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Homemade Buttery Garlic Breadsticks

Category: Homemade Baked Goods Made Simple

Forget going out—make buttery, soft breadsticks just like Olive Garden's at home. These golden treats are garlicky, warm, and topped with a perfect salt crust.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:04:29 GMT
Golden breadsticks in a basket with a sprinkle of pepper. Highlight
Golden breadsticks in a basket with a sprinkle of pepper. | cookwithcarla.com

Homemade Italian-Style Soft Buttery Breadsticks

I've nailed the formula for those irresistible restaurant-style breadsticks everyone goes crazy for. Through many kitchen experiments, I've mastered creating these soft, golden-brown delights that mirror the famous ones we all crave. The magic lies in the well-matched combo of butter, salt and garlic powder that gives them that memorable flavor we can't get enough of.

How These Became a Family Favorite

Since figuring out this breadstick method, I can't imagine buying them again. They're identical to restaurant versions but taste even better coming straight from my own oven. I'm so happy I can whip them up without any additives and have them piping hot whenever the family asks. They match perfectly with everything from hearty soups to my favorite pasta.

Simple Ingredients You'll Need

  • Water: Make sure it's warm (110°F/43°C) to wake up the yeast and form your dough.
  • Garlic Powder: This gives that classic restaurant taste we all love.
  • Salt: You'll need this for the dough and the tasty topping.
  • Butter: Get unsalted for both mixing into dough and brushing on top.
  • Flour: Regular all-purpose works great for a stretchy, soft texture.
  • Sugar: Just a bit gets the yeast working.
  • Yeast: The active dry kind makes them rise beautifully.
A wooden dish holds four golden-brown breadsticks topped with chopped parsley. Highlight
A wooden dish holds four golden-brown breadsticks topped with chopped parsley. | cookwithcarla.com

Breadstick Making Process

Add the Topping
When they're still warm, brush your breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle plenty of garlic powder and salt to get that famous restaurant flavor.
Bake
Pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, giving the tops a light spray with cooking oil for that gorgeous golden color.
Let Them Rise
Put your shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with silicone, cover with a kitchen towel, and wait until they grow twice as big.
Shape the Breadsticks
Form the dough into a long roll and cut into equal pieces. Make each into a 6-inch stick by rolling outward from the middle using both hands.
Prepare the Dough
Get your yeast going in warm water with a bit of sugar. Combine with flour, salt, and melted butter using a mixer's paddle, then switch to the dough hook until everything's smooth and stretchy.

Tricks I've Learned Along the Way

After tons of tries, I've found that checking your yeast mixture for bubbles is super important - it means everything's working right. I always reach for my silicone baking mats now, they make cleanup so quick and help cook the breadsticks just right. Want smaller sticks? Just cut the dough into more pieces before shaping.

Perfect Pairings for Your Meal

We love dipping these breadsticks in homemade Alfredo or tomato sauce at our dinner table. They go amazingly with a hot bowl of Toscana soup or my take on Chicken and Gnocchi. There's something about their buttery softness that really takes every meal up a notch.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long will they stay fresh?

Keep them in an airtight plastic bag at room temperature for two days. Warm them briefly before serving for the best flavor.

→ Can you freeze these breadsticks?

Absolutely! Bake them first, let them cool completely, and freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months. Heat them in the oven after thawing before enjoying.

→ Why is two rises necessary?

The first rise gives the dough flavor, and the second one makes them soft and airy. Skipping either step will change the texture.

→ How can I shape them correctly?

Use your hands to roll each piece outward from the middle. Aim for about a ¾-inch thickness to keep them looking classic and bake evenly.

→ How will I know when the dough’s ready?

Check if it’s doubled in size. In a warm spot, this takes around one hour the first time, and 30-60 minutes for the second rise.

Buttery Garlic Breadsticks

Soft and fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled lightly with salt. Bring these restaurant-worthy treats to your table easily.

Prep Time
120 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
145 min

Category: Baking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (16-24 breadsticks)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1½ Tbsp butter, at room temp.
02 2 Tbsp sugar.
03 4½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour.
04 1¾ cups warm water (about 110-115°F).
05 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet, ¼ oz).
06 1½ tsp salt.
07 2 Tbsp melted butter (for brushing).
08 ¼ tsp garlic powder (to sprinkle).
09 ½ tsp salt (for finishing).

Steps

Step 01

Combine sugar and yeast with warm water in your mixer bowl. Wait 5 minutes for it to foam up.

Step 02

Toss in salt, softened butter, and 2 cups of flour. Mix gently to start combining.

Step 03

Gradually mix in the rest of the flour until the dough feels soft and smooth.

Step 04

Attach the dough hook and knead the dough for a solid 10 minutes.

Step 05

Grease a bowl, pop the dough in, cover it, and let it sit for an hour to rise.

Step 06

Punch down the dough, roll into a long log, and divide it into 16-24 equal pieces.

Step 07

Roll each portion into breadsticks about ¾-inch thick. Arrange them on a lined tray, cover, and let them rise another 30-60 minutes.

Step 08

Spray the tops lightly and bake them in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 09

Mix garlic powder and salt with melted butter to make your topping.

Step 10

Brush the warm breadsticks with the garlic butter mixture right after they come out of the oven.

Notes

  1. While you’re working, keep the dough covered so it doesn’t dry out.
  2. To get the best rise, let the dough rest somewhere warm.
  3. Cut the dough into 16 pieces for long breadsticks or 24 for shorter ones.

Required Equipment

  • Mixer with attachments like paddle and dough hook.
  • Baking tray.
  • Parchment paper or silicone sheet.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Brush for spreading butter.

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Contains wheat (flour).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbs: 23 g
  • Protein: 4 g