There is something incredibly comforting and utterly addictive about a warm batch of freshly baked breadsticks, especially when they mirror the ones you love at your favorite restaurant. The Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe invites you to bring that beloved side dish right into your own kitchen. Soft, buttery, garlicky, and sprinkled with just the right touch of parmesan and Italian seasoning, these breadsticks are the perfect companion to any meal or even a snack all on their own. With simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll understand why these breadsticks have such a loyal following and become a fast family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with light beige all-purpose flour sits at the top left on a white marbled surface. To its right, there is a small clear glass bowl holding warm water. Below these, five small blue glass bowls are neatly arranged in a rough semicircle: from left to right, the first has tan active dry yeast, the second holds white salt, the third contains pale yellow grated parmesan, the fourth has light brown garlic powder, and the fifth is filled with white sugar. Below these bowls, a white bowl with greenish dried Italian seasoning is on the left, next to it is a white bowl with golden olive oil, and a stick of yellow unsalted butter is on the right, placed directly on the surface. Each ingredient is labeled with simple black text on white backgrounds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe starts with incredible ingredients, and the Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is no exception. These pantry staples work together to create the ideal dough texture and that signature flavor we all crave. From the yeast that helps the dough rise to the garlic-infused butter topping that brings the breadsticks to life, each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect bite.

Warm water (1 ¼ cup, 110 degrees F): Activates the yeast and dissolves sugar to create the perfect dough base.
Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for the fluffy, airy rise in the breadsticks.
Granulated sugar (3 ½ tablespoons total): Balances flavors and feeds the yeast for that beautiful rise.
All-purpose flour (3 cups, plus more as needed): The backbone of the dough, providing structure without toughness.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Brings out the flavors and enhances the dough’s taste.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Creates that irresistible buttery finish on top.
Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Infuses the breadsticks with that signature olive garden garlic flavor.
Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal brightness to complement the butter and garlic.
Salt (½ teaspoon for topping): Balances the richness in the garlic butter spread.
Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon, grated): Delivers the classic sharp, nutty touch that perfects the breadsticks.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your warm water, yeast, and half a tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently and let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s nice and foamy—this is how you know your yeast is ready and alive, primed to give your dough that beautiful rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. All these dry ingredients will come together to form a strong base for your breadstick dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your activated yeast mixture and the olive oil to the dry mix. Turn your mixer on medium-low to start forming the dough. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything is evenly combined. If the dough isn’t pulling away from the bowl sides smoothly, add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is just right, but avoid over-flouring so the breadsticks stay soft.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Once the dough is clean around the bowl edges, increase your mixer speed to medium-high and give it a good 7-minute knead. This step develops the gluten to create that light, tender texture that makes these breadsticks so divine.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with non-stick spray and coat your dough with olive oil by rolling it around in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 ½ hours. This waiting period makes the dough soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Shape the Breadsticks

Prepare two baking sheets with non-stick spray. On a lightly floured surface, punch down your dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 2-ounce pieces and roll each into a ball, then into a rope to form the breadsticks, making sure they aren’t touching on the sheets for even cooking. Cover and let rise again until doubled in size for another 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Step 7: Prepare and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Brush half of this savory garlic butter onto your risen breadsticks before baking. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until golden and irresistible smelling.

Step 8: Final Touches

When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush the remaining garlic butter all over to keep them moist and flavorful. Finish by sprinkling parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm to enjoy the full magic of your Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

A woman's hand is holding one golden brown breadstick coated with coarse salt and herbs in the foreground. Below, there is a white cloth lined basket filled with several more breadsticks that have a similar golden color and specks of seasoning. The texture of the breadsticks is soft with a slightly crispy crust. The background has a soft white marbled texture with some blurred yellow and green colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the presentation and flavor, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan work beautifully. These simple touches add color and a fresh profile that brightens the buttery softness of the breadsticks.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks are a dream alongside classic Italian dishes like hearty pasta with marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce, a crisp Caesar salad, or even your favorite soup. Their mild garlic and buttery flavor complement an array of meals without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your breadsticks with bowls of marinara, garlic butter dip, or a zesty ranch sauce for dunking. You can also bundle them upright in a festive jar or wrap them with a napkin for a cozy, inviting feel when entertaining guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, avoid refrigeration as it may dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled breadsticks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover breadsticks in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. This method helps restore some of that just-baked freshness better than a microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a large bowl and your hands or a sturdy spoon. Just be sure to knead vigorously for about 10 minutes to develop the gluten for that perfect texture.

What if my yeast doesn’t foam?

If your yeast isn’t foaming, it might be expired or the water temperature might be off. Yeast dies in water that’s too hot or too cold, so always test your water temperature before mixing.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the texture will be denser. For best results, replace no more than half the flour with whole wheat and consider adding a bit more water if the dough feels dry.

How do I make the breadsticks more garlicky?

To boost the garlic flavor, add fresh minced garlic to the butter topping or sprinkle garlic salt on top before baking. However, use caution with garlic salt since you don’t want to overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

Is there a way to speed up the rising time?

While the slow rise develops the best flavor and texture, placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot can speed it up. Some use an oven set to its lowest temperature with the light on as a proofing box, but patience yields the best results.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of piping hot, buttery, garlicky breadsticks out of the oven and sharing them with loved ones. This Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe allows you to enjoy that cozy, restaurant-quality treat whenever you want, with ingredients you can feel good about. Give it a try and get ready to bake your way to many happy, delicious moments ahead!