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Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Incredibly soft, homemade yeasted breadsticks drenched in a rich garlic, butter, and parsley glaze, tasting exactly like the famous restaurant version.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 195

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm water about 110°F
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour 425g
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for the bowl
  • Nonstick cooking spray for greasing
  • 4 cups boiling water for baking steam
Garlic Butter Glaze
  • 0.25 cup butter melted
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Shallow baking pan for water

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water and honey in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the cooled melted butter and kosher salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in an olive oil-greased bowl, cover loosely, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch the dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 7-inch log.
  6. Place on a greased baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an empty shallow pan on the bottom oven rack. Carefully pour the 4 cups of boiling water into the pan to create steam.
  8. Quickly place the baking sheet of breadsticks on the middle rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  9. While baking, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley for the glaze.
  10. Immediately upon removing the breadsticks from the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

The pan of boiling water in the oven is crucial! It creates steam, which keeps the crust of the breadsticks soft just like the restaurant version.