This post may contain affiliate links.

This Olive Garden breadsticks recipe is perfect for breakfast, as a soup companion, or for dipping in a variety of sauces at a picnic. They are super easy to make with readily available ingredients.

These breadsticks, shaped like flowers, are placed in vases or glasses to beautifully decorate your table. You can even experiment with shapes and sizes or try our creative flower arrangement idea. They are that much fun to make. You can serve them in individual portions or gather them into a large “bouquet” on a bread plate.

For this recipe, use ordinary all-purpose flour and quick yeast. You’ll need a little salt, sugar, olive oil, and some sprinkles for flavor. The classic version uses garlic salt, but you can also try sesame seeds, coarse sea salt, or even coconut to create different flavors with the same recipe.

Ingredients:

Dough
3/4 cup room temperature water
1 1/2 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/3 tsp. dry yeast
For sprinkles
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic salt

Instructions

Pour warm water into a mixing bowl. Add the salt, yeast, and sugar, then stir the mixture. Wait for the yeast to foam. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be inactive. Check the expiration date or replace it. Once the yeast is foamy, add the olive oil.

Sift the flour and add half of it to the bowl. Begin kneading the dough using a dough whisk, mixer, or wooden spoon. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of flour at a time, continuing to knead. Once the dough forms a ball, transfer it to a floured board and knead by hand, gradually increasing pressure and adding more flour as needed. The finished dough should be slightly sticky and soft.

Grease a bowl with olive oil. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl. Cover with cling film and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll out each piece into a bundle. Form them into leaves, stems, and flowers. To join the stems, leaves, and flowers, moisten the joints with water and press them together.

Place the pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the tray with a towel and let them rise for 20 minutes. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 10 minutes or until browned. While the breadsticks are still warm, brush them with butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.

Serve the sticks with dipping sauce or plain.

How to Store these Breadsticks

Store breadsticks in an airtight bag in the refrigerator, or freeze.

Other Recipes You Might Like