Description
Enjoy the classic Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe made at home with soft, fluffy texture and a flavorful garlic herb butter topping. These golden breadsticks are perfect as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup of warm water, stir gently to dissolve, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to evenly distribute the salt.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the well and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, indicating good gluten development.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough, transfer to a lightly floured surface, and divide into 8 equal parts. Roll each into a 6-inch long thin breadstick shape.
- Second Rise: Arrange breadsticks on a greased baking sheet with space between. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes to puff up.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) while the breadsticks finish rising.
- Bake Breadsticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While baking, melt 1 tablespoon butter on low heat, then stir in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon dried basil for a flavorful topping.
- Brush and Garnish: Remove breadsticks from oven, brush immediately with herb butter mixture, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese while still warm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow breadsticks to cool for a few minutes before serving, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 105°F to 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm spot is critical for good texture and flavor development.
- Don’t overbake breadsticks to keep them soft inside.
- You can substitute dried Italian seasoning in place of individual herbs if desired.
- Brush the breadsticks right after baking to help the butter soak in while warm.
