Soft, Buttery, and Perfectly Seasoned Breadsticks
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are irresistibly soft, brushed with garlic butter, and have just the right amount of salt. They’re perfect for serving with pasta, soups, or as a standalone snack. This easy recipe will have you making restaurant-quality breadsticks right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like warm, homemade breadsticks straight out of the oven. These are light, fluffy, and packed with buttery, garlicky goodness. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant experience at home or just need the perfect side for dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour – Gives the breadsticks their soft and chewy texture.
- Yeast – Essential for rising; use instant yeast for faster results.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and keeps the breadsticks soft.
- Garlic powder – For that signature Olive Garden-style seasoning.
- Milk – Contributes to the bread’s tender texture.
Substitutions and Variations: You can use bread flour for a chewier texture. For a dairy-free version, swap milk and butter with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, salt, and flour, then mix until a dough forms.
Knead and Let It Rise
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape and place on a baking sheet.
Second Rise and Bake
Let the shaped breadsticks rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Brush with Garlic Butter
Melt butter and mix with garlic powder. Brush over warm breadsticks and sprinkle with salt.
Expert Tips for the Best Breadsticks
- Use warm milk – It should be around 110°F to help activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t skip the second rise – This ensures the breadsticks are light and fluffy.
- Brush while warm – Applying the garlic butter right out of the oven lets the flavor soak in better.
Serving Suggestions
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a simple soup. They also make a great addition to pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the dough into breadsticks and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Why didn’t my breadsticks rise properly?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not too hot. Cold environments can also slow down rising time.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape the breadsticks and freeze before baking. When ready to use, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
How can I make these even more flavorful?
Try adding grated parmesan to the garlic butter or mixing herbs like oregano and basil into the dough.
Final Thoughts
Making Olive Garden-style breadsticks at home is easier than you think and just as delicious. Give them a try, and let me know in the comments how they turn out!
Print
Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 11 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, these homemade Olive Garden-style breadsticks are light, fluffy, and brushed with irresistible garlic butter. They make the perfect side for pasta, soups, or salads and are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Let It Rise
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 7-inch breadstick and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise and Bake
Cover and let the shaped breadsticks rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Brush over warm breadsticks immediately after baking.
Notes
- For a chewier texture: Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter.
- For a dairy-free version: Substitute milk and butter with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
[…] Source link […]