There’s something so comforting about walking into an Olive Garden and being greeted with a basket of warm, buttery breadsticks. The soft texture, the garlic aroma, and that glistening butter finish — it’s pure joy. Now you can bring that same magic home with this Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe. They’re tender, golden, and just as irresistible as the restaurant version (maybe even better when they’re hot from your own oven!).

These breadsticks are simple to make with pantry staples, and the dough bakes up beautifully fluffy every time. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or salad, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “more breadsticks, please.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly soft and fluffy: The secret is the warm water and butter combination that makes the dough so tender.
That signature Olive Garden flavor: A buttery garlic topping gives every bite restaurant-worthy flavor.
Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
Family favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy weekends in.
Better than takeout: Freshly baked, hot, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks

Ingredients

1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons honey
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 425g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for the bowl)

For Brushing

¼ cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the yeastIn a large bowl, combine warm water and honey. Sprinkle yeast over top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the doughAdd melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it risePlace the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the breadsticksPunch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a log shape and place on a greased baking sheet.
Second riseCover and let the shaped breadsticks rise for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
BakeBake for 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden.
Brush with garlic butterIn a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush the mixture over warm breadsticks right out of the oven.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use warm (not hot) water to activate your yeast — too hot can kill it.
Brush with butter immediately after baking to help it soak in beautifully.
For extra garlicky flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic salt after brushing.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping — just like Olive Garden!
Store leftovers in an airtight bag and reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave.

Nutrition Info (per breadstick)

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 27g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 180mg

Serving Ideas

Classic Italian Dinner: Pair with spaghetti or lasagna for restaurant-style comfort.
Soup Night: Serve with creamy tomato basil soup or chicken gnocchi soup.
Party Side: Slice in half and stuff with mozzarella for cheesy breadstick sliders.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are everything you love about the restaurant version — soft, buttery, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and parsley. They’re simple to make and always a hit at the dinner table. Save this recipe and bake up a batch whenever you need a little comfort and a lot of flavor!