Olive Garden Breadsticks
Soft, buttery, and gently seasoned with garlic and oregano, these homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks are perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or Italian entrées—bringing restaurant-style comfort to your table.
16 Servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ¼ oz packet active dry yeast
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed for kneading
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fine salt
- 1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water approximately 110°F
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ⅛ –¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch dried oregano optional
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ¼ cup warm water and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
Prepare the Dough:
- To the yeast mixture, add flour, softened butter, sugar, fine salt, and the remaining 1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water. Using the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for approximately 3 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a long log measuring approximately 24 inches in length.
Shape the Breadsticks:
- Divide the log into 16 equal pieces. Lightly knead each portion and roll into a 7-inch stick. Arrange the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced approximately 2 inches apart.
Proof the Dough:
- Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and allow the breadsticks to rise in a warm environment for about 45 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush each risen breadstick with half (1½ tablespoons) of the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
Bake the Breadsticks:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
Finish with Seasoning:
- While the breadsticks are still warm, brush with the remaining 1½ tablespoons of melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt with garlic powder and dried oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the breadsticks.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Additionally, ensure all other ingredients, such as yeast and seasoning blends, are certified gluten-free. The dough may require slightly more liquid or a longer proofing time due to the density of gluten-free flour.