There’s just something magical about soft and buttery breadsticks, isn’t there? I mean, who can resist that warm, pillowy goodness, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven? I’ve always been a fan of Olive Garden’s breadsticks, and I knew I had to recreate that irresistible flavor at home. This *olive garden breadsticks recipe irresistibly soft and buttery* is my go-to for bringing that cozy restaurant experience right into my kitchen. The combination of warm water and yeast creates a fluffy dough that rises perfectly, and brushing them with melted butter and garlic salt takes them over the top! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple at your table.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups warm water (between 110°F and 115°F, just warm to the touch)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (this helps the yeast bloom!)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (adds richness to the dough)
- 1 tablespoon salt (to enhance flavor)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for brushing on top)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (for that classic flavor)
How to Prepare the Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Irresistibly Soft and Buttery
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Once frothy, add the melted butter and salt to the mixture. Then, stir in half of the flour. This will help create a nice base for your dough.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out. Knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If you’re new to kneading, just fold the dough over itself and push it down with your palms, rotating it every so often.
- After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the time for the dough to get fluffy and airy!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F while you’re waiting for the dough to rise, so it’s nice and hot when the breadsticks are ready.
- Once risen, punch down the dough (this is the fun part!) and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long stick, about 6 inches in length, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the shaped breadsticks again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for that perfect soft texture.
- Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly!
- As soon as they come out, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt. Serve warm and enjoy every buttery bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for pairing with your favorite soups, salads, or Italian dishes.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
- Homemade aroma that fills your kitchen and brings everyone to the table.
- Customizable—add herbs or cheese for a unique twist!
Tips for Success
To make sure your breadsticks turn out perfectly soft and buttery, here are my top tips! First, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this is key for that fluffy texture. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to help it rise better. Just cover it with a towel! For baking, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—every oven is different, and you want that golden-brown finish without overbaking. Finally, don’t skip the melted butter and garlic salt brush right after they come out of the oven; it makes all the difference in flavor! Enjoy baking!
Nutritional Information
Each breadstick is approximately 150 calories, with 6g of fat, 4g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. They also contain about 1g of sugar and 200mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so your actual numbers may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these delightful treats as a part of your meal without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! Just sprinkle the instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it first. This saves a bit of time and still yields soft breadsticks.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast or a too-cool environment. Make sure your water is warm enough and try placing the bowl in a warmer spot.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I store leftover breadsticks?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just reheat before serving!
Can I add toppings to the breadsticks?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle herbs, cheese, or even a bit of Parmesan on top before baking for extra flavor. Just brush them with butter first to help the toppings stick!
Serving Suggestions
These irresistibly soft and buttery breadsticks are the perfect complement to so many dishes! I love serving them alongside a rich, hearty bowl of minestrone soup or a classic Italian wedding soup. They also pair beautifully with a fresh, crisp Caesar salad—just imagine dipping them into that creamy dressing! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them with a delicious marinara sauce for dipping or alongside your favorite pasta dish, like fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs. No matter what you choose, these breadsticks are sure to elevate your meal and bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Print
olive garden breadsticks recipe irresistibly soft and buttery 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 to 115°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and half of the flour. Mix well.
- Add the remaining flour gradually until the 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.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a long stick and place on a baking sheet.
- Let the breadsticks rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs to the butter.
- Serve warm for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: olive garden breadsticks recipe, soft breadsticks, buttery breadsticks
