Description
These homemade Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and butter. With a warm, golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or a simple snack.
Ingredients
1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F)
1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided (+ more as needed)
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm water, yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Whisk until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add the remaining sugar, 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Using the paddle attachment, mix at low speed until combined.
- Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook attachment. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour and knead at low speed for about 7-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add up to 1/4 cup more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the dough on baking sheets: Arrange the breadsticks on two parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover the trays with plastic wrap or a towel and let the breadsticks rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
- Bake the breadsticks: Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to brown slightly once removed from the oven.
- Prepare the topping: While the breadsticks are baking, combine the salt and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Finish the breadsticks: Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle the garlic-salt mixture over the tops.
- Enjoy: Serve the breadsticks warm. They are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Cheesy garlic breadsticks: After baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the breadsticks and let it melt for a cheesy twist.
Herb-infused breadsticks: Add dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the dough for a herbed breadstick variation.
Cinnamon-sugar breadsticks: Brush the baked breadsticks with butter, then sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet version.
Stuffed breadsticks: Add cheese, pepperoni, or other fillings inside the breadsticks before baking for a fun stuffed option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
