Description
Recreate the delicious and soft Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These buttery and garlicky breadsticks are perfect alongside any meal or as a tasty snack to enjoy warm fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Breadsticks
- 1 ¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Place the warm water, yeast, and ½ tablespoon of sugar into a small bowl, stirring together. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 cups flour, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix on medium-low speed until a dough begins to form, scraping down the sides as needed. Continue mixing until the dough starts to clean the sides of the bowl. If it does not, gradually add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, up to ½ cup, until it does.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead for 7 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
- First Rise: Lightly spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray, place the dough inside, and roll it around to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Spray two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Shape Breadsticks: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, punch it down to release air bubbles, and divide into 2-ounce portions. Roll each into a ball, then into long ropes. Arrange on baking sheets so they are not touching.
- Second Rise: Cover the breadsticks with a clean towel and allow them to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare Topping and Brush: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Brush the breadsticks with half of this garlic butter mixture.
- Bake Breadsticks: Bake for 11-14 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, immediately brush with remaining garlic butter mixture, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is about 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add flour but avoid adding too much to keep the breadsticks soft.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop a light and fluffy texture.
- Brush the breadsticks with butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor and softness.
- Use Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American