Description
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and garlicky—perfect as a side dish to your favorite Italian meals. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they replicate the beloved restaurant classic at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
For the Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: To the yeast mixture, add the softened butter, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: When the dough is nearly ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch long breadstick and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Add the topping: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt evenly on top for that classic flavor.
- Serve warm: Serve the breadsticks warm alongside your favorite dishes for a delicious homemade touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on top along with the garlic powder and salt.
- These breadsticks freeze well after baking; reheat them in the oven to restore freshness.
