When you are lucky enough to bring some Olive Garden breadsticks home with you, you will want to enjoy them just as you did at the restaurant – piping hot and fresh. Not to worry, there are several ways to reheat those tasty breadsticks.
Using the oven to reheat them is the preferred method, but depending on how much time you have, you could also: microwave them, use the air fryer, or even steam them to bring them back to life.
Can You Reheat Olive Garden Breadsticks
The famous endless breadsticks from Olive Garden are a favorite to so many. That warm, soft, and salty bread is so delicious. The garlic butter coats the outside, making it a great accompaniment to any meal – no wonder you took some home with you!
The question is, can you reheat and savor your leftover breadsticks at home? Yes! You can most definitely enjoy those Olive Garden breadsticks at home. You will however want to reheat them in order to bring them back to life.
How to Heat Up Olive Garden Breadsticks
Heating up Olive Garden breadsticks doesn’t have to be time consuming or hard. There are several ways that will work, depending on how you want to enjoy them.
1. Oven
Using the oven to reheat your leftover Olive Garden breadsticks is actually what the famous chain restaurant recommends. When they package them up for you to take home, they put them in a foil lined bag with instructions on the back.
This method is especially handy if you already have the oven on for dinner, why not utilize it to reheat your leftover breadsticks?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350℉
- Place the breadsticks (still in the bag from the restaurant) in the oven and cook for 5 – 8 minutes
Did you throw that bag away? No worries, if you no longer have the bag the breadsticks came home in, simply wrap them in foil and bake as directed above.
2. Air Fryer
Many people think the air fryer is just for cooking healthier versions of their favorite fried foods. But actually, air fryers are a great kitchen appliance, and can be used in a variety of different ways.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 350℉ for 3 minutes
- Place the breadsticks, either still wrapped in the bag from Olive Garden or in foil, in the basket
- Set the timer for 4 minutes, flip over and cook another minute
You can also place the breadsticks in the air fryer basket without wrapping them. If you do this, it’s a good idea to spray a little olive oil on top of the breadsticks before heating them in the air fryer. Using the air fryer instead of the oven to reheat your Olive Garden breadsticks is a little faster and won’t heat up the entire kitchen.
3. Microwave
Using the microwave to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks won’t produce the same quality as in the oven, but it is fast and if done properly can be just as good!
Steps
- Remove the breadsticks from the bag or container you are storing them in
- Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place the breadstick bundle on a microwave safe plate
- Heat the breadsticks for 30-60 seconds, depending on how many you are reheating
- Check to see if they are warmed through and if not, flip them over and cook in 15 second increments until they are done – make sure the paper towel is still damp
The damp paper towel keeps moisture locked in and gives a similar effect as steaming. If you have a powerful microwave, try reducing the power level to 50%.
4. Toaster Ovens
The toaster oven is a great way to reheat leftover Olive Garden breadsticks. It serves as a mini oven, preheats much faster, and doesn’t heat up your whole kitchen like an oven can.
Steps
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350℉
- Wrap the breadsticks in either the bag from Olive Garden or in foil
- Place on the toaster oven tray
- Cook for 5 – 8 minutes
One disadvantage to a toaster oven is it may not fit all of your leftover breadsticks. If that’s the case, just reheat them in batches following the same steps above.
5. Steamer Baskets
Using a steamer basket may seem unconventional to some, but it’s actually a great thing to use – especially if you don’t have any of the appliances discussed so far!
Steps
- Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil
- As it heats up, place your steamer basket over the water
- Wrap your breadsticks in a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper – a towel being the preferred method
- Once the water is at a boil, lower to a slow simmer and place the breadsticks in the steamer basket
- But the lid on and let steam for about 7-8 minutes
Start checking your bread after 5 minutes to make sure it’s not getting soggy. Using a steamer basket to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks will keep them light and fluffy.
6. Toaster
Using a toaster isn’t the most ideal way to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks, but it will work in a pinch. Be careful not to overfill the toaster.
Steps
- Wrap the breadsticks individually in parchment paper – this will help the butter from the breadsticks from dripping into the toaster
- Stick one breadstick in each side of the toaster and set to medium low – be sure not to set too high
- Flip it over and repeat the process
This may not cook the breadsticks super evenly, but it will warm it up enough to enjoy!
7. Grill
What if you are outside enjoying the fresh air and decide you want to reheat those Olive Garden breadsticks? No worries, using the grill is a great way to warm them up. Gas, or charcoal will work just fine.
Steps
- Set the grill to medium heat
- You can brush the breadsticks with oil and place directly on the grill grates, cooking 2-4 minutes per side OR
- You can wrap the breadsticks in foil and put on the grill for for 5-8 minutes until heated through
If you are using a charcoal grill, set the breadsticks away from the flame so they don’t get too smoky or burned.
What Can I Do With Extra Olive Garden Breadsticks?
Did you bring home too many breadsticks from your last visit to the Olive Garden? There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy those garlicky breadsticks.
Cutting the breadsticks into bite size pieces and baking them produces a delicious crouton. Croutons are great in a salad, on top of your favorite soup, or as a base for stuffing. You can also turn the croutons into breadcrumbs by pulsing them in a food processor. Add the breadcrumbs to your next meatball recipe or use as a breading for fried chicken tenders.
Another tasty way to enjoy the leftover Olive Garden breadsticks is to slice them in half horizontally and top each half with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Broil for a few minutes and enjoy breadstick pizzas, a fast and tasty snack!
Can You Use These Methods of Reheating Olive Garden Breadsticks to their Competitors?
The methods mentioned above for reheating Olive Garden breadsticks can be used on a variety of different breadsticks, including those from: Pizza Hut, Fazoli’s, and Panera Bread. You may need to adjust the amount of time you reheat each breadstick, depending on the size and amount you have.
Related Questions
We covered all the different ways to reheat those delicious Olive Garden breadsticks, but maybe you still have some unanswered questions. Here are some answers to common questions.
Are you supposed to refrigerate Olive Garden breadsticks?
Because the breadsticks from Olive Garden are smothered in butter (yum!)… any leftovers do need to be refrigerated. To ensure freshness, it’s not recommended to keep them longer than 3-4 days in the fridge – although they probably won’t last that long.
Can you make your own Olive Garden breadsticks?
You can absolutely make your own version of Olive Garden breadsticks! You can start from scratch or you can buy ready to cook bread dough and lather it in butter, garlic, and salt before baking them for a shortcut version.
Can you buy uncooked Olive Garden breadsticks?
Yes, you can buy the uncooked breadsticks straight from Olive Garden! You can order them online or from the restaurant closest to you.
Final Thoughts
When you realize you can’t finish the unlimited breadsticks from Olive Garden, no worries. Get them to go and bring them home to enjoy later. You can reheat those delicious breadsticks in a variety of different ways. Depending on what appliances you have available, you can enjoy the soft, buttery goodness in the comfort of your own home!
