The Secret Is the Topping
Olive Garden breadsticks are a plain, slightly sweet, very soft dough. The flavor people remember is the butter brushed on right out of the oven and a dusting of garlic salt. A second short rise keeps them pillowy.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (355 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1½ tsp salt
- Topping: 3 tbsp butter, melted, and ½ tsp garlic salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast. Stir yeast and sugar into the warm water and let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough. Add the flour, softened butter and salt. Knead 6–8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer until smooth and soft.
- First rise. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Shape. Divide into 12 pieces, roll each into a 7-inch rope and place on a lined baking sheet. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until light golden.
- Top. Brush immediately with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.
Tips for Restaurant-Style Results
- Don't add too much flour; a slightly tacky dough bakes softer.
- Pull them when they're just golden; over-baking dries them out.
- Brush with butter twice: once out of the oven and again a minute later.
How to Reheat Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Oven (best): wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Air fryer: 300°F for 2–3 minutes, unwrapped.
- Microwave: wrap in a damp paper towel and heat 15–20 seconds; eat right away.
Homemade vs. the Restaurant Version
At Olive Garden, Garlic Breadsticks costs about $5.29 and has 140 calories per serving by the restaurant's published nutrition. At the restaurant, breadsticks are unlimited with dine-in entrées; at home this batch makes a dozen for very little.
Storing and Reheating
- Keep at room temperature in a sealed bag for 2 days.
- Freeze baked breadsticks up to 2 months and reheat in foil.
Olive Garden Breadsticks: Questions People Ask
Are Olive Garden breadsticks free?
They're included and unlimited with dine-in entrées. You can also order extra breadsticks To Go for a small charge.
How many calories are in an Olive Garden breadstick?
Olive Garden lists 140 calories per breadstick.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight, then let them rise 45–60 minutes at room temperature before baking.
Are Olive Garden breadsticks vegan?
Olive Garden's are generally not, as the topping contains butter. This homemade version can be made vegan with plant butter.