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

A pile of golden, freshly baked breadsticks generously topped with shredded Parmesan cheese on a white plate.
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You can make soft, chewy breadsticks just like the famous restaurant version right in your own kitchen. This easy recipe gives you that perfect texture and a rich garlic butter topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin strip, about 10 to 12 inches long. Place the shaped breadsticks on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rest for 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  8. Prepare the topping: While the breadsticks bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Finish and serve: Immediately transfer the hot breadsticks to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and toss gently to coat completely. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm as a dinner side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • For a cheesy breadstick variation, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sticks during the last 2 minutes of baking, then add the garlic butter after they come out of the oven.
  • If you are short on time, you can use a good quality store-bought pizza dough, but the texture will be slightly different from this homemade dough recipe.
  • If you want that classic restaurant look, brush the tops lightly with an egg wash before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/easy-copycat-breadsticks-garlic-parmesan/