Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Soft, handmade, fluffy breadsticks like the ones served at the famous Italian Restaurant. This is my favorite breadsticks recipe! We top them with extra butter and garlic salt alongside our favorite pasta and soup dinners! You will love these delicious, soft breadsticks!
Equipment
Ingredients
Yeast Starter:
- 2 cups warm water, (80-90°F)
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Dough Ingredients:
- 5 cups bread flour*, (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp garlic salt, (I used Lawr'ys brand)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, (I used the Kraft brand in a shaker)
- 1/3 cup canola oil, (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 1 grade AA egg
Instructions
- In a liquid measuring cup, proof the yeast. Combine 2 cups of warm water, 1 tsp of yeast, and 2 Tbsp of sugar. Let that sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 5 cups of flour, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese. Mix together and make a well in the center. Add one egg, 1/3 cup of oil, and the proofed yeast mixture. Stir together with the dough hook until the dough comes together. Knead for 5 minutes.
- The dough will look very tacky and sticky. With greased hands, shape the dough into a ball, and oil the top and bowl well. Cover and allow the dough to rise until doubled (about 1 1/2-2 hours).
- After the dough has risen, it will be more elastic and easier to handle. Flour a large pastry mat with 1/4 cup of flour and transfer the dough onto the floured surface. Evenly divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Then cut each piece into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll out into a 7-inch breadstick, using more flour if needed.
- Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Place the breadsticks into the prepared pans and allow them to rise for 20 minutes. (Preheat the oven to 400°F, 15 minutes into the rise time).
- When the breadsticks have slightly risen, bake them at 400° F for 8-10 minutes. (the 7 or 8-minute mark if freezing).
- Meanwhile, melt 8 Tbsp of salted butter. When the breadsticks are hot out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and evenly sprinkle with 2 tsps of garlic salt before serving. Serve in a bread basket lined with a kitchen towel.
Notes
- The metric measurements in this recipe are exact for the flour. Add 1/4 cup (35 grams) of the flour if your dough is too sticky. This recipe will make a tacky dough, but it will turn out melt-in-your-mouth good!
- Bread flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour. My favorite brand is King Arthur.
- A standard 2-pound bread machine can be used to make this dough. Simply follow the instructions for the dough setting. This dough can also be made in a large bowl and kneaded with your hands.
Nutrition Facts
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
99
% Daily Value*
Fat
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
0.4
g
3
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
1
mg
0
%
Sodium
92
mg
4
%
Potassium
35
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
15
g
5
%
Fiber
0.5
g
2
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
10
IU
0
%
Calcium
18
mg
2
%
Iron
0.2
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
