Olive Garden at Home: Mastering the Best Copycat Recipes
Craving the comforting flavors of Olive Garden but don’t want to leave the house? You’re in luck! With these incredible copycat recipes, you can recreate your favorite Olive Garden dishes in your own kitchen. From the iconic salad and breadsticks to creamy pasta and savory soups, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these restaurant-quality meals, all made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
## Why Olive Garden Copycat Recipes?
Olive Garden is a beloved restaurant chain known for its generous portions, comforting Italian-American cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. However, dining out can be expensive and time-consuming. Copycat recipes allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing quality or taste. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, making it easier to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
These recipes are also a great way to learn new cooking techniques and expand your culinary repertoire. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
## The Ultimate Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Let’s dive into some of the most popular and delicious Olive Garden copycat recipes you can make right now:
### 1. Olive Garden Salad with Italian Dressing
No Olive Garden experience is complete without their famous salad. The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and tangy Italian dressing are a perfect starter to any meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
* 1/2 cup iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped (optional, for added crispness)
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
**For the Italian Dressing:**
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons water
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce (if using), red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, water, Parmesan cheese, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Shake well to combine.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** Just before serving, pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add croutons and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.
* Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others prefer a more tangy one.
* Add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
* Make your own croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
### 2. Olive Garden Breadsticks
These soft, garlicky breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm with your favorite pasta dish or soup.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**For the Garlic Butter Topping:**
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. **Make the Dough:** Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. **Let the Dough Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. **Shape the Breadsticks:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin breadstick, about 6-8 inches long.
5. **Bake the Breadsticks:** Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Make the Garlic Butter Topping:** While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
7. **Brush with Garlic Butter:** As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter topping. Serve warm.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a softer breadstick, brush them with milk before baking.
* Sprinkle the breadsticks with Parmesan cheese or garlic salt after brushing with garlic butter.
* Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the dough easier.
* If you don’t have time to let the dough rise, use store-bought pizza dough instead.
### 3. Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This creamy, comforting soup is a perfect meal on a cold day. The tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful broth will warm you from the inside out.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
* 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. **Add the Broth and Chicken:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender.
3. **Stir in the Cream and Spinach:** Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
* Add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.
* For a thicker soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the soup while it’s simmering.
* If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or milk instead. The soup won’t be as creamy, but it will still be delicious.
### 4. Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Another popular soup at Olive Garden, Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and flavorful soup with sausage, kale, potatoes, and a creamy broth.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 4 cups water
* 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Sausage:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. **Add the Broth, Water, and Potatoes:** Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. **Add the Kale:** Stir in the kale and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until wilted.
5. **Stir in the Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
6. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use spicy Italian sausage for a spicier soup.
* Add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork.
* If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or milk instead.
### 5. Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
This creamy, rich Alfredo sauce is perfect for coating pasta or using as a dipping sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. **Add the Cream:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Stir in the Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. **Serve:** Toss the Alfredo sauce with your favorite pasta or use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
* For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
* Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the sauce to make a complete meal.
### 6. Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
A baked pasta dish with a rich blend of five cheeses. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated provolone cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Brown the Meat:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
4. **Add the Marinara Sauce:** Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese. Toss to coat.
6. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese.
7. **Bake for 20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.**
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
* Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
* Use different types of cheese, such as fontina or asiago.
### 7. Olive Garden Lasagna Classico (Simplified Version)
While replicating the exact recipe for Olive Garden’s Lasagna Classico is challenging due to their specific suppliers and processes, this recipe provides a delicious and satisfying homemade version.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound lasagna noodles
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. You may need to cook in batches to prevent sticking. Consider using oven-ready noodles to skip this step.
2. **Brown the Meat:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
4. **Add the Marinara Sauce:** Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
6. **Assemble the Lasagna:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, one-third of mozzarella cheese, remaining noodles, remaining meat sauce, and finally, the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
8. **Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.** This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to slice.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and effort.
* Add spinach or other vegetables to the ricotta mixture.
* Use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina.
* For a richer flavor, add a layer of béchamel sauce.
### 8. Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
While Olive Garden changes their dessert menu frequently, a lemon cream cake or similar lemon dessert is a common offering. This recipe is inspired by the bright and refreshing flavors of such cakes.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Cake:**
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) lemon cake mix
* Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
* **For the Lemon Cream Filling:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
* **For the Lemon Glaze (optional):**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Cake:** Prepare the lemon cake mix according to package directions. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans. Let cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Assemble the Cake (9×13 inch version):** Spread the lemon cream filling evenly over the cooled cake. If using a glaze, prepare it (see below) and drizzle over the filling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. **Assemble the Cake (Round Cake Version – Layered):** If using two round cakes, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the lemon cream filling over the cake layer. Top with the second cake layer. Spread the remaining lemon cream filling over the top of the cake. If using a glaze, prepare it (see below) and drizzle over the filling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. **Prepare the Lemon Glaze (optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
6. **Refrigerate and Serve:** Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a more intense lemon flavor, add lemon extract to the cake batter or filling.
* Use a store-bought lemon curd in place of the lemon cream filling (or combine it with the cream cheese mixture).
* Garnish with fresh berries, lemon slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
* Consider adding a thin layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a complementary flavor.
## Tips for Success
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Invest in good-quality olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
* **Follow the Instructions Carefully:** Pay close attention to the measurements and cooking times. Even small variations can affect the outcome of the recipe.
* **Taste as You Go:** Taste the dish at different stages of the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Once you’ve mastered the basic recipes, feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique versions.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you cook, the better you’ll become. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
## Conclusion
With these Olive Garden copycat recipes, you can enjoy your favorite restaurant dishes in the comfort of your own home. From the iconic salad and breadsticks to creamy pasta and savory soups, there’s something for everyone to love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to recreate the flavors of Olive Garden in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!