Olive Garden Breadsticks ~ TO BE TASTY

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Category	Ingredient	Amount
For the Breadsticks	Warm water (110°F)	1 + 2 tbsp
	Active dry yeast	1 1/4 tsp
	Granulated sugar (divided)	2 tbsp
	All-purpose flour (divided)	3 cups (+ more as needed)
	Salt	1 3/4 tsp
	Olive oil (or vegetable oil)	3 tbsp
For the Topping	Salt	1/2 tsp (or to taste)
	Garlic powder	1/4 tsp
	Unsalted butter (melted)	2 tbsp

⏳ Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
🔄 Prep Time	25 minutes
🍞 Rising Time	2 hours
🍽️ Bake Time	11–13 minutes
⏱️ Total Time	2 hours, 40 minutes

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water (110°F), yeast, and 1/2 tsp sugar.
Whisk well until the yeast dissolves. Let sit for 10 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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.
Switch to the dough hook and add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour.
Knead at low speed for 7–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add up to 1/4 cup more flour if needed.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free area to rise for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Punch the dough down to release air and divide it into 12 equal portions.
Roll each portion into an 8-inch rope on a lightly floured surface.
Arrange the breadsticks on two parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between them.
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let them rise for 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat & Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
Bake the breadsticks for 11–13 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix salt and garlic powder.
Once the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter.
Sprinkle the garlic-salt mixture evenly over the top.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the breadsticks warm, and enjoy the soft, garlicky goodness!
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

🔥 Pro Tips for Success

✔️ Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Add extra flour sparingly if necessary.
✔️ Don’t Overbake: Breadsticks will continue to brown slightly after you remove them from the oven, so check them before they get too dark.
✔️ Freezing: Shape unbaked breadsticks, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake as usual.
✔️ Finding the Perfect Rise Spot: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm environment for rising.

🍽️ Perfect Pairings

🍝 For Pasta Lovers: Pair these breadsticks with pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti for a classic combo.
🍲 For Soup Lovers: Perfect alongside soup like tomato basil or creamy potato soup.
🍷 For Drinks: Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio.

❓ FAQs

💬 Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dough, shape the breadsticks, and store them in the fridge overnight before baking them the next day.

💬 Can I add cheese to these breadsticks?
Absolutely! Add parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar to the dough or sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy flavor.

💬 How should I store the leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them soft and warm.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

These Homemade Garlic Breadsticks are the perfect balance of soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and drenched in buttery, garlicky goodness. Easy to make and even easier to devour—serve these up for your next family dinner or special gathering and enjoy the rave reviews! 😋✨