INTRODUCTION
Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks are soft, warm, and full of garlic butter flavor. This recipe makes 16 sticks that are perfect to eat with soup, salad, or pasta. They are simple to make at home and taste like the ones from Olive Garden. If you want a snack or side that feels like a treat, these breadsticks are a great pick.
For a fun starter or party platter, pair these breadsticks with cheese stuffed fried olives to make a tasty mix of warm bites. This recipe is easy to follow and fits many lifestyles. It can be made as a healthier version by using less butter or whole wheat flour. It also works well for meal prep and freezing so you can save time on busy nights.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks because they are soft inside, golden outside, and full of garlic and herb flavor. They are a lighter option when you make small servings and watch your portions. This recipe is great for meal prep because you can freeze the dough or bake a batch and reheat later. For people watching calories, you can make a healthy version by using less butter on top and serving with a lean protein salad or soup.
The recipe also lets you choose options that fit diets. For a low carb or high protein meal, there are easy swaps listed in the Variations section. If you want a simple weeknight side, these breadsticks bake fast and pair well with a bowl of soup. Try them with a cup of warm garlic herb potato soup for a cozy, balanced meal.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Follow these steps to make soft and buttery breadsticks that mimic Olive Garden. The dough is simple and needs only a short rise. Read all steps first, then start. Keep your tools ready and a warm spot for the dough to rise.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets (2) lined with silicone mats or parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush or spoon for butter
- Cooling racks
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup very warm water, 1 Tbsp instant yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups AP flour, 3 Tbsp softened butter, 1 egg, lightly whisked, 1 tsp salt, Before baking: 2 Tbsp melted butter, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp garlic powder ((can add up to 1/4 tsp)), 1/8 tsp dried oregano
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes. (You can add up to another 1/4 cup of flour as needed, but it should look slightly sticky and not quite pull away from the bottom of the bowl. Don’t worry, it will rise beautifully!)
Pull the dough in to a ball with a spatula, spray the bowl lightly around and under the dough with nonstick cooking spray.
Cover with saran wrap and a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Punch your dough down, then dump it on to a lightly floured surface.
Knead a couple of times, then divide the dough in to 16 equal size pieces.
Roll each piece in to an 7-8 inch breadstick.
Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, (8 on each.) Drape a towel over the top of each baking sheet and let the breadsticks rise another 1/2 hour until they puff up a bit.
Before baking, brush each breadstick gently with melted butter.
Bake at 400 for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the topping and move to cooling racks. Sprinkle with a little extra oregano if you like. Serve warm.
*Note: You can reheat breadsticks if you wrap them in foil and heat in a 325 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through.
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Serve the breadsticks warm. For a healthy version, pair one or two breadsticks with a salad full of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For portion control, stick to 1–2 breadsticks per person when you serve other sides. This helps keep the meal lighter and better for weight loss goals.
To make the meal more balanced, add a lean protein and steamed or raw vegetables. The breadsticks are great with tomato-based sauces or a light olive oil dip. If you want a lower calorie option, brush the breads with a light spray of olive oil mixed with garlic powder instead of full melted butter.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Lay the breadsticks on a tray and freeze until firm, then place in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
To reheat, wrap breadsticks in foil and bake at 325°F for about 5 minutes or until warm. This makes them taste fresh and soft. For quick thawing, microwave one wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds, then crisp in a 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a balanced plate, serve two breadsticks with a cup of vegetable soup and a side salad for a lighter option.
- For a high protein meal, pair breadsticks with grilled chicken or turkey meatballs.
- For a heart healthy side, choose a salad with mixed greens, beans, and a light vinaigrette.
- Add quick pickled vegetables to the table for a bright, low-calorie side that cuts through the butter. Try a small bowl of quick pickled garden vegetables to add crunch and tang without many calories.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Reduce the butter brushed on top to 1 tablespoon mixed with olive oil and garlic powder. This gives more fiber and fewer saturated fats. This lighter option helps if you are focused on weight loss or lower calorie meals.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Make smaller, denser sticks using a mix of vital wheat gluten and almond flour or use a high-protein bread flour. You can also serve smaller portions with a high protein dip like Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. These swaps can help turn the breadsticks into a high protein meal or lower carb choice.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: These breadsticks bake in the oven at 400°F for 11–12 minutes. For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook 6–8 breadsticks at a time for 6–8 minutes, checking for a golden color. The air fryer gives a slightly crisper crust and works well if you only want a small batch.
FAQs
Q: Are these breadsticks good for weight loss?
A: They can be part of a weight loss plan if you watch portions and serve 1–2 breadsticks with lean protein and veggies. Choose the lighter option with less butter and whole wheat flour to reduce calories and add fiber.
Q: Can I make these gluten free?
A: The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour. For a gluten free version, use a good gluten free flour blend and add a binder like xanthan gum and a high protein mix. Texture will differ, and you may need to adjust liquid amounts.
Q: How long do breadsticks last in the fridge?
A: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze as directed in the Storage & Freezing section.
Q: Are these breadsticks diabetic-friendly?
A: Breadsticks have carbohydrates, so they must be counted in a diabetic meal plan. You can make smaller portions or use lower-carb flour options in the Variations to make a more diabetic-friendly or low carb choice. Pair with protein and fiber to help steady blood sugar.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, covered. Let it come to room temp and rise before shaping, or follow the make-ahead tips below.
Q: Is there a way to increase protein?
A: Yes. Use higher protein flour, add whey or milk powder, or serve with high protein dips. These changes help make the meal more balanced and closer to a high protein meal.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
- Make the dough the night before and keep it in the fridge. This makes it easy for busy mornings or for meal prep.
- Shape the breadsticks and place them on baking sheets covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Let them rise at room temp for 30–45 minutes before baking. This saves time and makes them great for parties.
- Bake a large batch and freeze cooled breadsticks in freezer bags. Reheat as needed for quick dinners. This is great for meal prep and makes weeknights easier.
These Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks are a warm, tasty treat you can make at home. With simple swaps you can make a healthy version, a lighter option, or a higher protein choice to fit your goals. They are easy to work into weeknight meals, great for meal prep, and simple to freeze for later. Enjoy the soft center and garlic butter flavor while keeping portions and sides balanced for a meal that feels indulgent but can still be healthy.
Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
Method
- In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
- Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes.
- Pull the dough into a ball, spray the bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray, cover with saran wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Punch your dough down, then dump it on to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead a couple of times, then divide the dough into 16 equal size pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 7-8 inch breadstick.
- Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, drape a towel over the top and let them rise another 1/2 hour.
- Before baking, brush each breadstick gently with melted butter.
- Bake at 400°F for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the topping and move to cooling racks.