Olive Garden Breadsticks (Soft, Buttery & Vegan Copycat)

Olive Garden Breadsticks (Soft, Buttery & Vegan Copycat)

These Vegan Olive Garden Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and brushed with buttery garlic salt, just like the restaurant. Theyโ€™re warm, pillowy, and dangerously easy to keep eating. Serve them with pasta, soup, or a big salad and prepare to feel extremely proud of yourself.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Rise Time:1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Meal Type: Appetizer, Side Dish, Sides, Snack, Snacks
Keyword: breadsticks, copycat, olive garden, vegan
Special: 10 Ingredients or Less, Freezer-Friendly, Kid-Friendly, Seasonal (Cold Weather), Seasonal (Hot Weather), Soy-Free
Tool: Oven
Servings: 12
Ingredients
Breadsticks:
  • 1 cup(s) warm water (105โ€“110ยฐF / 40โ€“43ยฐC)
  • 2 ยผ teaspoon(s) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoon(s) white sugar
  • 3 tablespoon(s) vegan butter melted
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoons(s) salt
  • 3 cup(s) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Garlic butter topping:
  • 3 tablespoon(s) vegan butter melted
  • ยฝ teaspoon(s) garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon(s) salt
Instructions
  • Activate the yeast: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently. Cover and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy on top.
  • Make the dough: Add the melted vegan butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky, but still easy to handle.
  • Knead: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. (Or knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes.)
  • First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1ยฝ hours, until doubled in size.
  • Shape the breadsticks: Lightly punch down the dough and use a knife to cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Gently roll each piece into a rope about 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) long. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Second rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
  • Finish with garlic butter: Immediately brush the warm breadsticks with melted vegan butter, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and salt. Serve warm.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:ย Allow the breadsticks to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best results, rewarm and then brush with fresh garlic butter before serving.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10โ€“20 seconds or in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven until soft and warm.
Make-ahead option: Shape the breadsticks, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature, let rise until puffy, then bake as directed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 breadstick with buttery topping (recipe makes 12) | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 435mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #easyveganmealplan