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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe


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3.9 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
  • Yield: 15 breadsticks

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead for 7 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare Baking Sheets: Spray two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  7. 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.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the breadsticks with a clean towel and allow them to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  9. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  10. 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.
  11. Bake Breadsticks: Bake for 11-14 minutes until golden brown.
  12. 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