These Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and brushed with buttery garlic goodness—just like the ones you can’t stop eating at the restaurant. With a light chew and golden crust, they’re the perfect sidekick to soups, pastas, and salads. This easy copycat recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers fresh-baked breadsticks that are even better than the original, right from your oven.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Breadsticks:

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F)

• 1¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

• 1¾ teaspoons salt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and ½ teaspoon sugar. Whisk and let sit 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add remaining sugar, 1½ cups flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix using the paddle attachment until combined.

3. Switch to the dough hook. Add the remaining 1½ cups flour and knead on low speed for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled.

5. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch rope.

6. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise again for 1 hour.

7. Preheat oven to 425°F during the final rise.

8. Bake breadsticks for 11–13 minutes until lightly golden.

9. While hot, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt mixture.

10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per breadstick, approx. 12 servings)

• Calories: 169 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 26 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 5 mg

• Sodium: 389 mg

• Sugar: 2 g

• Iron: 1 mg

• Potassium: 37 mg

The Secret Behind the Signature Texture

What sets Olive Garden breadsticks apart is their perfect balance of softness and structure. They aren’t overly airy like some store-bought breads, and they’re not too dense either. Instead, they boast a slightly chewy texture with a delicate crumb—an ideal companion for dipping into marinara or soaking up creamy Alfredo sauce.

Achieving that texture at home comes down to a few key techniques. First, allowing the dough to rise properly ensures the breadsticks develop enough structure and softness. The combination of yeast, sugar, and warm water activates fermentation and helps the dough expand to a light, elastic consistency. A good knead builds gluten, which is critical for that chewy interior. The result is a breadstick that’s light yet satisfying with every bite.

Buttery Garlic Topping That Seals the Deal

If there’s one thing that makes Olive Garden’s breadsticks utterly addictive, it’s the garlic butter topping. The bread itself is mild and comforting, but the brush of melted butter infused with garlic powder and salt adds an instant punch of flavor. It hits all the right notes—savory, salty, slightly aromatic—and lingers just long enough to have you reaching for another one.

Brushing the breadsticks right out of the oven allows the butter to melt into the crust, creating a glossy finish that looks just as appealing as it tastes. A generous sprinkle of garlic salt seals the flavor profile and gives these breadsticks their unmistakable character.

A Versatile Side for Every Meal

While these breadsticks are closely associated with Italian-American cuisine, their simple flavor profile and texture make them incredibly versatile. Serve them with hearty tomato-based pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna, or use them to sop up brothy soups like minestrone or chicken gnocchi. They also pair beautifully with salads, particularly those with tangy dressings like Caesar or vinaigrette.

Hosting a gathering? These breadsticks are an excellent addition to any appetizer spread. Cut them in half and serve with a trio of dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, and cheesy Alfredo—for a DIY dipping bar that will impress guests of all ages.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Few foods appeal to kids and adults equally like a warm breadstick. Their soft, approachable texture and mild flavor make them a hit with picky eaters, while the garlic butter coating keeps them interesting enough for more refined palates. Even better, they’re perfect for making ahead, which means you can serve fresh-baked bread with minimal last-minute stress.

Kids also love to help roll and shape the dough. Letting little hands assist in forming the iconic breadstick ropes is a fun and interactive way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. And once they smell the buttery garlic aroma wafting from the oven, they’ll be eager to dive in.

Better Than Store-Bought or Frozen Options

While you can find frozen breadsticks at the grocery store, there’s no comparison to homemade. Store-bought versions often come pre-seasoned with artificial flavors or preservatives, and they never deliver quite the same texture as freshly baked bread. When you make them yourself, you’re in control of the ingredients, the rise time, and most importantly, the freshness.

These copycat Olive Garden breadsticks taste best warm from the oven, brushed with melted butter and finished with your own blend of garlic and salt. The crust has just the right amount of golden crunch, while the inside stays soft and tender. Once you’ve tried them homemade, it’s hard to go back.

Great for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Freezing

Another great thing about this recipe is how well it suits meal prep. You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight, or freeze the baked breadsticks for future meals. Simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore that just-baked taste and texture. They’re great to keep on hand for those nights when dinner needs an extra something.

Even better, you can double the recipe and store extras in the freezer. Just wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven, then brush with a fresh batch of melted butter and garlic salt.

Customize Your Breadsticks with Flavor Variations

While the classic garlic butter finish is timeless, there’s room to have fun with flavors. Add shredded Parmesan to the topping for a cheesy upgrade, or sprinkle in Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a more aromatic twist. A dash of chili flakes or smoked paprika can add a subtle kick for those who like a bit of heat.

For a sweet variation, skip the garlic and instead brush the baked breadsticks with melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serve with cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze for a dessert-style twist.

A Restaurant Experience, Right from Your Oven

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about Olive Garden’s breadsticks, especially when they’re served in that iconic bottomless basket. Now, with this easy recipe, you can recreate that same experience anytime—no waiting, no tipping, and no need to leave the house.

You get all the satisfaction of pulling apart warm, soft breadsticks, brushing on the butter yourself, and savoring the unmistakable aroma of garlic and fresh-baked bread. Pair it with your favorite homemade pasta or simply enjoy it on its own with a side of marinara. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug—simple, satisfying, and always welcome.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Breadsticks are more than just a side—they’re a centerpiece of the dining experience. With their golden crust, pillowy interior, and buttery garlic topping, they bring comfort and joy to any meal. This easy copycat recipe brings that iconic taste straight to your kitchen, using everyday ingredients and simple techniques.

Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just as a treat to yourself, these breadsticks deliver every time. They’re a reminder that the simplest things—a bit of flour, a little yeast, and a brush of butter—can come together to make something unforgettable.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked garlic breadsticks. Once you do, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a restaurant table in the first place.