Description
You can make soft, chewy breadsticks better than any restaurant right in your own kitchen. This easy recipe captures the famous flavor of Olive Garden breadsticks using a simple homemade dough and a rich garlic parmesan butter topping. They are perfect as a dinner side dish or appetizer.
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 vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 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. This shows the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Stir the 1 teaspoon of salt and the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- 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.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This makes for soft breadsticks.
- Preheat and shape: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rectangle into 12 long strips, making 24 breadsticks total. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.
- Second rise (optional but recommended): Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the breadsticks lightly with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Prepare the garlic butter: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl.
- Glaze and finish: Immediately after removing the breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm: Let them cool slightly on the pan before serving warm.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, you can let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight after the first rise.
- If you want cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tops along with the Parmesan during the final step.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it; thaw it in the refrigerator before the first rise.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 breadsticks
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 15