Easy Homemade Breadsticks Recipe

Nothing beats the warm, soft, and buttery breadsticks that greet you at Olive Garden — but now you can enjoy them fresh out of your own oven. This Easy Homemade Breadsticks Recipe recreates that signature taste and texture: tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and brushed with garlic butter perfection. 

1. Easy Homemade Breadsticks Recipe

(Yield: 12 Breadsticks)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 grams) warm water (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C)
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¾ teaspoons fine sea salt
• 3 cups (381 grams) bread flour, plus more as needed

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast (if needed):

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture looks foamy and bubbly on top. (If using instant yeast, you can skip the blooming step and mix it directly with the flour.)

Mix the wet ingredients:

Add the melted butter and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Add the flour:

Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on low speed. The dough should begin to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Knead the dough:

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface (or using a stand mixer on medium speed). The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 2: First Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with a small amount of butter or oil.

Place the dough inside, turning it once to coat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.

Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a rope about 7–8 inches long.

Arrange the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 5: Bake the Breadsticks

Once risen, bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — you want a soft, golden color, not a dark crust.

Step 6: Add the Topping

As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter.

Sprinkle the top with kosher salt and garlic powder for that authentic Olive Garden flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent flavor, you can mix the garlic powder directly into the melted butter before brushing for a richer, more aromatic coating.

2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Breadsticks

Use the right water temperature:

Make sure your water is warm — between 100°F and 110°F (38–43°C). Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough won’t rise properly.

Don’t rush the rising process:

The key to soft breadsticks is giving the dough enough time to rise. A warm, draft-free environment helps the yeast activate fully and creates a lighter texture.

Measure the flour correctly:

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off — don’t scoop directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the breadsticks dense.

Butter while hot:

Brushing the breadsticks with butter right after baking ensures that the butter melts into the crust, adding flavor and keeping them soft.

Serve fresh:

Breadsticks taste best fresh from the oven. If you need to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat them for 5 minutes at 350°F before serving.

Add variety:

Try sprinkling Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or a little garlic salt before baking for extra flavor variations.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour if that’s what you have. The breadsticks will still be delicious but may be slightly less chewy since bread flour has more protein.

Q2: How can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?

You can shape the breadsticks, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature and rise again for about 30 minutes before placing in the oven.

Q3: Can I freeze breadsticks?

Absolutely! Bake them completely, let them cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warm.

Q4: How do I make garlic butter like Olive Garden’s?

Melt unsalted butter, then stir in a pinch of garlic powder and salt. For a more authentic flavor, add a tiny bit of onion powder or dried parsley.

Q5: Why are my breadsticks dense or dry?

If your breadsticks turned out dense, you may have added too much flour or not kneaded the dough long enough. If they’re dry, try reducing the bake time slightly or brushing with extra butter after baking.

4. Nutrition Information

These Easy Homemade Breadsticks bring the magic of Olive Garden straight to your table. They’re soft, buttery, and lightly seasoned with garlic — everything you love about restaurant-style breadsticks, but fresher and more flavorful. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for pairing with pasta, dipping in marinara sauce, or simply enjoying on their own.