I’m a ‘carbivore’ (yes I made that word up), I love carbs and will eat them any way possible. So when I found this recipe that claimed to be as good as the restaurant version, I had to try it – and I’m glad I did! Bread can be tricky to make, but this recipe creates a fluffy and versatile breadstick that is definitely worth your time. Hope you enjoy!

Olive Garden Breadsticks Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

Breadsticks

1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water

1¼ teaspoons dry yeast

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 – 3¼ cups all-purpose flour

1¾ teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Topping

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: ¼ teaspoon chopped rosemary or thyme (with or instead of garlic powder)

Directions

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast and ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, until yeast has dissolved; rest 10 minutes. Add 1½ cups flour, remaining sugar, salt, and vegetable oil, then fit mixer with paddle attachment and blend until combined. Switch to dough hook attachment, add in remaining 1½ cups flour and knead mixture on low speed, adding up to ¼ cup additional flour as needed, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic (dough should pull away from sides of the bowl but should still be slightly sticky). Transfer dough to a large buttered mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest in a warm place free from draft, or in oven on ‘proof’, for about 1½ hours.

Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions, keeping them covered with plastic wrap as you work. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 9-inch rope then transfer to one to two parchment paper lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 1 more hour.

Preheat oven to 425oF during the last 10 minutes of rising, then bake for 11-13 minutes, until golden. Meanwhile, in a small bowl/cup whisk together topping ingridents. Remove breadsticks from oven and run a stick of margarine or butter over hot breadsticks and immediately sprinkle with topping mixture. Serve warm or allow to cool and store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Source: Cooking Classy