Description
Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and lightly seasoned with garlic and butter, making them the perfect side dish for any meal. These breadsticks are a copycat version of the beloved restaurant breadsticks that are known for their pillowy texture and irresistible flavor. Whether you serve them with pasta, soup, or salad, they are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of warm bread, melted butter, and a hint of garlic makes these breadsticks impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Ingredient Highlights
- Active Dry Yeast: The yeast is what gives these breadsticks their airy, fluffy texture. Be sure to use fresh, active dry yeast for the best results.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the dough and helps create a soft texture, making the breadsticks perfect for dipping.
- Garlic Powder and Butter: The garlic powder and butter provide that signature Olive Garden flavor that makes these breadsticks so irresistible.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough, contributing to the soft, chewy texture of the breadsticks.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Shape and Bake the Breadsticks:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 even strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Form the Breadsticks: Carefully transfer each strip of dough to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each breadstick. You can twist the dough strips slightly for a more rustic look if desired.
- Second Rise: Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Add the Garlic Butter:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the garlic powder and parsley (if using).
- Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. This will infuse the breadsticks with the classic Olive Garden flavor.
- Serve: Serve the breadsticks warm with your favorite pasta, soup, or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g