INTRODUCTION
This Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks recipe makes soft, warm breadsticks that taste just like the restaurant. They are simple to make at home with basic ingredients. You can make them for a family meal, a party, or a week of lunches. For a sweet coffee pairing, try a drink like the apple crisp oat milk frappuccino copycat alongside warm breadsticks for a fun treat.
These breadsticks are easy to shape and bake. You can change the recipe to make a healthier version or a lighter option for your diet. The recipe below shows the classic method and gives ideas for making them lower in calories or higher in protein.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these breadsticks because they are soft, garlicky, and ready in just a few hours. They are a great choice when you need quick meal prep. Make a batch and freeze half for later — a true great for meal prep idea.
This version can be a lighter option by cutting the butter in the topping or using nonstick spray before baking. You can also pair the breadsticks with a high protein meal like soup with beans or grilled chicken to keep your plate balanced. If you want a special coffee pairing, try a flavored espresso drink such as the brown sugar shaken espresso copycat to make the meal feel extra cozy.
These breadsticks can be part of a good for weight loss plan when you watch portions and pair them with vegetables and lean protein. They are easy to portion and share, which helps with calorie control.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
This recipe makes 16 breadsticks. The dough is soft and slightly sticky, and the baking step gives a golden crust with a tender center. You will need a warm place for the dough to rise and two baking sheets. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for best results, and read the variations to make a healthy version or a high-protein version.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Two baking sheets
- Silicone mats or parchment paper
- Pastry brush for butter
- Clean towel or plastic wrap
- Cooling rack
- Optional: kitchen scale for even pieces
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 cup very warm water
- 1 Tbsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups AP flour
- 3 Tbsp softened butter
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 1 tsp salt
- Before baking: 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 3 Tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder ((can add up to 1/4 tsp))
- 1/8 tsp dried oregano
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
- Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes. (You can add up to another 1/4 cup of flour as needed, but it should look slightly sticky and not quite pull away from the bottom of the bowl. Don’t worry, it will rise beautifully!)
- Pull the dough in to a ball with a spatula, spray the bowl lightly around and under the dough with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cover with saran wrap and a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Punch your dough down, then dump it on to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead a couple of times, then divide the dough in to 16 equal size pieces.
- Roll each piece in to an 7-8 inch breadstick.
- Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, (8 on each.) Drape a towel over the top of each baking sheet and let the breadsticks rise another 1/2 hour until they puff up a bit.
- Before baking, brush each breadstick gently with melted butter.
- Bake at 400 for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the topping and move to cooling racks. Sprinkle with a little extra oregano if you like. Serve warm.
- *Note: You can reheat breadsticks if you wrap them in foil and heat in a 325 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through.
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Serve breadsticks warm with soup, salad, or a bowl of pasta sauce for dipping. For a balanced plate, pair two breadsticks with a large salad and a portion of grilled chicken or beans. If you want a high protein meal, serve one or two sticks along with a bean soup or a chicken and vegetable bowl.
Portion control tip: one breadstick is a good serving for a light side. Two breadsticks work well if you have a hearty main like steak or pasta. For people who watch calories, brush less butter on top and enjoy with a cup of vegetable soup.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
- Room temp: Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days in a sealed bag. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven.
- Freezer: Cool completely, wrap each stick in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temp and warm wrapped in foil in a 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes.
- To save time, freeze unbaked breadsticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen adding a few minutes to the bake time.
These storage tips make the recipe great for meal prep, so you can bake once and enjoy many meals.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Healthy side: mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Balanced meal: two breadsticks, a cup of minestrone or lentil soup, and a side salad. This keeps fiber and protein on the plate.
- Snack idea: use one breadstick to dip into hummus for added protein and fiber.
- For a treat: serve with a flavored latte or dessert coffee like the caramel brulee latte copycat for a cafe feel.
Keeping your meals balanced with vegetables and a lean protein makes these breadsticks part of a heart healthy meal plan when used in moderation.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for more fiber. Cut the butter in the topping to 1 Tbsp and use a light brush so each stick has less fat. This is a lighter option that still tastes good.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Make a dough with higher protein flours or add whey protein isolate to the dough (start with 1/4 cup and watch dough texture). Or try a low-carb "fathead" style breadstick using mozzarella and almond flour for a gluten free, low carb alternative. Pair that version with a lean protein and salad to make a high protein meal.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: The original is oven-baked at 400°F for 11–12 minutes. For an air fryer, place 4–6 smaller sticks in the basket, set to 360°F, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden, depending on your air fryer. This air fryer method can give a quicker, crispier crust on a smaller batch.
These swaps make the recipe fit many diets including lower carb, gluten free, or higher protein plans. Use the version that fits your goals.
FAQs
Q: Are these breadsticks diabetic-friendly?
A: The classic version has refined flour and butter, so watch portions. Choose the healthier version with whole wheat, reduce butter, and pair with protein and vegetables to help control blood sugar. That makes them more diabetic-friendly.
Q: Can I make a gluten free version?
A: Yes. Use a tested gluten free flour blend and add xanthan gum if the blend lacks it. You can also try the low-carb almond flour fathead style for a gluten free option.
Q: How long do breadsticks stay fresh in the freezer?
A: Up to 2 months if wrapped well. Thaw and warm in a low oven or reheat from frozen in foil.
Q: Are these breadsticks good for weight loss?
A: They can be part of a plan if you control portion size and pair them with lean protein and veggies. Choosing whole wheat and using less butter makes them a better fit for weight loss.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight. This slow rise adds flavor and makes morning baking quick.
Q: How do I reheat without drying them out?
A: Wrap in foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 5–10 minutes. For a crisper top, unwrap for the last 2 minutes.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
- Dough ahead: Make the dough the night before, place it in a greased bowl, wrap tight, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it warm 20–30 minutes, shape, rise 30 minutes, and bake. This is great for meal prep and saves active time.
- Freeze raw sticks: Shape the sticks, freeze them on a tray, then move to a bag. When you want fresh breadsticks, bake from frozen adding 4–6 minutes.
- Bake ahead: Bake fully, cool, and freeze. Reheat wrapped in foil in a 325°F oven for 5–10 minutes. This makes weeknight meals fast.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half. This saves time and gives fast sides for many meals.
These make-ahead steps help you plan meals and keep food on hand for busy nights. They make the breadsticks a convenient, tasty choice for both family dinners and weekday meal prep.
Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
Method
- In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
- Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
- Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes. (You can add up to another 1/4 cup of flour as needed, but it should look slightly sticky and not quite pull away from the bottom of the bowl.)
- Pull the dough into a ball with a spatula, spray the bowl lightly around and under the dough with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cover with saran wrap and a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Punch your dough down, then dump it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead a couple of times, then divide the dough into 16 equal-size pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 7-8 inch breadstick.
- Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, (8 on each.) Drape a towel over the top of each baking sheet and let the breadsticks rise another 1/2 hour until they puff up a bit.
- Before baking, brush each breadstick gently with melted butter.
- Bake at 400°F for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the topping and move to cooling racks. Serve warm.