Specials

Olive Garden Breadsticks – Are They Really Free & Unlimited? (2026)

Are They Really Unlimited?

Yes! Olive Garden’s garlic breadsticks are genuinely unlimited and free with every dine-in entree. There’s no catch, no time limit, and no cap on how many you can eat. Your server will keep bringing fresh baskets of breadsticks for as long as you want them. This policy has been in place since Olive Garden’s founding and is one of the primary reasons the chain has such a devoted following.

The breadsticks are also included (though not unlimited) with to-go entree orders. And they come unlimited as part of the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks lunch combo ($11.99) even without ordering a separate entree.

How They’re Made

Olive Garden breadsticks are baked fresh throughout the day at every location — they’re not shipped in pre-made. The dough is prepared daily, and each breadstick is baked until golden, then brushed with a garlic butter mixture and lightly sprinkled with salt. The result is a soft, warm breadstick with a slightly crispy exterior and an unmistakable garlic butter aroma.

Olive Garden serves approximately 700 million breadsticks per year across all their locations — that’s nearly 2 million per day, or about 2,200 breadsticks per restaurant per day. It’s one of the most staggering food statistics in the restaurant industry.

Nutrition Per Breadstick

  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

At 140 calories each, breadsticks add up quickly. Three breadsticks = 420 calories before you’ve even touched your entree or salad. If you’re watching your intake, limit yourself to 1-2 breadsticks and focus on the unlimited soup or salad instead. If you’re not watching calories — go wild. That’s what they’re there for.

Best Ways to Enjoy Them

  • Dip in Alfredo sauce: Ask for a small side of Alfredo sauce for dipping — servers usually bring it at no charge. The garlic butter breadstick with creamy Alfredo is an addictive combination that many regulars swear by.
  • Dip in marinara: Ask for a side of marinara sauce if you prefer tomato-based dipping
  • Eat them fresh: Ask your server for them “fresh from the oven” or “extra warm” — a basket straight from the oven is leagues better than one that’s been sitting
  • Make mini sandwiches: Split a breadstick and add chicken or meatballs from your entree inside — a DIY Italian sub
  • Take them home: Ask your server to wrap a few extra breadsticks in foil to take home

Buying Breadsticks To Go

You can purchase a 12-count bag of breadsticks for $10.99 to take home. They’re also included with to-go entree orders (typically 2 per entree). For catering orders, breadstick bags at $10.99 per dozen are one of the cheapest and most popular add-ons.

Reheating at Home

  • Oven (best method): 350°F for 5-7 minutes — restores the crispy exterior and warm, soft interior
  • Microwave (fastest): 15-20 seconds — gets them warm but won’t be crispy
  • Air fryer: 300°F for 3-4 minutes — excellent results, crispy outside
  • Tip: Brush with a little garlic butter before reheating for the restaurant experience

Breadstick Fun Facts

  • 700 million breadsticks served per year company-wide
  • Each breadstick is approximately 7 inches long
  • The garlic butter recipe is proprietary but includes garlic powder, butter, and salt
  • Olive Garden has offered unlimited breadsticks since the chain’s founding in 1982
  • Breadsticks are the #1 thing mentioned in Olive Garden reviews online

Find Unlimited Breadsticks Near You

Available at all 900+ Olive Garden locations with every dine-in meal. Find the nearest restaurant on our interactive map. For the full menu including everything your breadsticks come alongside, see our complete 2026 price list.