Gluten-Free Breadsticks Easy Olive Garden Copycat
This is the best-tasting Gluten-Free Breadsticks recipe inspired by Olive Garden breadsticks that are high in protein and low carb with almond flour, greek yogurt, Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasonings, and garlic powder. They are light and fluffy without any yeast or rising and are quickly made in less than 30 minutes to enjoy with a delicious Italian dinner or salad.
This is the best-tasting Gluten-Free Breadsticks recipe inspired by Olive Garden breadsticks. These fluffy breadsticks are high in protein and low carb with simple ingredients, including almond flour, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, greek yogurt, eggs, Italian seasonings, and garlic powder. Unlike yeast bread, the best part about these homemade gluten-free breadsticks is that they are quickly made in less than 30 minutes.
This is the perfect easy recipe if this is your first time making gluten-free soft breadsticks to accommodate your food allergies. They are soft, buttery, cheesy and full of incredible Italian flavor just like the original bread sticks from Olive Garden. This is one of my favorite gluten-free bread recipes my entire family devours.
Why is this gluten-free breadstick recipe healthier than Olive Garden breadsticks?
This gluten-free breadstick recipe is healthier than Olive Garden breadsticks because it uses almond flour, which is low in carbs and high in protein, instead of refined white flour. It also avoids yeast, making it easier to digest, and includes natural ingredients like Greek yogurt and cheese, providing a good balance of healthy fats and protein. Additionally, you can customize the recipe to be dairy-free or egg-free, catering to various dietary needs while avoiding preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Italian Breadstick Recipe
- You only need a few simple ingredients.
- It is super easy to make for an impressive result.
- It is full of delicious flavor!
- All the ingredients are easily digestible for a gentle tummy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make my homemade gluten-free breadsticks recipe:
Almond Flour: Almond flour is the best option that is low-carb and high-protein. But you can also use the following substitutions and amounts…
| Alternate Flours | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat Flour | 1-1/4 cups |
| Gluten-Free Flour Blend (Bob’s Red Mill) | 1 cup + 1 tablespoon |
| Brown Rice Flour | 1-1/4 cups |
| Cassava Flour | 1 cup |
Monterey Jack Cheese: For best results, I recommend Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese creates a melty, stretchy texture, but you can use provolone or a dairy-free cheese if preferred. For a sharper flavor, try using cheddar.
Greek Yogurt: For high protein, you can also use whipped cottage cheese. Or, you can substitute it with sour cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese.
Eggs: You can replace the eggs in the dough with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option. And omit the egg wash.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese works best. You can also omit it.
Baking Powder: Gives the breadsticks their rise and fluffiness.
Italian Seasoning: Substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme to create your own blend with your favorite Italian herbs
Garlic Powder: Use 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Salt: Swap with sea salt or omit if using salted butter to reduce sodium content.
Egg White: You can omit the egg wash if needed.
Butter: Use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative if needed.
How to Make My Olive Garden Copycat Homemade Breadsticks Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making your own cheesy breadsticks. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Make the Bread Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan cheese and greek yogurt. Microwave for about 25 seconds or until the cheese is slightly melted but not bubbly. Add two room-temperature eggs and stir until well combined.
In a mixing bowl, add the almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and mix until combined. Pour in the cheese mixture. Stir with a spatula until a dough forms. The dough should lightly stick to your fingers but not be wet. Add more almond flour if needed.
Step 2: Shape the Breadsticks
Pour a small amount of oil in your hands and roll about 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball. Then, roll the breadstick dough into a long breadstick, about 5-6 inches long. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly beat one egg yolk and brush it over the top of each breadstick for a golden finish.
Step 3: Bake the Garlic Breadsticks
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter using a pastry brush for an extra-rich flavor.
You can sprinkle the tops of the breadsticks with fresh herbs, garlic salt, garlic butter, or grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm breadstick, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, or as a side to your meal.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Egg Temperature: If you don’t have time to bring your eggs to room temperature, you can place cold eggs in a bowl of hot tap water for 5 minutes to quickly warm them. If you add cold eggs to the melted cheese mixture, it could cause your cheese to solidify.
Seasoning Variations: You can customize the flavor by adding extra herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Shaping Tips: The dough will be sticky, so lightly oil your hands to shape the breadsticks easily. You can form the dough into any bread or roll shape you like. But avoid making them taller than 3/4 inch.
Do you love muffins? Check out more of my easy and nutritious muffin recipes:
Gluten-Free Breadsticks Easy Olive Garden Copycat
Ingredients
- 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese or Mozzarella
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a microwave-safe bowl, add the Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan cheese and greek yogurt. Microwave for about 25 seconds or until the cheese is slightly melted but not bubbly. Add two room-temperature eggs and stir until well combined.
- In a mixing bowl, add the almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and mix until combined. Pour in the cheese mixture. Stir with a spatula until a dough forms. The dough should lightly stick to your fingers but not be wet. Add more almond flour if needed.
- Pour a small amount of oil in your hands and roll about 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball. Then, roll the breadstick dough into a long breadstick, about 5-6 inches long. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.Lightly beat one egg yolk and brush it over the top of each breadstick for a golden finish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter using a pastry brush for an extra-rich flavor. Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving.
Video
My family loved this!
Thank you, Tony!
Thank you for gluten-free breadsticks!! These came out so soft. I spread garlic butter on top and ate them with salad and they are delicious!!
Thank you for the review, Wendy! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe 🙂
These breadsticks are soft and cheesy and full of Italian flavor! I’m excited for you to try them 🙂