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The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks with Garlic Parmesan Butter

A close-up stack of golden, cheesy, and herb-topped breadsticks ready to eat.
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Recreate the famous soft, chewy breadsticks you love right in your own kitchen. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with a rich garlic parmesan butter topping, perfect for any dinner side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: Add 3 cups of the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with a dough hook or by hand until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the rectangles into strips about 1 inch wide.
  6. Second rise (optional but recommended for softness): Place the cut breadsticks on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let them rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  8. Prepare the garlic butter topping: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl.
  9. Brush and finish: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the warm butter.
  10. Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving warm. These are best enjoyed right away with your favorite pasta sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For an extra soft texture, you can brush the dough lightly with olive oil before the second rise.
  • If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops of the breadsticks during the last 3 minutes of baking, then apply the garlic butter topping after they come out of the oven.
  • This dough recipe is similar to a soft dinner roll dough, which contributes to the chewy texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/easy-garlic-breadsticks-recipe/