– **Title**: Olive Garden Breadsticks
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) dry yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tbsp garlic powder (for flavor)
– 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional, for flavor)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for brushing)
– Salt (for topping)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir until it’s well combined.
3. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size (about 1-1.5 hours).
6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long stick shape, about 6 inches long.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breadsticks on a greased baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between each one.
8. Cover the breadsticks with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
10. While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining butter and mix in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
11. Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle a little salt on top.
12. Serve warm and enjoy with marinara sauce or as a side to your favorite meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: You’ll want your water to be around 110°F to 115°F. This is perfect for activating the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just feel the water— it should feel warm, not hot.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you could use honey instead, adjusting the amount slightly since honey is sweeter.
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the breadsticks to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that too; just skip the frothing step. Both work well in this recipe!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and moisture. If you’re out of olive oil, vegetable or canola oil can substitute, but you may lose some of the distinct flavor. I love using extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone for your dough. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, you could use whole wheat flour. Just be aware it may result in a denser breadstick.
Garlic Powder: A key flavor booster! If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use a couple of minced cloves instead, but be careful not to burn them in the oven.
How Do You Get the Perfect Rise with Your Dough?
The rising process is crucial for fluffy breadsticks. First, ensure your yeast is active; it should be frothy after sitting with the warm water and sugar. Here’s how to get that perfect rise:
- Place the dough in a warm spot. A slightly heated oven works great—just turn it on for a minute and then turn it off.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.
- Let it rise until it’s doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour. Patience is key here!
After the first rise, don’t forget to punch the dough down gently to release the air before shaping. This step helps develop a nice texture.
How to Make Olive Garden Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for the dough to rise and bake. In total, you’re looking at around 2 hours from start to finish. It’s a simple process that results in warm, buttery breadsticks that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Just stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to look frothy on top—this means your yeast is active!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl along with the olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle a bit of flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for it to become smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, just add a little more flour as you go!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Find a warm place for it to rise—this should take about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size. Patience is key here!
5. Shape the Breadsticks:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 10-12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long shape, about 6 inches long, resembling a breadstick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out a bit.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolled breadsticks with a cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This will make them fluffy and delicious!
7. Preheat the Oven:
While the breadsticks are rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get it nice and hot for the baking!
8. Bake the Breadsticks:
Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the breadsticks for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and look irresistible!
9. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
While they’re baking, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl. This will be the final touch to make your breadsticks extra flavorful!
10. Finish and Serve:
When the breadsticks are done baking, take them out and immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle a little salt on top to taste—yum! Serve them warm and enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you don’t need to activate it in warm water. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients in step 2. You can use the same amount: 2 1/2 teaspoons for this recipe!
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with any light cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. This will maintain the texture and allow your breadsticks to rise perfectly.
How to Store Leftover Breadsticks?
To store leftover breadsticks, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months!
How to Reheat Breadsticks?
Reheating is easy! Simply place them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can brush them with a bit of melted butter and garlic powder to bring back that fresh-baked flavor!
