Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Total Time Prep: 25 mins. + rising Bake: 15 mins.
Yield 12 breadsticks
Test Kitchen Approved
This copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe makes soft, warm bread that can be on your table in less than an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • GARLIC TOPPING:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon popcorn salt or flaky sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Line two 15x10x1-in. baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk and warm to 105-112°.
  3. Add yeast and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Slowly add warmed milk mixture; gently stir to combine. With stand mixer on lowest speed, stir in the egg and salt. Add 2-1/2 cups flour. Continue to mix, adding the remaining 1 cup flour until dough clings to the hook, the sides of the bowl are clean and the dough is smooth and soft. Increase mixer speed to medium-low; knead the dough 3-4 minutes.
  4. With lightly floured hands, divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape the dough into 12 breadsticks, about 9-in. long. Place breadsticks onto prepared pans, leaving 1 in. space between each stick. Cover and let rest until breadsticks have risen slightly, 10-15 minutes.
  5. Uncover breadsticks; transfer to preheated oven. Bake until golden brown, 15-18 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add salt and garlic powder, stir to incorporate. Brush over hot breadsticks, serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 breadstick: 230 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

You can’t think of Olive Garden without reminiscing on their endless breadsticks. And in just 60 minutes, you can have those same fresh, hot breadsticks right from your oven. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC