If you’ve ever eaten at Olive Garden, you know the real MVP isn’t just the pasta or the soup—it’s the breadsticks. Golden, warm, fluffy, and brushed with that irresistible garlic butter… they’re practically a national treasure.
Unlimited breadsticks? Yes, please.
But what makes Olive Garden breadsticks so special? Let’s take a bite into their delicious world and even learn how to recreate them right in your own kitchen. Check out the full Olive Garden menu here!
What Makes Olive Garden Breadsticks So Addictive?
Here’s what sets them apart from ordinary restaurant bread:
✅ 1. Perfect texture
They strike a perfect balance between soft and chewy. The inside is pillowy, while the outside has a slight golden crust.
✅ 2. Garlic butter magic
The secret sauce (literally) is the brushed-on garlic butter, with just the right amount of salt and savory flavor.
✅ 3. Fresh out of the oven
Olive Garden bakes them throughout the day, so they arrive at your table warm, not reheated or stale.
✅ 4. Unlimited refills
When something’s this good and bottomless… how can you stop at just one?
A Brief History of the Breadstick Craze
Olive Garden has been serving up their iconic breadsticks since the 1980s. Initially introduced as part of the brand’s “hospitaliano” (hospitality + Italian) experience, the breadsticks were meant to feel like a warm welcome—like you were dining in an Italian home.
Since then, they’ve become a defining feature of the brand. In fact, Olive Garden bakes over 700 million breadsticks every year!
How to Make Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks at Home 🏠
Can’t make it to the restaurant? No worries—here’s a copycat recipe that tastes incredibly close to the real thing.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon salt
For the topping:
3 tablespoons melted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (or garlic salt for stronger flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions:
Activate the yeast:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.Make the dough:
Add flour, softened butter, and salt. Mix and knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.Let it rise:
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.Shape the breadsticks:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a log about 6–7 inches long. Place on a greased baking sheet.Second rise:
Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes until puffed.Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake breadsticks for 12–14 minutes, or until golden on top.Garlic butter glaze:
While still warm, brush generously with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and salt.
Serve warm, and try not to eat them all at once. 😄
Olive Garden Breadsticks Nutrition Info (Per Stick, Approximate)
Calories: 140
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 280mg
Tip: They’re vegetarian-friendly, and if made at home, you can reduce butter/salt for a lighter version.
Fun Facts About Olive Garden Breadsticks
🥖 Over 9 million pounds of flour are used each year just for breadsticks!
🥖 You can order them for takeout — no entrée required.
🥖 Olive Garden once made headlines for giving “Breadstick Bouquets” for Valentine’s Day!
🥖 In 2014, the company faced backlash for serving too many breadsticks (really!)—but fans defended them fiercely.
What People Say: Breadstick Fan Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I literally go to Olive Garden for the breadsticks. They’re THAT good.” – Jenna P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I tried making the copycat version at home and it was almost identical. Total hit with the kids!” – Mike R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Only complaint? I eat five before the food even comes!” – Rachel T.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few ways to enjoy breadsticks beyond just dipping in soup:
With homemade marinara or Alfredo sauce
As a side to lasagna or spaghetti
Cut in half and use them as mini sandwich buns
Toasted with cheese on top for breadstick garlic toast
Where to Get Olive Garden Breadsticks
Dine-in: Unlimited refills with any entrée or soup/salad combo
Takeout: Order as a side with any online meal
Catering trays: Perfect for parties and gatherings
Frozen versions: Olive Garden-branded breadsticks can sometimes be found at Walmart or other grocery stores
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Olive Garden breadsticks. Whether you’re devouring them at the restaurant or baking your own at home, they hit that perfect note of cozy, garlicky comfort.
So next time you’re craving a bite of Italian-inspired joy, skip the complicated recipes and go straight for the sticks—they never disappoint.
Hungry for more Olive Garden favorites?
Check out our copycat recipes for:
Chicken Alfredo
Zuppa Toscana
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
And don’t forget to share this recipe with a fellow bread-lover!