Olive Garden Breadsticks: Price, Calories & Homemade Recipe Guide
Nothing feels more comforting at Olive Garden than being greeted with a warm basket of Olive Garden breadsticks—soft, buttery, garlicky, and completely addictive. Whether you’re wondering about Olive Garden breadstick calories, menu pricing, or how to make perfect copycat breadsticks at home, this complete guide covers everything.
Prices & Calories
Breadsticks (V)
Price: Starting at $4.49
Calories: 140 cal per breadstick (140 cal | 140 cal)
Each additional dozen or half dozen available for online orders
If you’re counting calories, you may be asking:
How many calories are in an Olive Garden breadstick?
Most guests are surprised that one breadstick contains 140 calories—much lower than other restaurant bread options.
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Craving the classic taste at home? Here’s a simplified, high-quality version inspired by professional culinary methods and fan-favorite copycat recipes.
Ingredients (7 simple items)
Bread flour or all-purpose flour
Instant yeast (rapid-rise)
Warm water (100–110°F)
Sugar
Salt
Butter (or plant-based alternative)
Garlic powder
How to Make Olive Garden-Style Breadsticks
1. Make the Dough
Mix warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes in a stand mixer or 15–20 minutes by hand for a springy, smooth texture.
2. First Rise
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
3. Shape the Breadsticks
Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch log.
4. Second Rise
Place on a baking sheet and let them puff up again.
5. Bake & Butter
Bake at 400°F until lightly golden. Brush immediately with butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Expert Tips for Perfect Breadsticks (From Real Bakers)
Use instant yeast
Gives quicker, more predictable rise—just like restaurants use.
Don’t skip the sugar
It feeds the yeast and keeps the breadsticks tender, not sweet.
Bread flour makes them chewier
All-purpose flour works, but bread flour gives that signature Olive Garden texture.
Measure flour correctly
Too much flour = dense breadsticks. Use spoon-and-level or a digital scale.
Are Breadsticks Vegan?
Official Olive Garden breadsticks are vegan, but many copycat recipes use butter.
To make them vegan at home:
Use olive oil or plant-based butter in dough
Brush with vegan garlic butter
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating
Make Ahead (Fridge)
Shape breadsticks → Cover tightly → Chill 24 hours
Bring to room temperature before baking.
Freezing (Dough or Baked)
Freeze shaped dough logs or cooled breadsticks for up to 2 months.
Reheat
425°F for 4–5 minutes. Brush with garlic butter to revive freshness.
What to Serve with Breadsticks
Perfect with:
Marinara sauce
Alfredo sauce
Salad
Creamy soups
Any pasta (especially Alfredo or Meat Sauce)
Happy Eating food from olive garden menu team!
Frequently Asked Question's
Exactly 140 calories per breadstick.
They use high-protein flour, controlled proofing, and brush them with garlic butter immediately after baking.
Yes—in most dine-in locations, they’re unlimited with entrees and soups/salads.
They’re moderate in calories (140), low-fat, but high in carbs. Enjoy in moderation.