Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for Olive Garden breadsticks?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have bread flour. Bread flour’s higher protein content helps develop gluten for chewier, fluffier breadsticks, but all-purpose flour will work. Expect a softer texture, and knead the dough a bit longer to encourage gluten development. Use the same amount of all-purpose flour as the recipe calls for bread flour.

What type of yeast is best for making Olive Garden copycat breadsticks?

Instant yeast (also called rapid-rise or quick-rise yeast) is preferred because it can be added directly to dry ingredients without proofing, speeding up the process. If you only have active dry yeast, use it in a 1:1 ratio but allow extra rising time or proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar until bubbly before mixing.

Are Olive Garden breadsticks vegan, and can I make a dairy-free version?

Traditional Olive Garden breadsticks contain butter, so they are not vegan. However, you can swap the butter for plant-based margarine like avocado oil-based spreads or use olive oil in the dough and dairy-free butter substitutes on top to create a dairy-free version. Share any successful modifications in the comments to help others.

How long does it take for the dough to rise, and how do I know when it’s ready?

Dough usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size. To test readiness, gently press two fingers into the dough up to the second knuckle and lift them out. If the indentation remains without the dough springing back, the dough is ready for shaping.

Can I prepare Olive Garden breadsticks in advance and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze breadsticks either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, shape the breadsticks, freeze on a tray, then transfer to an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature until fully risen before baking. For baked breadsticks, cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven at 425°F for 4-5 minutes before serving.

Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe To Make At Home

Name: Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 3 h 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water (100 110°F); 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1 3/4 teaspoons salt; 3 cups (plus extra as needed) flour; 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water (100 110°F)

1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast

2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

3 cups (plus extra as needed) flour

2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1-Prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets to keep everything neat and ready for baking.

2-In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water (100 110°F), 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast, 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter melted, and 1 3/4 teaspoons salt.

3-Gradually add 3 cups (plus extra as needed) flour while mixing on low speed. Knead on medium speed for 10 15 minutes until the dough is tacky and elastic; add extra flour if the dough feels sticky.

4-Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which takes about 1 1.5 hours.

5-Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, each around 57 grams, and roll each into an 8-inch log.

6-Place the logs 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, cover them, and let them rise until doubled again, about another 1 1.5 hours.

7-Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 12 14 minutes until golden brown.

8-Immediately brush the breadsticks with 2 tablespoons (28 grams) melted unsalted butter.

9-Mix 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, then sprinkle it evenly over the breadsticks.

10-Serve warm, and for leftovers, reheat at 425°F for 4 5 minutes. You can optionally re-brush with butter and sprinkle the garlic salt mixture again.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌡️ Ensure water is 100–110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
⚖️ Measure ingredients precisely (using a scale is best) to avoid dense or flat breadsticks.
👐 If no stand mixer, knead dough by hand for 15–20 minutes until elastic.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Kneading, Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breadstick
Calories: 150
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg