A warm, soft breadstick with garlic butter can make any meal better. Below you will find a clear, healthy-minded guide to make Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks at home.
INTRODUCTION
Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks are soft, buttery sticks with light garlic and herb flavor. This recipe makes 16 breadsticks that are great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a simple snack. Making them at home gives you control over ingredients so you can make a healthier version or a lighter option to fit your goals. For a rich cheese twist, try a related cheesy garlic bread recipe that pairs well with these sticks.
These breadsticks are comforting, but you can tweak them to be lower in calories or more balanced. They work well with salads, soups, or grilled proteins. You can also make them ahead and freeze, which makes this a great choice for busy cooks who want a reliable, warm side on demand.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks recipe for many reasons. It is easy to follow and uses common pantry items. It is a lighter option than many restaurant versions because you control the butter and salt. It also makes a great choice for meal prep: dough can be made ahead, shaped later, and baked when you need fresh breadsticks. For families or meal planners, this recipe is a time saver and a crowd-pleaser.
If you want a healthier version, cut the butter in the topping or use a brush of olive oil instead. For people watching calories or following weight loss plans, portion control is simple — each breadstick is one serving, and you can pair one stick with a high-protein meal like grilled chicken and salad. You can also explore a lower-carb or higher-protein variation in the Variations section below to better fit diabetic-friendly or low-carb needs.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
This recipe uses a simple yeast dough and a buttery garlic topping. Follow the steps below for soft, golden breadsticks.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Two baking sheets
- Silicone mats or parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towels or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup very warm water, 1 Tbsp instant yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups AP flour, 3 Tbsp softened butter, 1 egg, lightly whisked, 1 tsp salt, Before baking: 2 Tbsp melted butter, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp garlic powder ((can add up to 1/4 tsp)), 1/8 tsp dried oregano
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top and let sit for 3 minutes.
Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes. (You can add up to another 1/4 cup of flour as needed, but it should look slightly sticky and not quite pull away from the bottom of the bowl. Don’t worry, it will rise beautifully!)
Pull the dough in to a ball with a spatula, spray the bowl lightly around and under the dough with nonstick cooking spray.
Cover with saran wrap and a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Punch your dough down, then dump it on to a lightly floured surface.
Knead a couple of times, then divide the dough in to 16 equal size pieces.
Roll each piece in to an 7-8 inch breadstick.
Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper, (8 on each.) Drape a towel over the top of each baking sheet and let the breadsticks rise another 1/2 hour until they puff up a bit.
Before baking, brush each breadstick gently with melted butter.
Bake at 400 for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the topping and move to cooling racks. Sprinkle with a little extra oregano if you like. Serve warm.
*Note: You can reheat breadsticks if you wrap them in foil and heat in a 325 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until they are warmed through.
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Serve these breadsticks warm. For a healthy meal balance, pair one or two breadsticks with a large green salad and a lean protein like grilled chicken, baked fish, or a bean salad. This makes a balanced plate with fiber, protein, and controlled carbs. For portion control, limit to one or two sticks per person when served with pasta or rich main dishes. For a lighter option, brush with olive oil instead of all butter, and try less topping salt.
For a flavor pairing and meal idea, these breadsticks are excellent with a tomato-based soup or a simple roasted vegetable bowl. If you want to add more nutrition, serve with a chickpea or white bean dip for extra protein and fiber. For another easy garlic-and-cheese pairing, consider a mild chicken wrap to go alongside these sticks, such as a cheesy garlic chicken wrap that keeps the meal simple and protein-forward.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. At room temperature, they keep well for 2 days. To extend shelf life, freeze breadsticks in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen sticks wrapped in foil at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. This makes them great for meal prep and easy reheating.
If you are watching calories or following diabetic-friendly meal plans, thaw and reheat only what you will eat to avoid extra portions. A single breadstick is about one portion of carbs; pairing it with protein and fiber will help manage blood sugar.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Balanced plate: 1–2 breadsticks, grilled chicken breast, mixed green salad with vinaigrette (a great high protein meal).
- Light meal: 1 breadstick, a bowl of vegetable soup, and a side of steamed green beans for a low calorie option.
- Family dinner: serve 2–3 breadsticks per person with pasta and a big salad; offer olive oil instead of extra butter on the side.
- Healthy snack: one breadstick with hummus or a white bean dip for added fiber and protein.
For more ideas on cheesy sides and simple recipes to match these breadsticks, try this easy cheesy garlic chicken wrap for a quick paired meal.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Use half butter and half olive oil for the topping. Brush with a light coating and use low-sodium salt to cut sodium. Serve one breadstick with a large salad to make a lighter option. You can also swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber. This change creates more fiber and slightly more nutrients while keeping soft texture.
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High-protein or low-carb version: For a high-protein version, mix in a scoop (or two) of unflavored whey isolate or a neutral-tasting protein baking mix into the dough and reduce flour slightly. Another low-carb approach is to use a blend of almond flour and coconut flour along with xanthan gum and extra egg/egg whites to bind. Note: low-carb versions will differ in texture from the classic breadstick but give a protein-forward, lower-carb option for those who need it. These are good for people aiming for higher protein meals or watching carbs for diabetic-friendly planning.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: The recipe is oven-baked at 400°F for 11–12 minutes for even color. For an air fryer: preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place 3–4 smaller breadsticks in the air fryer basket (don’t crowd). Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Air frying offers a slightly crispier outside with soft inside and can be a faster method for small batches.
FAQs
Q: Are these breadsticks a good option for weight loss?
A: They can be, when eaten in controlled portions. One or two small breadsticks with a lean protein and a big salad makes a balanced, lower calorie meal. Choose the lighter option of olive oil topping and skip extra butter to reduce calories.
Q: Can I make these breadsticks diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use whole wheat flour or reduce portion size and pair breadsticks with protein and fiber to slow blood sugar rise. Low-carb variations with almond flour can help too, but note that texture will change.
Q: How long do homemade breadsticks keep in the fridge?
A: In an airtight container, they keep 3–4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat when needed.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Punch down, shape into sticks the next day, allow a short second rise, then bake. This is great for meal prep and planning.
Q: Is there a gluten free option?
A: Yes, use a commercial gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add xanthan gum if the blend lacks it. Bake times may vary. Expect a different texture than classic breadsticks.
Q: How can I make them higher in fiber?
A: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add a few tablespoons of wheat bran. Pairing breadsticks with a bean or vegetable side also increases the meal’s overall fiber content.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
- Dough ahead: After the first rise, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. This slows the yeast and develops flavor. Shape and let a short second rise before baking. This makes the recipe great for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Freeze shaped sticks: Shape the breadsticks, freeze on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Topping prep: Mix the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and oregano ahead and store in the fridge. Rewarm briefly before brushing on hot breadsticks.
- Batch bake: Make a double batch and freeze extras. Reheat wrapped in foil in a low oven for fresh-tasting breadsticks in minutes.
Copycat Olive Garden Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
Method
- In your mixing bowl, add the warm water, stir in the yeast and sprinkle the sugar on top. Let sit for 3 minutes.
- Add 3-1/4 cups flour, softened butter, the egg, and salt and stir to lightly combine.
- Using the dough hook, let the bread knead in your mixer for about 5 minutes. Add more flour as needed until it looks slightly sticky.
- Pull the dough into a ball with a spatula, spray the bowl lightly with nonstick spray, cover with saran wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Punch your dough down, then dump it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead a few times and divide into 16 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 7-8 inch breadstick.
- Place the breadsticks on two baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush the breadsticks gently with melted butter before baking.
- Bake at 400°F for 11-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately brush with the butter topping upon removal from the oven and sprinkle with additional oregano if desired.
- Serve warm.