Olive Garden BreadSticks Recipe for Soft Homemade Rolls
Olive Garden Bread Sticks Recipe is one of those classics that never fails to impress. From the very first time I made these at home, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of rising dough, melted butter, and garlic. These home made breadsticks are pillowy soft on the inside with just the right golden crust on the outside. When brushed with Olive Garden breadstick seasoning, they taste just like the ones served at the restaurant. Whether you want Italian bread sticks recipe for a family dinner, Olive Garden rolls for a party, or even homemade fried breadsticks for a twist, this recipe delivers.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough, divide into 12–14 pieces, and roll into 6–8 inch logs. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Brush generously over hot breadsticks.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why you will love Olive Garden bread
Olive Garden bread is more than just a side dish. It is the warm, buttery comfort food that everyone reaches for first. You can prepare them as one hour breadsticks for busy nights, or make a small batch bread sticks recipe if you only need a few.
- Soft and chewy texture that makes every bite irresistible
- Garlic butter topping for that authentic Olive Garden bread flavor
- Perfect for dipping in marinara, Alfredo, or cheese sauce
- Easy ingredients that you already have at home
Ingredients for Olive Garden rolls
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
| Warm water | 1 cup | Between 105 and 115°F for yeast activation |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | Helps yeast rise |
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 tsp | Equal to one packet |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Bread flour works for extra chewiness |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp melted | Used for brushing |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | Essential for Olive Garden breadstick seasoning |
| Salt for topping | 1/4 tsp | Combine with garlic powder |
Pro Tip: Use this same dough to make homemade fried breadsticks by frying instead of baking.
How to make Olive Garden bread sticks recipe step by step
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour and salt until dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough, divide into 12 to 14 equal pieces, and roll each into logs about 6 to 8 inches long.
- Place logs on baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Brush generously over hot breadsticks.
For one hour breadsticks, let the dough rise in a warm place for only 30 minutes.
How to serve home made breadsticks
- Serve warm with a napkin-lined basket to keep them soft
- Dip into Alfredo, marinara, or spinach artichoke dip
- Pair with lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, or soups for a restaurant-style meal
- Try seasonal twists such as herb butter in spring or spiced butter during the holidays
- Use leftover dough for homemade fried breadsticks with extra garlic seasoning
Secrets for the best Italian bread sticks recipe
- Always use warm water to activate yeast properly
- Knead long enough to develop gluten for softness
- Let the dough rise completely before baking
- Brush with plenty of butter for authentic Olive Garden bread flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cold water that prevents yeast activation
- Too much flour leading to dense breadsticks
- Skipping garlic butter topping which is key for Olive Garden breadstick seasoning
- Overbaking which dries out the bread
Storage and reheating instructions
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating |
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes |
| Refrigerator | 4 to 5 days | Reheat in oven or air fryer for softness |
| Freezer | 1 month | Bake from frozen at 350°F for 10 minutes |
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare Olive Garden rolls ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight, then allow it to rise before baking.
Can I use this dough for homemade fried breadsticks?
Yes, fry strips of dough until golden and coat with garlic butter.
Can I make a small batch bread sticks recipe?
Yes, cut the ingredient amounts in half for about six breadsticks.
Do these taste like the original Olive Garden bread?
Yes, the fluffy texture and garlic butter topping create the same restaurant-style taste.
Conclusion
Olive Garden bread sticks recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality bread into your own kitchen. Soft, buttery, and seasoned to perfection, they transform any meal into something special. From small batch bread sticks recipe to one hour breadsticks or even homemade fried breadsticks, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Save it now so you can enjoy fresh Olive Garden bread at home anytime.
