Description
These Olive Garden-inspired breadsticks are soft, buttery, and garlicky, perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes or enjoying as a savory snack. The dough is enriched with olive oil and milk, then topped with a flavorful garlic-butter and kosher salt mixture, mimicking the restaurant’s famous breadsticks right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup water (227 grams)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (28 grams)
- 1¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (4 grams)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams, divided)
- 3–3½ cups all-purpose flour (360-420 grams)
- 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt (5 grams)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (25 grams)
Topping
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Warm liquids and bloom yeast: Combine the water and milk in a saucepan and heat until the mixture reaches 110-115°F, then whisk this warm mixture with yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the yeast to bloom for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dough ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, 3 cups of flour, kosher salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then gradually add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl slightly.
- Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead the dough on low speed for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a large oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into twelve 2-ounce portions. Roll each piece into a 9-inch rope on a lightly floured surface, then place the shaped breadsticks on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Second rise: Cover the breadsticks and let them rise for 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat oven: While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bake breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks for 11-13 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt and garlic powder. Melt the butter in the microwave in a separate bowl.
- Brush and garnish: Remove the breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with melted butter, sprinkle with the garlic-salt mixture, and optionally garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure liquid temperature is between 110-115°F for optimal yeast activation.
- Adjust flour quantity slightly based on dough consistency; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm spot helps achieve a light, airy texture.
- You can substitute melted butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Parmesan cheese topping is optional but adds an authentic savory touch.
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
