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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

A stack of golden brown, fluffy copycat breadsticks seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and parsley, served on a white plate.

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Make soft, buttery, garlic breadsticks at home that taste just like the restaurant favorite. This easy recipe yields fluffy breadsticks perfect as an appetizer or dinner side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin breadstick shape, about 8 to 10 inches long. Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the breadsticks are lightly golden brown.
  8. While the breadsticks bake, prepare the topping: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder, dried parsley, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  9. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For the softest breadsticks, make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the butter topping immediately after brushing it on.
  • You can use instant yeast if you prefer; skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

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