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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks: Soft, Buttery, and Garlicky

A close-up of several golden-brown, buttery breadsticks topped with grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley.
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Make the soft, fluffy, and buttery breadsticks you love from your favorite restaurant right in your kitchen. This easy recipe delivers that signature garlic butter finish.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons for topping
  • 1/2 cup water, warm (for brushing)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.
  2. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin strip, about 10 inches long and 1 inch wide, to form your breadsticks. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.
  8. Brush the tops of the breadsticks lightly with the 1/2 cup of warm water. This helps keep them soft.
  9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
  10. While the breadsticks bake, prepare the garlic butter topping: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over low heat. Stir in the garlic powder.
  11. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  12. Immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered breadsticks.
  13. Serve the homemade breadsticks warm as a quick dinner side or appetizer.

Notes

  • For extra soft breadsticks, cover the baked breadsticks with a clean kitchen towel immediately after brushing with garlic butter to trap the steam.
  • If you prefer cheesy breadsticks, add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan during the final topping step.
  • You can use instant yeast if you prefer; skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/best-breadsticks-recipe-soft-buttery-garlic/