Copycat Olive Garden® Breadsticks

Copycat Olive Garden® Breadsticks are perfect for your next pasta night! Who can resist an Olive Garden Breadstick? That’s right… nobody can. With this recipe, you won’t have to go to the restaurant to indulge some fluffy, savory, buttery breadsticks — you can make equally as good ones in your own kitchen. Dip these Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks in sauce or soup, or eat one (or three!) on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more, to taste
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1 -In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, the yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of the granulated sugar until the yeast has dissolved. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2 -Add in the remaining granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups of the flour, 1 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and the vegetable oil, then with the paddle attachment, blend the mixture until well-combined.

Step 3 -Switch the mixer to dough hook attachment, add in the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour and knead the mixture on low speed, adding up to 1/4 cup of the extra flour as needed. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4 -Transfer the dough to a large buttered mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2-hours.

Step 5 -Punch the risen dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions, keeping them covered with plastic wrap as you work.

Step 6 -Using the extra flour, lightly dust a work surface. Roll each piece of dough into a 9-inch rope on the prepared surface, then transfer them to two parchment-paper-lined baking sheets.

Step 7 -Cover and let the ropes rise for 1 hour.

Step 8 -Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F during the last 10 minutes of rising.

Step 9 -Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden.

Step 10 -In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, the remaining salt, and the garlic powder.

Step 11 -Pour or brush the topping over the breadsticks, and serve warm!