Don’t we all love Olive Garden breadsticks’ incredible buttery, garlicky taste? They are heavenly both on their own and paired well with any dish: soups, salads, or pasta! However, these breadsticks lose their charm when they’re not fresh. But, you can always reheat this treat to savor the goodness! We’re here to guide you on how to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks using 5 different ways.
The simplest way to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks is by setting the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heating up the breadsticks for 5 minutes. You can also reheat them using 4 other ways. Let’s get to it!
How to reheat Olive Garden Breadsticks? – 5 Methods
The olive garden breadsticks come in a packet, on the back of which you will find the instructions to reheat them. However, there are some limitations to that method. We will mention 5 different ways that you can reheat them so that you can opt for the method that’s most feasible for you.
Method 1: Reheating Olive Garden breadsticks in the oven
This is the recommended method by Olive Garden to reheat breadsticks, as mentioned on the packet. Here’s how to reheat your breadsticks in the oven:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Start by preheating your conventional oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Place the Olive Garden breadsticks bag in the oven for 5 minutes
Take your breadsticks while in the original bag, and place them in the oven.
If you don’t have the bag, then you can simply wrap the breadsticks in foil, or place them in a pan, cover it with foil, and pop them in the oven.
Step 3: Remove the breadsticks from the oven after 5 minutes and serve
After 5 minutes, remove the breadsticks from the oven and serve before they cool down again.
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Method 2: Reheating Olive Garden breadsticks in the microwave
Though reheating in a conventional oven is the recommended method by Olive Garden, it is not always the most convenient. You don’t always have an oven available, and in such cases, a microwave oven seems like the most feasible way. Here are the steps to reheating your breadsticks in the microwave:
Step 1: Remove the breadsticks from the Olive Garden Packaging
It is crucial that you remove the breadsticks from the original bag before placing them in the oven. As mentioned on the bag, it is NOT microwave-safe!
Step 2: Wrap your breadsticks in a moist paper towel or kitchen towel
Take some paper towels or kitchen towels and slightly dampen them and wrap these moist towels around your bread.
Step 3: Wrap another dry towel around the bread
After covering the breadsticks with a moist towel, wrap another layer of dry towels around them to fully cover them.
Step 4: Set the microwave power to medium
Set your microwave to medium or low power – between 30% and 50%.
Step 5: Heat the breadsticks in the microwave for 45-60 seconds
Heat your breadsticks in the microwave on medium heat for 45-60 seconds, and you’re done!
Method 3: Reheating Olive Garden breadsticks in the toaster oven
After reading the above two methods, we have another method for you that’s super convenient. If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your Olive Garden breadsticks. Here are the steps to this simple method:
Step 1: Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
The first step is to preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Place your breadsticks in a bag or pan covered with foil
Place your breadsticks in a bag, preferably the original Olive Garden bag. And if you don’t have that, then you can simply wrap them in foil or place them in a pan and cover it with foil.
Step 3: Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet and cook them for 5 minutes
After wrapping the bread in foil, put the bag on a baking sheet, or place the pan in the toaster oven. Cook them in the preheated toaster oven for 5 minutes or until completely warmed through.
Step 4: Leave your breadsticks for 10 to 15 minutes in the toaster oven
After they have warmed up, leave your breadsticks in the toaster oven for an extra 10-15 minutes, then serve when ready.
Method 4: Reheating Olive Garden breadsticks in the air fryer
You can reheat your cold or frozen Olive Garden breadsticks in the air fryer by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Heat up your air fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Wrap the breadsticks in the original bag or a foil
It’s best to let the breadsticks stay in the original Olive Garden bag, but if you don’t have it, wrap them up in aluminum foil.
Step 3: Heat the breadsticks in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes
Pop the wrapped-up breadsticks in the air fryer and allow them to heat up for 4 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You don’t have to worry about them layering in the air fryer. The breadsticks will be ready to serve!
Did you know that you could also reheat lasagna in an air fryer? Click here to find out!
Method 5: Reheating Olive Garden breadsticks using steam
If you don’t have any of the above appliances available, we have another method for you. This simple method can be used to warm up your breadsticks without an oven. Here’s how you can warm up your breadsticks by steaming them:
Step 1: Fill up a pot with water and place it on a stove
Take a pot and fill it up with water. Put this pot on the stove until the water starts boiling.
Step 2: Put a steamer basket over the pot
Take a steamer basket and put it over the boiling water.
Step 3: Wrap moist paper towels around the breadsticks
Take some paper towels and moisten them lightly with water. Wrap these damp paper towels around your breadsticks.
Step 4: Place the wrapped breadsticks in the steamer basket when the water has come to a boil
Once the water has come to a boil, take your wrapped breadsticks and place them over the steamer basket (max 4 breadsticks in the basket at a time!).
Step 5: Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 8 minutes
Lastly, cover up the pot and steam your breadsticks until warm. Monitor your breadsticks, for they shouldn’t get too soggy or too hard. It will take up to 8 minutes for 4 breadsticks to get warmed up perfectly.
Also, check our guide on garlic bread and how you can reheat it in this post!
Tips for reheating Olive Garden breadsticks
Now that we know all the different methods of reheating breadsticks, we’ll be talking about some tips for a better experience. These tips will come in handy when you reheat your breadsticks, so they heat up just the way you want them to – neither soggy nor hard.
Wrap up your breadsticks in aluminum foil
The Olive Garden breadsticks come in a bag that is lined with aluminum foil. That bag ensures that the breadsticks heat up perfectly without hardening or burning.
If you’ve already ditched the bag, wrap the breadsticks in aluminum foil before reheating them.
Remember, this tip is not for when you reheat your breadsticks in the microwave because the aluminum foil is not microwave-safe. Serve the breadsticks as soon as they’re done baking before they cool down again.
For leftovers, you can wrap them in aluminum foil, and when you’re ready to eat them, cook them in the same foil for 5 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prevent them from getting hard in the oven, place the wrapped breadsticks on a baking sheet before popping them in the oven.
Microwave the breadsticks on low heat
When you’re using the microwave method to reheat your breadsticks, ensure that you warm them up on low heat. Microwave on low heat for 10-15 seconds, not heating them for too long, or you might end up with rock-hard breadsticks.
Use moist paper towels to prevent the breadsticks from getting soggy
A moist paper towel around the breadsticks will prevent them from getting soggy during the reheating process. It’s pretty simple – take a paper or kitchen towel, lightly moisten it with water, and wrap it around the breadsticks. Reheat in this way to prevent your breadsticks from getting soggy.
Keep your breadsticks covered, even when you store them.
Also read: Can You Reheat Broccoli?
How long are Olive Garden breadsticks good for?
Olive Garden breadsticks can last for 4-5 days at room temperature if stored properly. It is not recommended to store the breadsticks in the refrigerator, but if you decide to do so, they will stay well for up to 3 days before going stale.
How do you store Olive Garden breadsticks?
Store Olive Garden breadsticks wrapped in aluminum foil. Place them in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for about 3 days. However, the breadsticks will get dry and stale in the refrigerator, so you will have to reheat them properly when you’re ready to eat them.
Can I freeze Olive Garden breadsticks?
Yes, you can! If you want to freeze your Olive Garden breadsticks that you don’t want to eat immediately but also don’t want to go bad in a few days, you can do so in two easy ways. Here’s how:
Method 1: Freezing cooked breadsticks
Step 1: Allow the breadsticks to cool down
The first step will be to allow the breadsticks to cool down to room temperature.
Step 2: Tightly wrap the breadsticks in a foil
Take your breadsticks and tightly wrap them up in aluminum foil.
Step 3: Put them in an airtight bag and freeze
Once wrapped, put your breadsticks in a freezer-safe airtight bag and freeze. With this method, they can stay well in the freezer for up to three months.
If you wish to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature, then reheat them using any one of the methods above.
Method 2: Freezing uncooked breadsticks
If you decide to bake Olive Garden breadsticks at home and want to freeze them, this will be your go-to method. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Cut the dough into small pieces
Cut the prepared dough into small pieces and shape them into small balls.
Step 2: Put the balls in a tray and freeze
The next step is to put the dough balls onto a freezer-safe tray lined with a baking sheet and freeze.
Step 3: Put the frozen balls in an airtight Ziploc bag and freeze
Take out the frozen dough balls and remove them from the tray. Transfer them into an airtight freezer-safe Ziploc bag and freeze.
If you follow this method, your dough will stay well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to use the dough, allow the dough balls to defrost in a warm, dry place, then roll them into breadsticks and bake after they’re warm.
Related FAQs on how to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks
Can you reheat Olive Garden breadsticks in the bag?
Yes, you can! If you flip over the bag, you will find the instructions to reheat your breadsticks in a conventional oven. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 5 minutes. However, the bag is not safe for the microwave oven.
What is the best way to reheat breadsticks?
The best and recommended way to reheat breadsticks is by baking them in a conventional oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
How do you cook frozen breadsticks in the microwave?
To cook frozen breadsticks in the microwave, thaw them by microwaving them on a greased microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes. Once thawed, cook them for 1 more minute until they’re warmed through.
Can you eat breadsticks left out overnight?
The bread stays good if it is left out overnight at room temperature. However, breadsticks are covered in butter, so it’s better to refrigerate them. If they’ve been left out overnight, take a sniff to check if they smell alright. If so, you can eat them.
Concluding our thoughts on how to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks!
You can bring home the goodness that is Olive Garden breadsticks, but you can’t always retain the freshness. Well, our reheating methods will prove otherwise! The steps and tips that we’ve discussed are just what you need to bring back the freshness of the breadsticks. Just make sure not to put the Olive Garden breadsticks bag directly in the oven as it has foil on the inside. Other than that, the other methods are pretty safe.
Now you can enjoy these breadsticks at home just as much as you do at the restaurant! Happy eating.
Continue learning by visiting this post on how you can reheat hot dogs at home!