Learn how to make perfect restaurant-style breadsticks in minutes with this easy recipe! Soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, you’ll love these homemade breadsticks even more than the restaurant ones!
Let’s face it. A lot of us go to Italian restaurants just for their epic breadsticks.
And then even more of us end up making our entire meal solely breadsticks.
Oh, wait. That’s just me?
Let’s be honest here: Crusty-on-the-outside, chewy on the inside breadsticks from Olive Garden are the bomb, but what if you don’t want to make a special trip just to get your breadstick fix? (say that 10x fast)
As usual I have a solution: Make your own.
Replicating restaurant breadsticks at home has been on my must-make list and I’m kicking myself for putting it off so long.
No, I’m not kidding. I have found a dead-ringer restaurant style breadstick recipe. One that I plan to hang onto for years to come.
And they just so happen to be whole wheat.
Don’t turn away just because you heard the word “wheat.” I promise that even the most die-hard white bread lovers will adore these breadsticks even though they’re a little on the healthy side.
Okay, maybe not so healthy when you end up eating 3 of these bad boys. Not that I did this. Bikini season, remember? 😉
I first tested this recipe about 2 weeks ago and have NOT been able to stop thinking about them since then. Since my family practically inhaled the entire batch of these breadsticks in minutes flat, I figured that this recipe was a keeper and had to be made again.
Also I wanted some more, because my family pigged out on the entire batch and I only got ONE.
This batch you see? All mine. Mwhahaha.
My family takes their bread very seriously and fresh bread around here is a must. Strangely, I never get around to sharing any of the recipes.
I’m on a mission to change that.
But in the meantime, let’s just focus on these breadsticks. They kind of require your full attention. 😉
This recipe is PERFECT for the yeast bread beginner. The dough is so easy to work with and comes together in only 5 minutes with a few basic ingredients.
So you might be wondering: How are these breadsticks so soft and fluffy even though they’re whole wheat? There’s a simple answer to that: White whole wheat flour. It’s like whole wheat, except it is a much finer consistency, thus resulting in softer and lighter baked goods.
I use white whole wheat flour in ALL of my baking and come out with amazing results. And it’s SOO much healthier than all-purpose flour! Give it a try! You’ll love it.
These breadsticks are insanely good warm from the oven slathered with a ton of fresh butter. It’s the ONLY way to go, guys. 😉
They’re plump, golden and perfectly soft and chewy on the inside. — The PERFECT accompaniment to just about any Italian dinner.
I used a simple garlic/salt topping for these breadsticks, but feel free to switch up the seasoning to suit your taste. I’ll bet some oregano, garlic powder, and salt would make them taste a little like pizza!
By the way, what’s your favorite thing to dip breadsticks in? I’m a marinara sauce-kinda girl, but sadly I didn’t have any on hand when I last made these breadsticks.
It’s always a sad day when I run out of marinara sauce. 🙁
Luckily I had lots of butter on hand…..bahaha.
Trust me on this: You’re going to love these breadsticks even more than restaurant ones
And um, you don’t even have to leave the house to be able to enjoy them. Restaurant food in the comfort of your own home without even ordering take-out. SCORE. 😀
Restaurant-Style Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water 110F
- 1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 3-1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
- TOPPING:
- 1 large egg
- Salt and garlic powder
Instructions
- Place warm water in a large bowl. Dissolve yeast in water and let stand 5 minutes. Whisk sugar, salt, and olive oil into yeast mixture until smooth. Stir in flour until a dough forms. (dough will be slightly sticky)
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place 1-1/2 hours, or until dough is doubled in size.
- Punch risen dough down and divide into 8 equal pieces. With hands, roll each portion into a 9-in rope and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover breadsticks with plastic wrap and let rise an additional 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg until smooth. Remove plastic wrap from breadsticks and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Bake breadsticks at 375F 15 minutes or until golden-brown.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy.
Try these similar recipes next!
Marinara Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Roasted Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
All-American Loaded Hamburgers
Danielle says
I can make a meal out of breadsticks too, they’re the best part when you’re eating at an Italian restaurant. These look absolutely delicious! I’m pinning these for the next time I make some pasta or something. These pictures are gorgeous too!
Sarah says
Totally the best part about eating Italian food! Thanks for the pin and for the photography compliment Danielle! 🙂
How to Philosophize with Cake says
That looks delish! Love how they’re made with white whole wheat flour, sounds like they would be very tasty. 🙂
Sarah says
The white whole wheat flour really makes these breadsticks everything they are. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These look like the best home-made breadsticks, EVER! I think I need one for breakfast! 🙂 I love that you used white whole wheat, flour too! Pinned!
Sarah says
I like the sound of eating one of these breadsticks for breakfast! Thanks for the pin Gayle!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
When I was a poor college student at SF state, I had a 2 hour break in the middle of my day between classes. I would often wander across the street to the Olive Garden for their endless salad and breadstick lunch that was only like $6. It was delicious, and a great chance to get some studying done. I just love breadsticks! Especially dipped in soups or pasta.
Sarah says
Oh my gosh now that sounds like an EPIC lunch. 😀
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
Hey there, Sarah! I just discovered your blog and after reading your About Me page, I definitely know I can relate to you and your healthy recipes. I do the same thing myself on my own blog, Enticing Healthy Eating–healthify recipes and also focus on the nutritional benefits of the ingredients I use. I’m glad I found another inspiring healthy recipe and living blog to follow! I also pinned this breadstick recipe. It makes me crave the Olive Garden breadsticks but these sound AMAZING and are far healthier. Thank you for sharing!
Sarah says
Lovely to meet you, Kaylin! It sounds like we have a lot in common. Thanks for stopping by and for the pin on my breadsticks! 😉
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
I love that you made these whole wheat! They look so delicious. I do love OG’s salad & breadsticks but I can’t stand how much salt they use in everything… home cooked meals are definitely MUCH better!!
Sarah says
Totally agree, Jess! Home-cooked meals all the way. 😉
marcie says
I know exactly what you mean — eating too many breadsticks at dinner and having no room left for the main course! I’ve totally done that. 🙂 These look amazing, and since I have a weakness for homemade bread, I’d be in trouble with these. I love the whole wheat white flour — pinning!
Sarah says
Haha! Glad to know I’m not alone in overdoing it in the breadstick department. 😉 Thanks for the pin Marcie!
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating says
These look so good! I LOVE breadsticks. I love that you used whole wheat flour, too!
Sarah says
Thanks, Kelly!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
Can you say delicious ?! I am a sucker for Olive Garden breadsticks, and the word wheat definitely doesn’t scare me; it’s amazing how whole wheat can transform some creations! Love this recipe Sarah!
Sarah says
Never underestimate the power of whole wheat flour I always say! LOL. Thank you, Jessica!
Ashley says
Oh man do I love homemade bread. These breadsticks looks awesome awesome awesome! haha I take my bread very seriously as well : )
Sarah says
Haha! Thanks so much, Ashley! 😀
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Sarah, these breadsticks look yummy! Bread is one thing we can eat a lot of and homemade breads are the best! I once worked at OG and loved to have their breadsticks on my break. Kinda dangerous for a carb lover 😀
Sarah says
Oh, these breadsticks could definitely qualify as “dangerous.” So cool that you used to work at OG and got free breadsticks Cindy! 😉
Joanne says
I haven’t had olive garden breadsticks in YEARS, but these look way better. Love that they’re whole wheat!
Sarah says
Thank you, Joanne! You definitely need to try these breadsticks. You’ll love ’em. 🙂
Sherrie lopez says
Made this with whole wheat flour ( not the white). My question is how long typically do I need to knead? I’m a VERY LATE BLOOMER when it comes to real baking, I’m 58. I’m a huge fan of British Bake-off and know that I shouldn’t over work it. On its first rise now.
Thanks 😊
Sherrie
Sarah says
Hi Sherrie! It typically takes me 6-10 minutes of solid kneading the bread by hand but you really need to go by how the bread feels. You’ll know the gluten is starting to be developed and the bread is ready to rise when you can stretch the dough in your hands without tearing and it is smooth and elastic. This time may vary depending on the bread recipe you’re making, but the feel of the dough should be the same. Good luck!!