Olive Garden Breadsticks Delight
Why Make This Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, fluffy breadsticks, and when it comes to culinary indulgence, Olive Garden’s Breadsticks Delight hits all the right spots. This recipe allows you to recreate those beloved restaurant-style breadsticks in the comfort of your own home, bringing a taste of Italian dining to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, these breadsticks are not only a delightful side to pasta dishes or salads, but they also stand beautifully on their own, ready to be dipped into marinara or enjoyed straight from the oven.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Delight
Creating Olive Garden Breadsticks is simpler than you might think. By following a handful of straightforward steps, you can enjoy freshly baked breadsticks that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with a delicious garlic butter mixture. Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (for topping)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until the dough comes together. Knead the mixture for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
- Arrange the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- While the breadsticks are baking, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder and salt.
- Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter mixture immediately while they are still hot.
- Serve the breadsticks warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Olive Garden Breadsticks Delight
Once your breadsticks are baked to perfection, serve them warm alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, or pair them with your favorite pasta dish or salad. They can also be offered as a delightful appetizer at gatherings. Guests will enjoy tearing them apart, making for a fun and interactive dining experience.
How to Store Olive Garden Breadsticks Delight
If you have any leftover breadsticks, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to one month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until soft and warm.
Tips to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks Delight
- Kneading: Ensure the dough is kneaded well for a smooth texture. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Rising: Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place to help it rise effectively.
- Flavor: Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
Variation
For a twist on the classic breadsticks, try adding grated cheese to the topping mixture before brushing it on after baking. Alternatively, incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant variation.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in the refrigerator instead of letting it rise. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast in the same quantity. It does not require proofing in water and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I add seasonings to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even cheese to the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture levels in the dough to ensure it maintains the right consistency.
Breadsticks Delight
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for topping
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the flour, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until the dough comes together.
- Knead the mixture for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Shaping and Baking
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
- Arrange the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Topping
- While the breadsticks are baking, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder and salt.
- Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush them with the garlic butter mixture immediately while they are still hot.
