Oh my goodness, if you’ve ever indulged in those irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden breadsticks, you know just how heavenly they can be! Imagine pulling apart a warm, fluffy breadstick, brushing it with melted butter, and then sprinkling a touch of garlic salt. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! The best part? You can easily recreate this classic recipe at home with just a few simple ingredients. Trust me, once you make these breadsticks, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought ones. Let’s dive into the magic of making your very own Olive Garden breadsticks!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups warm water (110°F) – This is the base of your dough, so make sure it’s warm but not too hot to touch!
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Just a touch of sweetness to help activate the yeast and give the breadsticks that irresistible flavor.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast – This little powerhouse is what makes your breadsticks rise and get that fluffy texture.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – Because everything’s better with butter! This adds richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A must for enhancing all those lovely flavors in your breadsticks.
- 5-6 cups all-purpose flour – Start with 5 cups and add more as needed to achieve that soft dough consistency.
- 1/4 cup butter, for brushing – This is the finishing touch that makes your breadsticks shine and taste divine.
- Garlic salt, to taste – Sprinkle this on top for that classic, delicious garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness.
How to Prepare the Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Irresistibly Soft and Buttery
Alright, let’s get our hands a little doughy! Making these Olive Garden-style breadsticks is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step. First, in a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all bubbly and frothy—that’s when you know the yeast is happy! Next, add the melted butter and salt to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Now, it’s time to bring in the flour! Gradually add 5 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour until it feels just right. Knead that dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for an hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long stick and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover the breadsticks again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you wait. Finally, bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Don’t forget to brush them with melted butter and sprinkle some garlic salt on top just before serving—yum!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long stick and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the breadsticks and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to follow – With simple steps, you’ll be a breadstick pro in no time!
- Perfectly soft and buttery – Each bite melts in your mouth, just like the ones from Olive Garden.
- Great for family meals – These breadsticks are a hit with everyone, making them perfect for any gathering.
- Perfect with marinara or garlic dip – They pair beautifully with your favorite sauces for extra flavor!
Tips for Success
To achieve those irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden breadsticks, here are my top tips! First, make sure your water temperature is just right—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it properly. Aim for that cozy 110°F! When it comes to dough consistency, it should be soft but not sticky; if it’s too tacky, sprinkle in a bit more flour until it feels perfect. Don’t rush the rising times; let the dough rise until it’s doubled in size for the best texture. And keep an eye on your oven—every oven is different, so check your breadsticks a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each delightful serving of these irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden breadsticks. Keep in mind that these values are approximate, depending on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
These breadsticks are a delightful addition to any meal, and with these values in mind, you can enjoy them without guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step. Just mix it directly with the flour and proceed with the recipe as usual. Your breadsticks will still turn out irresistibly soft and buttery!
What if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough feels too sticky to handle, just sprinkle in a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches that soft and manageable consistency. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, you can let the dough rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again.
What can I do if I don’t have garlic salt?
No garlic salt? No problem! You can mix garlic powder with regular salt instead. Just sprinkle it on top of the melted butter before serving for that classic garlic flavor.
Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze these delicious breadsticks! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm them up in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden breadsticks fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place the cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature.
For reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re warm and soft again. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy. Happy eating!
Serving Suggestions
These irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden breadsticks are the perfect companion to a variety of dishes, making them a must-have at any meal! Here are some delightful ideas to serve alongside your warm, fluffy breadsticks:
- Hearty Soups: Pair them with a comforting bowl of minestrone or a creamy tomato basil soup. The breadsticks are perfect for dipping and soaking up those delicious flavors!
- Fresh Salads: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant mixed greens salad topped with your favorite dressing. The lightness of the salad beautifully balances the richness of the breadsticks.
- Pasta Dishes: They’re a match made in heaven with classic pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti marinara. The breadsticks can mop up every last bit of sauce!
- Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve them alongside a platter of grilled veggies. The smoky flavors will complement the buttery goodness of the breadsticks.
- Italian Entrees: Think chicken parmesan or lasagna! These hearty dishes are elevated by the addition of warm breadsticks, making for a truly satisfying meal.
Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, these breadsticks will undoubtedly enhance your dining experience with their soft, buttery charm. Happy feasting!
Print
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe: 5 Steps to Butter Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe makes irresistibly soft and buttery Olive Garden-style breadsticks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5–6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, for brushing
- Garlic salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add melted butter and salt to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long stick and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the breadsticks and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs to the dough.
- Serve with marinara sauce or garlic dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: olive garden breadsticks, soft breadsticks, buttery breadsticks recipe
