I have memories of going to Olive Garden in my youth and being just as excited about their unlimited breadsticks as I am now. If you're anything like me, you'll be happy to know that in a few simple steps and with a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy warm breadsticks — just like those from Olive Garden! — hot out of the oven and on your table for dinner any day of the week! The dough for these breadsticks is very easy to work with, and this Olive Garden breadsticks recipe is great for beginner bread makers as well as for those who are more experienced with homemade breads.
Things You'll Need
1 packet dry yeast
2 Tbsp. honey or sugar
1 1/2 cups very warm water
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp. salt
4 1/4 cups flour + 1/4 cup or so for kneading the dough
1 tsp. garlic powder
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1. Activate the yeast
Activate the yeast by combining honey and warm water and then sprinkling the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
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2. Mix the ingredients
After the yeast has activated, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the wet ingredients. Add the yeast mixture to a stand mixer. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the flour and then slowly add in the dry ingredients with the stand mixer on setting 1.
Continue to do this until all of the dry ingredients have been incorporated. Continue kneading the dough with the bread attachment on the stand mixer for 5 minutes until a soft dough has formed.
3. Knead and roll the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes until the dough is pliable and smooth. Roll it into a log about 2 feet long.
4. Form the breadsticks
Cut the dough into 12 uniform pieces about 2 inches wide and then roll them into individual breadsticks about 6 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a dish towel and place in a warm spot for 34 to 45 minutes until the rolls have doubled in size.
Tip
If you need a warm spot, preheat your oven to its lowest setting and then turn it off right before you place the rolls inside. The oven will stay warm long enough to let your dough rise.
5. Brush with garlic butter and bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Take the other 4 tablespoons of melted butter, add the remaining salt and garlic powder, and mix well. Brush a light coating over the breadsticks and then bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden.
Tip
If you prefer your breadsticks to be even more golden brown, move up the oven rack.
Brush with the remaining garlic butter when they come out of the oven. Serve immediately as is or paired with a dipping sauce, such as marinara, honey mustard, or alfredo sauce.
Tip
You can freeze the Olive Garden breadsticks to enjoy later for up to 3 months by either freezing the dough itself or freezing the cooked breadsticks.
