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

Close-up of several golden brown, soft breadsticks topped with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.

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Recreate the famous soft, chewy, and buttery breadsticks you love from your favorite Italian restaurant right in your own kitchen. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-style breadsticks perfectly coated in a rich garlic parmesan topping.

Ingredients

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  • 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 vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
  • 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, 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, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of vegetable 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 oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope, about 10 to 12 inches long. Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet 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 light golden brown.
  8. Prepare the garlic butter topping: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Mix well.
  9. Coat the breadsticks: Immediately after removing the hot breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously all over with the garlic butter mixture.
  10. Serve: Serve your soft dinner rolls warm.

Notes

  • For a cheesier breadstick, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the tops immediately after brushing with the garlic butter while they are still hot.
  • If you want a faster recipe, you can substitute the homemade dough with store-bought pizza dough, cutting the prep time significantly.
  • To achieve the signature soft texture, make sure your water is warm enough to activate the yeast but not hot enough to kill it.

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