Name: Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt

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If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, you know their breadsticks are legendary. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and brushed with a garlic topping, these breadsticks are perfect alongside pasta, soups, or salads. The best part? You can easily make them at home with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes just like Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks
Easy to make with basic ingredients
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time
A family favorite that pairs with almost any meal
The garlic butter topping takes them to the next level

Ingredients

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

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ teaspoons salt

For the Garlic Butter Topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
Place breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise for 15-20 minutes.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
While baking, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and salt for the topping.
Brush the hot breadsticks generously with the garlic butter before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 breadsticks.
Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising)
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter for cheesy breadsticks.
Use Italian seasoning in the butter topping for extra flavor.
Swap all-purpose flour for bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Make mini breadsticks for party appetizers.
For a sweeter version, brush with honey butter instead of garlic butter.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, wrap breadsticks in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Brush with extra garlic butter after reheating for the best flavor.

FAQs

How do I make my breadsticks extra soft?

Let the dough rise fully and don’t overbake them—removing them when just lightly golden keeps them soft.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, substitute equal amounts of instant yeast. You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The water may have been too hot and killed the yeast, or too cold to activate it. Make sure it’s about 110°F.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours, then shape and bake when ready.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze after shaping into breadsticks. Thaw, let rise, then bake as directed.

How do I get the same flavor as Olive Garden’s breadsticks?

The secret is in the garlic butter topping—don’t skip it, and brush generously.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though texture may vary.

What can I serve with breadsticks?

They pair well with pasta, soup, salads, or even dips like marinara or alfredo sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely, just double all ingredients and bake in batches if needed.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can knead by hand. A stand mixer just makes the process easier and faster.

Conclusion

Homemade Olive Garden-style breadsticks are fluffy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. With a simple yeast dough and a flavorful garlic butter topping, you can recreate the restaurant favorite right in your kitchen. Whether served with pasta, soup, or just enjoyed on their own, these breadsticks are sure to become a family staple.

Ezabella