Description
Recreate the classic Olive Garden Breadsticks with this easy homemade recipe. Soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, these Italian-American breadsticks are ideal as a side dish for pasta nights or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface or with a stand mixer dough hook for about 7 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch rope and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the breadsticks rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Topping: While the breadsticks bake, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter with garlic powder, dried oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Brush and Serve: When breadsticks are done, remove them from the oven and immediately brush generously with the seasoned butter. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a more authentic texture and chewier breadsticks, substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour.
- Leftover breadsticks can be wrapped in foil and reheated at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Breadsticks freeze well after baking and cooling; reheat from frozen wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
