Go Back
Homemade Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks fresh out of the oven with garlic butter.

Homemade Breadsticks

These copycat Olive Garden breadsticks are easy to make at home, delivering soft, fluffy breadsticks perfect for pairing with soups and pastas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 2 cups warm water Not hot; should feel like a warm bath
  • 2 tablespoons sugar Can substitute with honey
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast Instant yeast can be mixed directly with flour
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour Can use bread flour for chewier texture
  • 2 teaspoons salt Regular fine salt; adjust if using kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with neutral oil
Topping Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter Best for flavor; use vegan butter for dairy-free
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt Can substitute with garlic powder and salt
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan Optional for added flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough by hand for 5 to 7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
Shaping and Rising
  1. Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll them into breadstick shapes.
  2. Let the shaped breadsticks rest for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure they bake soft.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks until lightly golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  2. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt while hot.

Notes

For the best breadsticks, use warm water, do not over-flour the dough, and allow adequate rising time. Bake until just golden for a fluffy texture.