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Olive Garden Breadsticks

Olive Garden Breadsticks are legendary for their soft, buttery texture and irresistible garlic flavor.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Breadsticks:
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • For the Topping:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Kitchen towel
  • Basting brush
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast:
  2. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. Prepare the Dough:
  4. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, softened butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook on medium speed until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. First Rise:
  6. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the Breadsticks:
  8. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-14 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch long rope and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Second Rise:
  10. Cover the shaped breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat the Oven:
  12. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  13. Bake the Breadsticks:
  14. Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  15. Prepare the Topping:
  16. While the breadsticks are baking, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and mix in the garlic powder and salt.

Notes

Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them with the melted butter mixture. Serve warm.