Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: The Perfect Copycat

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know their soft, buttery breadsticks are absolutely irresistible. These warm, garlicky sticks of heaven complement any meal and are often the highlight of the dining experience. But what if you could recreate them at home?

This guide will walk you through the ultimate copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe, using simple ingredients to achieve that soft, chewy texture with a buttery garlic topping. You’ll also learn how to store, freeze, and reheat them so they stay fresh.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe

To recreate Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks, you’ll need basic pantry staples.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the dough:

• Warm water (1 cup) – Helps activate the yeast
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – Creates a fluffy texture
• Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Feeds the yeast and enhances flavor
• Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons) – Balances the sweetness and improves taste
• Olive oil or melted butter (3 tablespoons) – Adds moisture
• All-purpose flour (3 to 3 1/2 cups) – Forms the base of the dough

Garlic Butter Topping

• Butter (4 tablespoons, melted) – Coats the breadsticks
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds that signature flavor
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances the garlic butter taste

Why These Ingredients Work

Each ingredient plays a role in making Olive Garden-style breadsticks:
✔ Yeast & sugar create a light, airy texture.
✔ Olive oil or butter keeps them soft.
✔ Garlic butter topping gives that signature restaurant-style flavor.

Now that you have the ingredients, let’s move on to making the dough!

How to Make the Dough for Olive Garden Breadsticks

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to make the soft and fluffy dough that gives these breadsticks their signature texture.

Activating the Yeast

To ensure your breadsticks are light and airy, start by activating the yeast:

1. Warm the water to about 110°F (warm but not hot).
2. Add sugar and yeast to the water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive—try again with fresh yeast.

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter).
2. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Why Kneading and Rising Matter

✔ Kneading develops gluten, which gives the breadsticks their chewiness.
✔ Letting the dough rise ensures they’re light and fluffy instead of dense.

Shaping and Baking the Breadsticks

Now that your dough has risen, it’s time to shape and bake the breadsticks to get that classic Olive Garden look and texture.

Shaping the Dough

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
2. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces using a knife or bench scraper.
3. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch log, making sure they are even in size for consistent baking.
4. Place the shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each one.

Second Rise for Extra Softness

• Cover the breadsticks with a light kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• This second rise allows the breadsticks to puff up slightly, making them extra soft and airy after baking.

Baking the Breadsticks

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the breadsticks for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn light golden brown.
3. While baking, prepare the garlic butter topping (see Part 4).

Pro Tips for Perfect Baking

✔ Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
✔ If your breadsticks start browning too fast, tent them with foil.
✔ Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.

Making the Garlic Butter Topping

The secret to Olive Garden’s irresistible breadsticks is the buttery garlic topping. This simple but flavorful mixture gives them that rich, savory taste and glossy finish.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Topping

To coat the breadsticks, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons butter (melted) – Adds a rich, buttery flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the taste without overpowering
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the butter and garlic flavors
• Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds an extra herby touch

How to Make the Garlic Butter

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning (if using).
3. Keep warm until the breadsticks come out of the oven.

Coating the Breadsticks

1. As soon as the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter.
2. Let them sit for a couple of minutes so the butter soaks in.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why This Garlic Butter Works

✔ Melted butter soaks into the breadsticks for extra softness.
✔ Garlic powder gives a smooth, even garlic flavor (fresh garlic can burn).
✔ Brushing immediately allows the butter to absorb while the breadsticks are hot.

How to Store and Freeze Olive Garden Breadsticks

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep them soft and fresh. Here’s the best way to store and freeze homemade Olive Garden breadsticks for later.

Storing Breadsticks at Room Temperature

• Allow the breadsticks to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.

How to Freeze Breadsticks

If you want to save breadsticks for later, freezing is a great option!

1. Let the breadsticks cool completely.
2. Wrap each breadstick in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
3. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, removing excess air before sealing.
4. Label the bag with the date—they stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen Breadsticks

To enjoy your frozen breadsticks as if they were freshly baked:

• Oven method (best for taste & texture)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place frozen breadsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Microwave method (quick but softer texture)
  • Wrap a frozen breadstick in a damp paper towel.
  • Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.

How to Reheat Breadsticks and Keep Them Soft

Reheating your homemade Olive Garden breadsticks the right way ensures they stay soft, fluffy, and buttery, just like when they were fresh out of the oven.

Best Methods for Reheating Breadsticks

Oven Method (Best for Texture & Crispiness)

If you want to restore the original texture of your breadsticks, the oven is the best method.

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wrap the breadsticks loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
3. Place on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
4. Brush with a little melted butter before serving for extra freshness.

✔ Keeps breadsticks soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside.

Microwave Method (Quickest Option, Best for Softness)

If you’re short on time, the microwave works well, but breadsticks may become softer.

Steps:

1. Wrap the breadstick in a damp paper towel (to keep moisture in).
2. Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
3. If not warm enough, heat in 5-second intervals until desired warmth is reached.

✔ Super fast but may make breadsticks chewier instead of crispy.

Stovetop Method (For a Buttery, Toasty Finish)

For a slightly toasted and buttery flavor, try reheating on the stovetop.

Steps:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
2. Place breadsticks in the pan and cover with a lid.
3. Heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
4. Optional: Brush with extra garlic butter for extra flavor.

✔ Adds a light crisp to the outside while keeping the inside soft.

Pro Tips for Keeping Breadsticks Soft

• Always wrap breadsticks in foil if using the oven to prevent them from drying out.
• If microwaving, use a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
• Avoid overheating, as too much heat can make them tough.

Why Olive Garden’s Breadsticks Are So Good

Olive Garden’s breadsticks are famous for a reason. They’re soft, buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned. But what makes them so special? Let’s break down the secrets behind their irresistible taste.

The Perfect Balance of Softness and Chewiness

✔ Olive Garden breadsticks are made with high-quality flour and yeast, giving them a light and airy texture.
✔ The rising process ensures they’re soft and pillowy on the inside while slightly crisp on the outside.

The Buttery Garlic Topping

One of the biggest reasons these breadsticks are so addictive is the garlic butter glaze.

• Brushing butter on hot breadsticks helps them absorb flavor.
• Garlic powder adds a smooth, even taste (fresh garlic can burn).
• A touch of salt enhances all the flavors.

The Endless Refills Trick

At Olive Garden, you get unlimited breadsticks, meaning you always eat them warm and fresh. This makes them even more enjoyable than typical restaurant bread.

The Nostalgia Factor

Many people associate Olive Garden breadsticks with:
✔ Family gatherings
✔ Comfort food
✔ Special celebrations

This emotional connection makes them even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Breadsticks

You asked, and we have the answers! Here are some of the most common questions about Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks.

Does Olive Garden Put Butter on Their Breadsticks?

Yes! But interestingly, Olive Garden uses margarine instead of real butter. The breadsticks are brushed with a garlic-salted margarine blend immediately after baking. If you want an authentic copycat version, you can use butter or margarine for a similar taste.

Why Are Olive Garden’s Breadsticks So Good?

There are a few reasons why these breadsticks are so addictive:
✔ Soft, fluffy interior due to proper yeast activation and kneading.
✔ Garlic butter glaze that adds rich flavor.
✔ Slightly crispy outside with a warm and airy texture.
✔ Unlimited refills at the restaurant keep them fresh and warm.

Can You Freeze Olive Garden Breadsticks?

Yes! To freeze homemade or leftover Olive Garden breadsticks:

1. Let them cool completely before wrapping.
2. Wrap each breadstick in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How Do You Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Soft Again?

If your breadsticks have become dry or hard, here’s how to soften them:

• Oven Method: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop Method: Heat in a covered skillet for 2-3 minutes on low heat.

Final Tips and Conclusion

Now that you have the perfect copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe, here are some final tips to make sure they turn out just right every time!

Pro Tips for Perfect Breadsticks

✔ Use fresh yeast – Active yeast ensures a light, fluffy texture.
✔ Let the dough rise properly – Don’t rush the rising process; it’s key to soft breadsticks.
✔ Brush with butter immediately – This helps the garlic butter soak into the warm bread.
✔ Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on them to avoid dryness.
✔ Store them properly – Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These breadsticks are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with:

• Marinara sauce – For a classic Italian touch.
• Alfredo sauce – A creamy, indulgent dip.
• Soup or salad – Just like at Olive Garden!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Making Olive Garden-style breadsticks at home is a game-changer!

• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Tastes just like the real thing (or even better!).
• Perfect for any occasion – family dinners, holidays, or just a treat for yourself.

Conclusion

With this step-by-step guide, you can now recreate Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks anytime you want. Soft, buttery, and garlicky, they’re the ultimate side dish for any meal.

So, grab your ingredients, start baking, and enjoy the warm, fresh breadsticks straight from your kitchen!

These Olive Garden-style breadsticks pair perfectly with a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for a delicious pasta recipe to serve alongside, try this creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The rich, cheesy sauce complements the warm, buttery breadsticks beautifully!