Name: Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 3 h 44 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water (about 100-110°F); 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1 3/4 teaspoons fine sea salt; 3 cups (381 grams) bread flour, plus more as needed; 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you have a soft spot for those warm, buttery sticks of heaven from your favorite Italian restaurant, then you are seriously going to love making your own at home with this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe. These breadsticks come out perfectly fluffy on the inside, with a golden, buttery crust sprinkled with just the right hint of garlic and salt. There’s something so comforting about baking these from scratch—the aroma fills your kitchen and instantly transports you to that cozy Olive Garden ambiance. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta or enjoying them dipped in marinara, these breadsticks are truly a crowd-pleaser and a delightful treat to have any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls are shown from above, each placed on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a small round ball of dough with a light cream color and a smooth texture. The right bowl holds a much larger, risen dough ball that nearly fills the bowl, showing a slightly bubbled surface and a soft, airy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s amazing about this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is how simple yet carefully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role: from the instant yeast that brings life to the dough, to the bread flour creating that perfect chewy texture, and of course, the melted butter which seals in the richness and flavor.

Warm water (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons, about 100-110°F): This temperature is just right to activate the yeast without killing it.
Instant yeast (1 1/2 teaspoons): Provides the essential rise for fluffy breadsticks without waiting too long.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and helps achieve a lightly golden crust.
Melted unsalted butter (3 tablespoons + extra for brushing): Adds incredible richness and softness to the dough and finish.
Fine sea salt (1 3/4 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Bread flour (3 cups, plus extra if needed): Gives structure and that signature chewy bite to your breadsticks.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Used as a topping for a subtle crunch and flavor contrast.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top for that trademark gentle garlic flavor Olive Garden breadsticks are known for.

How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your breadsticks don’t stick and helps achieve a nice golden bottom crust. It’s a little step that makes cleanup easier and your breadsticks perfect.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, instant yeast, sugar, melted butter, and sea salt. Slowly add the bread flour while the mixer is on low, then increase the speed to medium to knead for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s tacky but very elastic. If it feels too sticky to handle, just sprinkle in a bit more flour—one tablespoon at a time—to get the perfect texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Remove the dough from the mixer and place it into a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap. Set it somewhere warm so it can double in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Watching the dough slowly puff up is such a rewarding part of baking, and it’s proof your breadsticks will be beautifully airy.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Once the dough has doubled, divide it into 12 equal portions—about 57 grams each if you want to be precise. Roll each portion into roughly 8-inch logs. Arrange these on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow room for the second rise.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover your dough logs loosely and let them rise again until doubled in size, which should take another 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This rise is essential for getting that lovely soft interior texture we all adore.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 14 minutes until they turn a perfect golden brown. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle on a mix of kosher salt and garlic powder for that iconic savory topping. Serve these warm, and trust me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.

How to Serve Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

A basket lined with a white cloth with black stripes holds eight golden-brown breadsticks that have a smooth, shiny surface sprinkled with coarse salt, arranged standing close together with some leaning on each other. The basket sits on a white marbled surface with a salad plate visible in the lower left corner, featuring green romaine lettuce leaves and slices of pale yellow cheese. In the upper right corner, a small white bowl filled with coarse black pepper and parts of another salad plate with leafy greens and a breadstick appear. A small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce is partially visible at the bottom right. The photo has soft natural light and a clean look, taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple brush of melted butter, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and flaky salt are all you really need here. Some folks like a dash of Italian seasoning or freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch. The beauty of this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe is how those minimal garnishes highlight the bread’s buttery, garlicky personality perfectly.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks are the perfect companion to classic Italian dishes like spaghetti bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, or a hearty minestrone soup. They also shine as a dipper with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a creamy spinach and artichoke dip. Honestly, they pair well with just about any meal that craves a bit of carb-loaded comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests a bit? Serve these breadsticks in a rustic basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel for a homestyle vibe. You can also arrange them standing in a tall glass or mason jar to make for an eye-catching bread “bouquet.” For parties, try toothpicking them to small cheese cubes and grapes to create fun finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any breadsticks left (which might be tricky), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready for a quick snack or addition to your next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze baked breadsticks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, so feel free to double the recipe and save some for later.

Reheating

To bring those breadsticks back to life, pop them in a preheated 425°F oven for about 4 to 5 minutes. If you want that freshly brushed buttery shine, add a little melted butter and sprinkle on some garlic powder and salt right after reheating for an extra special touch.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly less chewy and a bit softer. Bread flour has higher protein content that contributes to that signature breadstick bite, so it’s worth using if you can.

How important is the temperature of the water for the yeast?

The water temperature is crucial—you want it warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Around 100 to 110°F is ideal, similar to a warm bath.

Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?

While this recipe is designed for traditional bread flour, you can experiment with gluten-free bread flour blends and adjust liquids accordingly. Keep in mind texture and rise might differ, so it may take some trial and error.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and faster, you can certainly knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more arm work but the results are just as delicious.

What’s the best way to get fluffy breadsticks every time?

Paying attention to rising times and making sure your dough has doubled in size both before shaping and before baking will ensure a light and airy texture. Also, don’t skimp on kneading—developing the gluten network is key.

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe at home is one of those joyful cooking experiences that brings simple ingredients to life in the most comforting way. Whether you’re recreating a classic restaurant memory or just craving soft, buttery breadsticks fresh from your own oven, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and you might just find these breadsticks becoming your new favorite go-to for every Italian night and beyond.