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These Easy Garlic Breadsticks bake up soft, fluffy, and full of buttery garlic flavor, just like the ones from Olive Garden. Made with frozen dough and a few simple ingredients, they’re my go-to when only the real deal will do. Once you try them, you won’t go back to store-bought.
These are the Easiest Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks!
Years ago, my family asked me to make Olive Garden-style breadsticks at home because, as they put it, “the frozen ones just don’t cut it.” I wanted that same soft, buttery, garlicky flavor but with a mom-friendly method that was simple enough for everyday meals. My goal was to get that restaurant taste without all the fuss.
So I came up with this shortcut version using Rhodes frozen dough, my trusty go-to for years. With the right garlic-to-butter ratio (that’s key!), they bake up golden, fluffy, and full of flavor. It’s a method I’ve used ever since and one that delivers every time. These always disappear fast at the table, and I know they will at yours, too.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Breadsticks
- Frozen Bread Dough Rolls: I use Rhodes. Let them thaw just until soft enough to shape.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the salt at the end.
- Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic powder blends smoothly and gives great flavor.
- Sea Salt: Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste after baking.
How to Make This Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Prep Pan & Thaw the Dough
Spread 1½ tablespoons of butter onto a baking sheet.
Place the frozen dough balls directly on the buttered sheet to thaw. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they’re soft all the way through. They will still be cool to the touch.
Step 2: Shape the Breadsticks:
Once thawed, roll each dough ball into a 7-inch cigar-shaped log. Gently stretch and roll with your hands. Don’t pinch the ends or tug too hard, or they’ll bounce back and lose their shape.
Step 3: Let Them Rise:
Arrange shaped sticks on the buttered baking sheet, leaving room between each one. Then lightly spray the tops of the breadsticks with cooking spray.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray, and let the breadsticks rise in a warm place (your oven with just the light on works great!) until they’ve doubled in size.
Rising time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen; just keep an eye on them and be patient.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Once the breadsticks have doubled in size, remove the plastic wrap. Then bake them for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges begin to crisp. Keep an eye on them as every oven bakes a little differently!
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining butter and stir in the garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
Step 6: Brush & Finish with Salt
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm garlic butter.
Sprinkle with sea salt to taste while they’re still hot, so it sticks beautifully.
Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
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Breadstick Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried parsley into the garlic butter before brushing. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top after baking.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Add shredded mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend to the tops during the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Return to the oven just until melted and lightly golden.
- Herb Breadsticks: Mix ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried basil into the garlic butter for a more herby flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with pasta night.
- Sweet Cinnamon Breadsticks: Skip the garlic and brush with plain butter instead. Mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle it over the top before baking. Finish with a vanilla glaze, YUM!
Recipe Tips
- Speed up thaw time: Place dough in the oven with just the light on. It creates a gentle warmth without cooking them.
- Shaping: Roll with your palms on a flat surface. Don’t roll over the ends. This keeps them smooth, not pointy.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give them space to rise and bake evenly. Use a second pan if needed.
- Watch the bake time: Ovens vary in temperature. Start checking at 13 minutes. They should be lightly golden on top.
- Butter after baking: Brushing on garlic butter while they’re hot helps it soak in.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but skip the added sea salt at the end, or it may be too salty. Garlic salt is much saltier, so you may need to adjust to taste.
Nope! Any frozen dinner roll dough should work. Just make sure they’re about the same size. You can also use frozen bread loaf dough. Simply thaw, cut into equal portions, and shape into breadsticks.
Yes! Just use a second baking sheet so the breadsticks have enough room to rise and bake evenly.
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your needs. Make a few servings for dinner or a large batch for a crowd. Just keep that spacing in mind so they bake up golden and fluffy.
What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Breadsticks
These breadsticks are the perfect side for all your comfort food favorites. Here are a few easy ideas to round out your meal:
- Pasta Dishes – Spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, baked ziti, or lasagna
- Soups – Tomato basil, creamy potato, chicken noodle, or minestrone
- Salads – Caesar salad, burrata salad, or a simple garden salad
- Pizza Night – Serve alongside store-bought pizza or homemade pizza
- Dipping Sauces – Warm marinara, alfredo sauce, or ranch for the kids
Storing Leftover Olive Garden Copycat Breadsticks
Storage: Keep leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing: Let baked breadsticks cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat from Frozen: Bake at 325℉ for 10–12 minutes, wrapped in foil, until warm.
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Easy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 frozen bread dough rolls, I used Rhodes brand
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided, melted (use 1 ½ tablespoons to coat the pan)
- 1 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt , or to taste
Instructions
- Thaw the Rolls: Spread 1 ½ tablespoons of butter onto a baking sheet. Place dough balls on the baking sheet to thaw. This will take about 30 minutes, depending on the warmth of your room. The rolls will still be cold but soft all the way through.
- Roll Breadsticks: On a cutting board, gently roll each dough ball into a breadstick shape using the palm of your hand. Aim for about 7-inch-long sticks (like the shape of a cigar).TIP: To keep the ends nice and rounded (not pointy or uneven), avoid rolling your hand over the edge. Focus the pressure in the center and let the dough stretch naturally.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place them back on the buttered baking sheet, with enough room for them to rise. Spray the top of the breadsticks lightly with non-stick cooking spray or oil of choice.
- Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and set them in a warm place (such as an oven with the light on, if your house is cool) to rise until they have doubled in size. Rise time will vary depending on the room temperature.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350℉ degrees.
- Remove plastic wrap and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are light golden brown on top.
- While the breadsticks are baking, melt the remaining butter and stir in garlic powder.
- Top with Garlic Butter: Once done baking, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve Warm.(These are also delicious sprinkled with parmesan cheese and a dusting of Italian seasoning or parsley.)
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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