Description
These Olive Garden-style breadsticks are soft, buttery, and infused with garlic and parsley, making them the perfect homemade accompaniment to any Italian meal. Soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, these breadsticks are easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, resulting in a deliciously satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix Dough Base: Add salt, vegetable oil, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining ½ cup flour in ¼ cup increments. Continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and has a soft yet slightly sticky consistency.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding flour as necessary to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic when done.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for at least 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough gently, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 9-inch rope shape.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place the shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake and Finish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Immediately brush them with melted butter mixed with garlic salt and parsley flakes for authentic flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is important to develop gluten for a soft texture; do not skip or shorten this step.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice helps create airy, fluffy breadsticks.
- Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking for the best flavor and shine.
- Can be frozen after shaping and risen; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
