Irresistible Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks: Your Easy Copycat Recipe Guide
Olive Garden Breadsticks are more than just an appetizer; they’re an icon, a warmly delicious tradition that enhances any meal. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, impossibly fluffy breadstick, glistening with melted butter and fragrant garlic. What if we told you that achieving this restaurant-quality experience at home is not only possible but incredibly easy? With just a few minutes of prep time and four simple ingredients, you’ll be astonished by how effortlessly you can recreate these buttery, garlicky copycat breadsticks. Get ready to bring the beloved taste of Olive Garden straight to your kitchen table!
Olive Garden has long been celebrated as one of the premier Italian-inspired restaurant chains in the United States, largely due to its winning trifecta of soup, salad, and, of course, those irresistible breadsticks. Today, we’re unlocking the secret to their famous side dish with a personal copycat recipe for incredibly soft, fluffy, and unbelievably flavorful breadsticks. The best part? This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, utilizing readily available frozen dough and requiring only four essential ingredients. This means anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can whip up a batch of these tasty Olive Garden Breadsticks right from their own kitchen.
This scrumptious appetizer isn’t just a treat; it’s a versatile culinary companion, pairing effortlessly with almost any lunch or dinner dish you can imagine! While serving them alongside the classic Olive Garden Salad and a comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup is always a triumphant combination, their utility extends far beyond. Imagine them as the perfect vehicle for dipping into my savory Homemade Marinara Sauce, accompanying a hearty pasta dish, or even as a simple, satisfying snack. These copycat breadsticks are truly a multi-tasking marvel in the kitchen, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Craving other delightful warm bread recipes to expand your baking repertoire? We’ve got you covered! Don’t miss out on trying my rustic and comforting Peasant Bread, which boasts a wonderfully crusty exterior and a tender crumb. Or, for something truly unique and flavorful, give my Everything Sauerkraut Bread a try – it’s an unexpected twist that’s sure to impress. These recipes offer different takes on homemade bread, each bringing its own special charm to your table.
WHAT ARE COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN BREADSTICKS? A Culinary Journey
Are you on a quest for more beloved restaurant favorites you can effortlessly recreate from the comfort of your home? Look no further! Our collection of copycat dishes is designed to satisfy your cravings and bring those iconic flavors right to your table. Why not try my savory Copy Cat Taco Bell Enchirito Recipe for a taste of your favorite Mexican-inspired fast food? Or perhaps indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of Cinnamon Honey Butter – A Texas Roadhouse Copycat Recipe, perfect for spreading on rolls or toast. And for those who love a hearty, flavorful bowl of chili, our Cincinnati Chili | Skyline Chili Copycat is an absolute must-try. These recipes prove that the best restaurant experiences can easily be had without leaving your house!
THE SIMPLICITY OF SUCCESS: KEY INGREDIENTS FOR COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN BREADSTICKS RECIPE
The true beauty of this Olive Garden breadstick recipe lies in its minimalist approach to ingredients. You only need four items, making it not just easy but also incredibly accessible. Let’s delve into why each ingredient is crucial for achieving that authentic taste and texture:
- Bread Dough Rolls: Using pre-made frozen dough rolls is the ultimate hack for this recipe, offering a remarkable level of convenience without sacrificing quality. These rolls provide a flaky, tender baked goodness and drastically cut down on prep time. They eliminate the need for measuring flour, yeast, and water, as well as the long kneading and rising processes, making them ready to transform into delicious breadsticks so much faster! Look for dinner rolls or yeast rolls in the freezer aisle for the best results.
- Butter: Butter is the star flavor component here, responsible for that signature richness and golden hue. The addition of butter, both on the baking sheet and brushed on top, results in a higher rise, a crisper, more beautiful crust, and an unparalleled depth of flavor. We recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt content precisely. Melted butter ensures even coating and absorption.
- Garlic Powder: While some might be tempted to use fresh minced garlic or garlic butter mixtures, garlic powder is the secret to achieving Olive Garden’s distinct garlic flavor without making the bread too sticky or prone to burning. It distributes evenly, infuses the bread with a mild yet potent garlic aroma, and helps keep the breadsticks perfectly crisp without becoming greasy or heavy. This powdered form ensures a consistent flavor profile in every bite.
- Sea Salt: A good quality salt is essential for enhancing all the other flavors in bread. For baking bread, it’s generally best to use non-iodized salt such as sea salt or kosher salt. Iodized versions can sometimes impart a slightly metallic or unpleasant flavor that can detract from the delicate taste of freshly baked bread. Sea salt, with its clean, briny taste, not only seasons the breadsticks perfectly but also adds a lovely textural crunch when sprinkled on top just after baking, mimicking that iconic Olive Garden finish.
CRAFTING PERFECTION: HOW DO YOU MAKE OLIVE GARDEN BREADSTICKS AT HOME?
Creating these delectable Olive Garden breadsticks at home is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for buttery, garlicky perfection:
PREP: Thaw and Prepare
Begin by allowing your frozen bread rolls to thaw completely. This can be done by leaving them at room temperature for several hours or following the package directions for quicker thawing. Once thawed, they should be soft and pliable. Next, melt half of the butter (3 tablespoons) and generously spread it evenly over a large cookie sheet or baking pan. This not only prevents sticking but also helps create a wonderfully crispy, buttery bottom crust.
ROLL: Shape Your Breadsticks
Take each thawed bread roll and gently roll it out into a long, slender “snake-like” piece. Aim for a length of about 6-8 inches, similar to the classic Olive Garden breadstick shape. As you roll, try to keep the thickness consistent to ensure even baking. Place these shaped breadsticks on your buttered cookie sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each one for them to rise without touching. Overcrowding can hinder their rise and result in uneven baking.
SET: The All-Important Rise
Once all the breadsticks are on the sheet, lightly cover them with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with a little cooking spray. This prevents the dough from sticking to the wrap as it rises. Set the covered tray in a warm place – a slightly warm oven (turned off!), near a sunny window, or on top of a preheating dryer all work well – and let them rise until they are at least doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your environment. A proper rise is crucial for light and airy breadsticks.
MELT: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
As your breadsticks are finishing their rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Now, melt the remaining butter (3 tablespoons) in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Once fully melted, stir in the garlic powder until thoroughly combined. This creates the iconic garlic butter topping. Just before baking, gently brush the tops of the risen breadsticks with this aromatic garlic butter mixture, ensuring an even coat for maximum flavor and a beautiful golden-brown finish.
BAKE: Golden Perfection
Carefully transfer the cookie sheet with the buttered breadsticks into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 13-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks achieve a beautiful golden brown color on top. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want them perfectly cooked without being dry. They should be puffed up and have a slightly firm yet soft texture.
SERVE: The Final Touch
The moment they emerge from the oven, hot and fragrant, immediately brush them again with any remaining garlic butter. This second coat ensures maximum buttery flavor and a lovely sheen. Finish by sprinkling generously with sea salt while they are still hot, allowing the salt crystals to adhere perfectly. Serve them warm, right away, to enjoy their optimal soft, fluffy, and incredibly savory texture. Enjoy this delightful taste of Olive Garden, made fresh in your own kitchen!
Love them? Pin them!
Don’t let this amazing, easy, and incredibly tasty Olive Garden-inspired recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Make sure to save it for later when that breadstick craving hits. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so it’s always just a click away!
One of my family’s most cherished traditions is our “Olive Garden Night at Home” Sunday dinners! It’s an evening filled with comfort, flavor, and the joy of unlimited soup, salad, and, of course, these amazing breadsticks, all lovingly made right in Mom’s kitchen. This experience isn’t just about the food; it’s about creating memories and enjoying restaurant favorites in a cozy, personalized setting, often costing a fraction of dining out. You can choose your favorite Olive Garden-inspired main dish to go along with it, or simply indulge in the classic trio.
Here are the other two essential items we savor during our “Olive Garden Night at Home,” perfectly complementing these yummy homemade breadsticks: our rich and hearty Zuppa Toscana (a copycat recipe that rivals the original!) & the crisp, refreshing Olive Garden’s Salad & Dressing, which truly completes the authentic experience. Together, these recipes transform your home into everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant.
OTHER DELICIOUS ITALIAN-INSPIRED & COMFORT FOOD RECIPES YOU WILL ENJOY
If you’ve loved making these Olive Garden breadsticks, you’ll surely enjoy exploring our other comforting and flavorful recipes, perfect for any family meal or gathering. Each one is crafted to bring joy to your table!
- Italian Cheese Bombs: Explosions of cheesy goodness perfect as an appetizer.
- Bucatini with Italian Sausage: A hearty and satisfying pasta dish with robust flavors.
- Italian Meatloaf Sliders: A fun, miniature twist on a classic comfort food.
- Italian Burger: Elevate your burger night with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Cacio e Pepe with Mushrooms (For Two): A simple yet elegant pasta dish, perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad: A refreshing and vibrant side dish for any occasion.
- Crack Bread: So addictive, you won’t be able to stop at just one slice!
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread: A wholesome and moist classic, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Bread: The ultimate savory, cheesy, and utterly irresistible appetizer or side.
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and detailed instructions, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make some unforgettable Olive Garden Breadsticks right in your own home! Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 6 frozen bread dough rolls
- 6 Tablespoons butter divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Thaw the frozen bread rolls completely until soft and pliable.
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Melt half (3 Tablespoons) of the butter and spread it evenly onto a cookie sheet or baking pan.
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Roll each thawed bread roll out into a long, “snake-like” piece (about 6-8 inches long). Place them on the buttered cookie sheet, ensuring enough space between each for rising.
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Loosely cover the breadsticks with plastic wrap (sprayed with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking) and set them in a warm place to rise until they are at least doubled in size (1-2 hours).
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
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Melt the remaining butter (3 Tablespoons) and stir in the garlic powder. Just before baking, gently brush the tops of the risen breadsticks with this garlic butter mixture.
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Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through.
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As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them again with any remaining garlic butter. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt.
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Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks!