Print

Olive Garden Copycat Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

A tall stack of golden brown, cheesy garlic breadsticks, some showing melted cheese filling inside.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make soft, fluffy breadsticks at home that taste like the famous restaurant version, topped with rich garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the melted butter, flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin breadstick shape, about 10 inches long.
  7. Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  8. While the breadsticks bake, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  9. Immediately after removing the breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the warm, buttered breadsticks.
  11. Serve warm as an appetizer or dinner side dish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt to the dough mixture before kneading.
  • If you want a quicker rise time, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to proof.
  • These breadsticks pair well with marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Nutrition