breadsticks in the oven for three minutes before serving.

Is Olive Garden's food made from scratch? ›

Our soup and sauce masters create dishes by hand and from scratch, every day. With fresh, whole ingredients like kale, peppers and squash. Because they know cooking that way – the Italian way- everything tastes better. to everything they make.

Are Olive Garden breadsticks still vegan? ›

Olive Garden breadsticks contain no eggs, no dairy, and no sources of cheese rennet, making these deliciously fluffy appetizers 100% fair game for vegan guests.

Are Olive Garden breadsticks baked fresh? ›

An Olive Garden Favorite. Available Freshly-Baked or Bake-At-Home. Add an extra dozen or half dozen breadsticks to your online order.

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