Reheat Leftover Breadsticks to Perfection: Oven, Microwave & Skillet Tips

Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks are delicious right out of the oven. But they quickly become tough and dry once they cool down. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to revive and reheat leftover breadsticks so they taste fresh again.

Reheating in the Oven

The oven allows you to reheat breadsticks evenly while restoring their crispy texture on the outside.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• If the breadsticks are unwrapped, wrap them loosely in aluminum foil to help retain moisture as they reheat.
• Heat the breadsticks for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Check frequently to avoid over-baking.
• For crispier breadsticks, unwrap them and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes once heated through.
• Leftover breadstick dipping sauce can also be reheated alongside the breadsticks for 5-10 minutes. Transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl before heating.

Reheating in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat breadsticks using minimal energy.

• Place the breadsticks on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Cover them loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Microwave the breadsticks on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check and flip them over periodically so they heat evenly.
• Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until the breadsticks are warmed through. Avoid overheating them to prevent toughness.
• For dipping sauce, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 30 second increments, stirring between intervals, until hot.

Reheating on the Skillet

You can use the skillet to reheat breadsticks if you wish to use minimal electricity.

• Place a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Arrange the breadsticks in the skillet once hot.
• Heat the breadsticks for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.
• Place a lid over the skillet while reheating to help trap in moisture and speed up heating.
• You can also wrap the breadsticks in foil and place them directly on a gas burner on low heat for 1-2 minutes per side.

Q&A

Q: How can I reheat Olive Garden breadsticks to taste fresh and crispy again?

A: The best ways to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks are in the oven or microwave. Use shorter cooking times to just warm them through and avoid drying them out. Wrapping them in foil or a damp paper towel helps retain moisture.

Q: What temperature and time should I use to reheat breadsticks in the oven?

A: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Wrap breadsticks in foil and heat for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For added crispness, unwrap and bake for 2-3 minutes more.

Q: Should I wrap the breadsticks in the microwave?

A: Yes, wrapping breadsticks in a damp paper towel or paper napkin helps them retain moisture in the microwave. Heat them at 30-60 second intervals, checking frequently.

Tips

• Letting breadsticks come to room temperature before reheating helps them crispen up in the oven.
• Placing a small cup of water in the oven or microwave with the breadsticks adds humidity to prevent drying.
• Brushing breadsticks lightly with olive oil or melted butter before reheating adds back lost moisture.
• Allow breadsticks to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess. Store in a sealed bag or container.
• When reheating in the oven, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easiest cleanup.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe plate and cover breadsticks with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Breadsticks stored in the freezer can be refreshed by letting thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating.
• Test breadsticks for doneness by checking if they are hot and crisped through. Avoid overheating.
• Add a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping to serve alongside freshly heated breadsticks.

Recipes

Oven Recipe 1:

Ingredients:

• Leftover breadsticks
• Aluminum foil
• Parchment paper
• Butter or olive oil (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly brush breadsticks with butter or olive oil if desired.
3. Wrap breadsticks loosely in foil and arrange on baking sheet.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
5. Unwrap foil and bake 2-3 minutes more to recrisp exterior.

Microwave Recipe 2:

Ingredients:

• Leftover breadsticks
• Paper towel
• Glass of water

1. Arrange breadsticks on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
2. Dampen paper towel and cover breadsticks.
3. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Check and flip breadsticks.
4. Microwave 30 seconds more. Check for hot spots and continue cooking at 15 second intervals until evenly heated.
5. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.

Skillet Recipe 3:

Ingredients:

• Leftover breadsticks
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Nonstick skillet

1. Heat nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Add oil.
2. Arrange breadsticks in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until browned.
3. Put lid on skillet and steam for 1 minute to re-crisp.
4. Slice through breadsticks to check if fully heated. Adjust cook time if needed.
5. Serve breadsticks immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy!

Here are several specific model recommendations for each appliance to reheat Olive Garden breadsticks:

Ovens:

1. Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital French Door Oven – Features convection baking for even crisping.
2. KitchenAid KCO255BM Dual Convection Oven – Has a proofing mode perfect for bread.
3. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro – Uses an element IQ system for optimal heat control.
4. GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Single Wall Oven – Budget-friendly with various heating modes.
5. Bosch HBL8451UC 800 30″ Wall Oven – Has a built-in temperature probe for precision cooking.

Microwaves:

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven – Has a mute function for quiet reheating.
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S – Inverter technology prevents cold spots.
3. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – Features a brushed stainless steel exterior.
4. LG LMC1575BD Countertop Microwave – Boasts a 1.5 cubic ft. capacity.
5. GE JES1656SRSS Microwave Oven – Provides a roomy 1.6 cubic ft. interior.

Skillets:

1. All-Clad HA1 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan – Heats evenly and is scratch-resistant.
2. Cuisinart 622-30H Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Skillet – Titanium reinforced for durability.
3. Calphalon Signature Nonstick Fry Pan – Heavy gauge aluminum construction.
4. OXO Good Grips Frying Pan – Stay-cool handle for easy manuevering.
5. GreenPan Levels Stackable Ceramic Fry Pan – Features Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick.

No matter which reheating method you use, remember not to overheat the breadsticks or they will become dry and hard. Warming them just until heated through will yield the best results. Properly stored breadsticks can be reheated and enjoyed up to 3 days after purchase.