Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much I love Olive Garden’s breadsticks! They’re soft, warm, and just the right amount of garlicky goodness. I remember the first time I had them; I couldn’t stop at just one! The best part? You can recreate that same magic right in your own kitchen with this olive garden breadsticks copycat recipe. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of freshly baked breadsticks from the oven, brushing them with melted butter, and sprinkling them with Parmesan cheese. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara or just enjoying on their own—pure heaven!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Alright, let’s get started! In a mixing bowl, combine your warm water (make sure it’s around 110°F—trust me, you don’t want it too hot or it’ll kill the yeast!). Sprinkle in the packet of active dry yeast and give it a gentle stir. Now, let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to bubble and froth—that’s how you know it’s working its magic!
Step 2: Create the Dough
Once your yeast is activated and bubbly, add in the sugar, salt, and that luscious melted butter. Give it a good mix to combine everything. Now, it’s time to gradually add in the flour. I like to do this a cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. You want it to come together nicely without being too sticky. A little elbow grease never hurt anyone!
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Now that you’ve got your dough, it’s kneading time! On a floured surface, turn out your dough and knead it for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic texture—don’t rush this part! Once it’s looking good, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
After an hour, punch down that dough to release some air, and let’s get shaping! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long stick—aim for about 6 inches long. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to breathe. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Patience is key here!
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
After the second rise, it’s baking time! Pop those breadsticks into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible—trust me!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
As soon as they come out of the oven, mix together the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this buttery goodness all over those warm breadsticks, and then sprinkle them generously with Parmesan cheese. Oh my goodness, just wait until you taste them! Serve warm, and enjoy every bite of your homemade olive garden breadsticks copycat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your olive garden breadsticks copycat turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips:
- Check the water temperature: When activating your yeast, ensure the water is warm, but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly.
- Knead thoroughly: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the breadsticks their structure. Aim for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part!
- Let the dough rise: Be patient during the rising times. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, you can warm it up slightly or place the dough in a sunny spot to help it rise faster.
- Don’t skip the second rise: This extra rising time after shaping allows the breadsticks to become light and fluffy. Give them that time to puff up before baking!
- Brush with butter right away: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the melted butter mixture over the breadsticks while they’re still hot. This helps the flavors soak in beautifully!
Following these tips will help you create those delicious, soft breadsticks that are even better than the original. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about making breadsticks from scratch. You control the ingredients, and there’s no comparison to the fresh, warm aroma filling your kitchen!
- Cost-Effective: Enjoying restaurant-quality breadsticks doesn’t have to break the bank! This recipe is budget-friendly, and you’ll have enough to share (or not, no judgment here!).
- Customizable: Want to add herbs, spices, or even cheese directly to the dough? Go for it! You can tailor these breadsticks to suit your taste perfectly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just a treat for yourself, these breadsticks will impress everyone around the table.
- Quick to Make: While there is some waiting for rising, the actual hands-on time is pretty minimal. You’ll have freshly baked breadsticks in no time!
- Great for Dipping: Pair them with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or your favorite soup. They’re the ultimate sidekick for any meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious olive garden breadsticks copycat, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep them fresh, store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
When you’re ready to indulge again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the breadsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them from getting too crispy. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. The oven method helps keep them soft and delicious, just like when they first came out of the oven!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful! Heat them in short bursts of about 10-15 seconds to avoid making them chewy. Trust me, you want that soft, warm breadstick experience every time!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in your delicious olive garden breadsticks copycat? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per breadstick. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so they might vary a bit depending on what you use:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
This information can help you enjoy your homemade breadsticks while keeping an eye on your dietary needs. And remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven, so don’t worry too much about counting—just savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use it without the need for activation. Just mix it directly with your dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe. Easy peasy!
What if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was just right—too hot or too cold can affect the yeast’s ability to activate. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near an oven or in a sunny area.
Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a batch ahead of time, just shape them and let them rise, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them rise again before baking. They’ll taste just as fresh!
How can I make these breadsticks garlic-flavored?
If you love garlic, you can definitely amp up the flavor! Add extra garlic powder to the butter mixture before brushing it on, or even mix minced garlic into the dough for a delightful garlicky kick. Yum!
What should I serve with these breadsticks?
These breadsticks are incredibly versatile! They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping, but they’re also great alongside soups, salads, or as an accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes. Enjoy them however your heart desires!
Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat: 6 Steps to Heaven
- Temps Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll 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.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush over warm breadsticks.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Bread
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: olive garden breadsticks copycat
