Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Name: Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 (25-oz.) pkg. Parkerhouse Roll Dough (such as Bridgford), thawed; 6 tablespoons (3 oz.) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 (25-ounce) package Parkerhouse Roll Dough (such as Bridgford), thawed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll each piece of dough into an 8-inch stick and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 3: Brush the dough sticks with about half of the melted butter.

Step 4: Let the breadsticks rise in a warm place (80-85F or 26-29C), free from drafts, for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: After rising, bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and brush them with the remaining melted butter.

Step 7: Sprinkle the breadsticks with garlic salt and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 16g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 246mg
Cholesterol: 9mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 1g
Iron: 1mg
Calcium: 5mg
Potassium: 27mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Olive Garden Breadsticks

Olive Garden breadsticks have become a staple of American casual dining, recognized for their soft, buttery texture and savory garlic flavor. The origins of this iconic appetizer trace back to Italian-American cuisine in the United States, where Italian immigrants adapted traditional bread recipes to local ingredients and tastes. Unlike the crusty breads typical in Italy, these breadsticks are enriched with butter and lightly salted, creating a comfort-food appeal that quickly captured the hearts of diners across the country.

Regional Characteristics

While traditional Italian breadsticks, or "grissini," are thin, dry, and crunchy, Olive Gardens version represents a distinctly American adaptation. Found primarily in the Midwest and Eastern United States, these soft, slightly chewy breadsticks are often brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic salt. The use of Parkerhouse roll dougha pre-packaged, enriched doughensures consistency in texture and flavor, making them accessible for both restaurants and home cooks. This regional variation emphasizes richness and softness over the crispness typical of their Italian ancestors.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Unlike French baguettes or Italian grissini, Olive Garden breadsticks are uniquely soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, designed to complement sauces and soups rather than serve as standalone accompaniments. Compared to homemade Italian breadsticks, these are simpler to prepare and consistently uniform in size, allowing for easy portioning in restaurants. The signature garlic salt topping further differentiates them from plain or herb-seasoned breadsticks, providing a recognizable flavor that has become a signature of Olive Garden dining.

Where They Are Typically Served

Olive Garden breadsticks are most commonly offered as a complimentary starter in the restaurant chain, often alongside soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Their warm, inviting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite appetizer at family dinners, casual gatherings, and even potlucks. Many households have adopted this style of breadstick for home entertaining, serving them with marinara sauce, Alfredo, or simple garlic butter dips to recreate the restaurant experience.

Interesting Facts

Olive Garden breadsticks are unlimited in the restaurant, allowing diners to enjoy multiple servings with their meals.
The original recipe has been adapted for home cooks using just three ingredients: Parkerhouse roll dough, butter, and garlic salt.
The breadsticks are intentionally soft rather than crisp, reflecting American preferences for rich, comforting textures over traditional European crunch.
Despite their simplicity, the combination of butter and garlic salt creates a flavor so distinct that it has inspired numerous copycat recipes worldwide.
These breadsticks are often paired with soups such as Zuppa Toscana or pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, enhancing the overall dining experience.

FAQ about Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe

Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After rolling the dough into sticks, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Yes, you can use different types of dough like homemade pizza dough or any other pre-made dough that you prefer. However, the texture and flavor may vary from the original recipe.

To enhance the flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough before baking. Additionally, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top along with the garlic salt for extra richness.

If your breadsticks don’t rise, it may be because the dough was not kept in a warm enough environment. Make sure the dough is placed in a draft-free, warm area (between 80°F and 85°F) while rising. If the dough doesn't rise after 30 minutes, you may want to try using fresh dough.

Yes, you can freeze the breadsticks. After baking, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

While it’s recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the additional salt content when adding the garlic salt.

If you don’t have garlic salt, you can make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of regular salt. Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.

Comments

Rebecca Mitchell

10/31/2024 02:40:18 PM

I am planning to bake these for a dinner party and need 12 breadsticks. Instead of buying the recommended dough packages, I prefer to make them from scratch using my own recipe for homemade breadsticks brushed with lightly sautéed minced garlic and butter. I usually serve them with pasta, Italian dishes, or on their own with a warm marinara sauce. I have never thought about serving them with a cold marinara sauce, as the idea just doesn't appeal to me.