Fazoli’s Breadsticks Recipe [Copycat]

Growing up, one of my favorite restaurant treats was the warm, garlicky breadsticks from Fazoli’s. I loved dipping the soft yet crispy sticks into the signature marinara sauce before a plate of pasta arrived. As an adult, I still crave those breadsticks on occasion. However, with this easy Fazoli’s breadsticks recipe, I can now enjoy this beloved appetizer in my own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

Why I Love These Breadsticks

What makes these breadsticks so special to me? For starters, they transport me back to childhood when breadsticks signaled the start of an indulgent Italian meal out with my family. More importantly, the breadsticks themselves are simply delicious. The outside develops a beautiful golden brown crust in the oven, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Brushing the hot breadsticks with melted garlic butter before serving infuses them with so much rich, buttery flavor. They are the perfect balance of crispy exterior and pillowy interior.

Gather the Ingredients

Recreating the Fazoli’s experience means getting the ingredient list just right. At its core, this dough contains yeast, flour, olive oil, salt, sugar, and water. However, small additions like garlic powder and Italian seasoning give these breadsticks an extra savory kick. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast helps the dough rise properly.

Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the dough. Bread flour can also be used.

Olive oil: Olive oil adds moisture and flavor.

Sugar and salt: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, while salt enhances the flavor.

Garlic powder: This adds a subtle garlicky taste when mixed into the butter.

Italian seasoning: Dried oregano, basil, rosemary, etc take the flavor up a notch.

Water: Lukewarm water activates the yeast.

See the full measurements in the recipe below!

Prep Your Kitchen

Before mixing up the dough, make sure your kitchen is equipped to make and bake breadsticks:

Mixing bowl

Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Rolling pin: For shaping the dough

Pastry brush: To coat breadsticks with garlic butter

Parchment paper: Keeps sticks from sticking to pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready once shaped breadsticks have risen.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions for perfect breadsticks every time:

Step 1 – Activate the Yeast: Add the yeast, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil to a bowl. The warm water wakes up the dormant yeast.

Step 2 – Mix in the Flour: Gradually incorporate about 2 1⁄2 cups flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead thoroughly.

Step 3 – Let It Rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4 – Shape the Sticks: Divide into 12 pieces. Gently roll and stretch each one into a 8-9 inch rope.

Step 5 – Final Rise: Arrange on baking sheet, cover, and rise 20 minutes more.

Step 6 – Bake: Uncover and bake at 400°F for 16-18 minutes until beautifully browned.

Step 7 – Brush with Garlic Butter: While baking, mix melted butter with garlic powder and salt. Brush onto breadsticks straight from the oven.

Step 8 – Dig In! Enjoy your freshly baked breadsticks just how you love them or with marinara sauce for dipping!

Special Touches

Customize your breadsticks by sprinkling on these tasty additions after brushing the garlic butter:

• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• Italian herb seasoning
• Poppy or sesame seeds
• Coarse sea salt
• Dried parsley or oregano

Creative Variations

Change up the vibe by mixing add-ins into your dough:

• Finely grated cheddar or asiago
• Minced rosemary or basil
• Sliced olives
• Sundried tomatoes
• Chili flakes

Store and Reheat

Properly stored breadsticks stay fresh for 2-3 days. Store unused sticks at room temperature in a paper bag or wrapped in foil. To restore crispness, reheat in a 275°F oven for 5 minutes. Frozen breadsticks keep for 1 month – thaw then reheat before enjoying.

FAQs

Got questions about making Fazoli’s copycat breadsticks? Here are some common concerns:

How do I know when the dough has risen enough? It should double in size and jiggle a bit when shaken. If using instant yeast, rise times are shorter.

Why are my breadsticks flat and dense? Old yeast, too little rise time, or overmixing can prevent proper rising. Make sure your yeast is active and allow the dough adequate rise time.

Can I use a bread machine? Yes – just add all the ingredients to the machine, select the dough cycle, then shape, rise, and bake the sticks manually.

Continue to Content

Fazoli's Breadsticks Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 58 minutes

Fazoli's famous breadsticks - learn how to make the iconic oven-baked breadsticks at home with this easy recipe. Get step-by-step instructions to make soft, garlicky breadsticks just like the classic Italian restaurant serves.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast (or active dry yeast with an extra 10 minutes rising time)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup warm water (100 - 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• About 2 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (start with 2 cups, add more if needed)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Mix the yeast, sugar, table salt, warm water, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Gradually stir in flour until it forms a dough ball. Adjust with additional flour if needed.
3. Knead the dough until it's soft, smooth, and tacky but not too sticky.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into ropes (8-9 inches long).
6. Place the ropes on a prepared baking sheet, giving them room to rise.
7. Cover and let them rise for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown.
9. While baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in garlic powder and salt.
10. Brush the butter mixture over the breadsticks.
11. Optional: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
12. Enjoy your homemade breadsticks!

Recreating the taste of Fazoli’s irresistible breadsticks is easy with my step-by-step recipe and a few pantry staples. With their crispy golden crust and fluffy interior infused with garlic and Italian herbs, these copycat breadsticks rival the real deal. So save money and bake up this beloved appetizer to enjoy anytime the craving strikes. Dip into marinara sauce for an authentic restaurant-quality start to your meal!