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

Cross-section view showing the soft, airy interior crumb of freshly baked breadsticks with a shiny, golden crust.
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Recreate the famous soft, chewy, restaurant-style breadsticks at home. This easy recipe delivers the buttery, garlicky flavor you crave, perfect as a dinner side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then add the olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size. This makes for soft breadsticks.
  4. Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 10 to 12 inches long. Place the shaped breadsticks on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  5. Second rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  7. Prepare the garlic butter topping: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
  8. Glaze and finish: Immediately after removing the breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a cheesy breadstick variation, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops of the breadsticks during the last 2 minutes of baking, then apply the garlic butter.
  • If you want a quicker dough, you can use 1 cup of pre-made pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder in the butter topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/easy-homemade-breadsticks-garlic-parmesan/