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

A close-up of several golden brown, soft breadsticks topped with melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

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Recreate the famous soft, chewy, and buttery breadsticks from your favorite Italian restaurant right in your home kitchen. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-style breadsticks perfect for any dinner side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°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 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 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. Mix the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add the olive oil and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it 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.
  4. Shape the breadsticks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 8 inches long.
  5. Second rise and bake: Place the breadstick strips onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Brush lightly with the beaten egg wash. Let them rest for 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  6. Prepare the garlic butter: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
  7. Finish and serve: Immediately after removing the hot breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm as an appetizer or dinner side dish.

Notes

  • For extra soft dinner rolls texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops during the last 3 minutes of baking before applying the garlic butter.
  • You can make the dough ahead of time; let it rise, punch it down, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add 30 minutes to the second rise time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

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