Olive Garden Breadsticks: The Ultimate Guide to Copycat Recipes & More

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak – tender, thinly sliced steak, savory caramelized onions, and that creamy, melty cheese – all swirled together with perfectly cooked pasta. Sounds incredible, right? This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the streets of Philadelphia right to your dinner table.

While the cheesesteak itself boasts a rich history, originating in the early 20th century in Philadelphia, this pasta adaptation is a more modern creation. It cleverly captures the essence of the original sandwich in a comforting and satisfying pasta form. What’s not to love? People adore this dish because it’s quick, easy to make, and delivers a huge flavor punch. The combination of the savory steak, sweet onions, and creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover steak or create a crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes. Get ready to experience the magic of Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – your taste buds will thank you!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 ¾ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Garlic Butter Topping:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley

Preparing the Dough:

Alright, let’s get started on making these amazing Olive Garden breadsticks! The first step is activating the yeast. This is crucial for getting that light and airy texture we all love.

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should see the mixture get foamy; this means the yeast is active and ready to go! If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh packet.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add the salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl. Now, gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. I like to use a wooden spoon for this part, but you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
3. Knead the Dough: Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 4-5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The warmth helps the yeast do its thing, creating those lovely air pockets.

Shaping the Breadsticks:

Now that our dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to shape those breadsticks! This is a fun part, and you can get creative with the shapes if you want, but we’re aiming for that classic Olive Garden look.

1. Punch Down the Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces. I find it easiest to cut the dough in half, then each half in half again, and so on, until you have the desired number of pieces.
3. Shape the Breadsticks: Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin rope, about 8-10 inches long. Try to keep them relatively uniform in thickness for even baking.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each breadstick to allow for expansion during baking.
5. Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the breadsticks rise for another 20-30 minutes. This second rise will give them that extra bit of fluffiness.

Baking the Breadsticks:

We’re almost there! The oven is preheated, the breadsticks are shaped and risen, and now it’s time to bake them to golden perfection.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be nicely browned but not burnt.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Topping:

While the breadsticks are baking, let’s whip up that irresistible garlic butter topping. This is what really makes these breadsticks taste like the real deal!

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and dried parsley to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.

Finishing Touches:

The breadsticks are baked, the garlic butter is ready, and now it’s time to bring it all together for that final, delicious touch!

1. Brush with Garlic Butter: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Make sure to get every nook and cranny!
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the breadsticks immediately. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh. You can serve them with your favorite pasta dish, soup, or salad, or simply enjoy them on their own.

Tips for Success:

• Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, when activating the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Over-kneading the dough can result in tough breadsticks. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Warm Place for Rising: Find a warm place for the dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen can work well.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust Flour as Needed: The amount of flour needed may vary depending on the humidity and other factors. Add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
• Garlic Preference: Adjust the amount of garlic in the garlic butter topping to your liking. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter topping. Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil would all be delicious additions.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the baked breadsticks for later. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also brush them with a little extra garlic butter before reheating for added flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just punch it down before shaping and baking.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Olive Garden breadsticks as much as I do! They’re a perfect addition to any meal and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe isn’t just another bread recipe; it’s a passport back to cozy dinners and endless baskets of warm, garlicky goodness. I truly believe that once you try these, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about them. They’re soft, pillowy, and bursting with that signature Olive Garden flavor that’s so incredibly addictive.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s simple, satisfying, and brings a little bit of restaurant magic right into your own kitchen. Forget running out to Olive Garden just for the breadsticks; now you can have them fresh and hot whenever the craving strikes! Plus, making them yourself means you control the ingredients, ensuring they’re exactly to your liking.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. Of course, they’re absolutely perfect alongside a big bowl of pasta, especially something creamy like fettuccine alfredo or a hearty marinara. But don’t limit yourself! These breadsticks are also fantastic with soups, salads, or even just as a snack with a little dipping oil.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Garlic Herb Butter: Instead of just garlic powder, try mixing minced fresh garlic, parsley, and a pinch of oregano into your melted butter for an extra burst of flavor.
* Cheesy Breadsticks: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
* Spicy Breadsticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or the butter mixture for a little kick.
* Cinnamon Sugar Breadsticks: Skip the garlic altogether and brush the baked breadsticks with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat. These are especially good with coffee!
* Pizza Breadsticks: Brush with pizza sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and pepperoni before baking.

I’ve personally experimented with all of these variations, and they’re all delicious in their own way. The possibilities are truly endless! Feel free to get creative and customize them to your own taste preferences.

I’m so confident that you’re going to love this recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food staple, and a guaranteed way to impress your family and friends. Seriously, who can resist a warm, garlicky breadstick?

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always excited to see what you create. Let me know if you have any questions, too! Happy baking, and enjoy those delicious breadsticks! I hope this Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe becomes a regular in your home, just like it is in mine.