Olive Garden’s famous breadsticks are a beloved appetizer for many. Their warm, garlicy, cheese-filled deliciousness is hard to resist! But if you can’t finish them all, you may be wondering – how long do leftover Olive Garden breadsticks last in the freezer?
Can you freeze Olive Garden breadsticks?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover Olive Garden breadsticks for later enjoyment. This is a great way to save the breadsticks if you can’t finish them all so you can enjoy them again another time.
How long do frozen Olive Garden breadsticks last?
Properly stored, Olive Garden breadsticks can typically last in the freezer for 2-3 months. The breadsticks will still be safe to eat after freezing for this length of time, but they may start to deteriorate in quality after the 2-3 month mark.
For best quality and freshness, try to eat the frozen breadsticks within 1-2 months. The texture and flavor will start to change the longer they are kept frozen.
What is the best way to freeze Olive Garden breadsticks?
Follow these simple steps for freezing Olive Garden breadsticks:
- Allow the breadsticks to cool completely first. Do not freeze them while still hot.
- Place the cooled breadsticks in a freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing.
- Label the container with the contents and freeze-by date (2-3 months from freezing date).
- Freeze the breadsticks immediately. Do not leave them out on the counter.
- For best texture, do not let the breadsticks touch each other in the freezer bag or container.
Properly freezing the breadsticks prevents them from getting soggy or developing ice crystals.
Can you refreeze thawed Olive Garden breadsticks?
It is not recommended to refreeze Olive Garden breadsticks once they have been thawed. Refreezing can lead to loss of quality and a change in texture. The breadsticks may become soggy.
If you thaw the breadsticks but do not use them all right away, you have a couple options:
- Store the thawed, uneaten breadsticks in the refrigerator for 2-3 days max and try to use them during that time
- Reheat the thawed breadsticks in the oven until hot and crispy again, then eat immediately
Do not attempt to refreeze any breadsticks that were already thawed. Always discard thawed breadsticks that were not eaten or reheated.
How to reheat frozen Olive Garden breadsticks
To reheat frozen Olive Garden breadsticks:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place desired amount of frozen breadsticks on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until hot and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Do not microwave frozen breadsticks to reheat them – this can make them soggy. Oven heating is best.
Baked fresh breadsticks that were previously frozen may not reach the same level of crispy warmth as a truly fresh breadstick. But baking them in the oven will revive them fairly well.
Signs frozen Olive Garden breadsticks have gone bad
Check your frozen breadsticks and look for the following signs that they have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Soggy, mushy texture
- Frozen into a solid block vs. individual breadsticks
- Odd color changes or grayish tones
- Mold presence
- Off smell when thawed
- Weird taste when eaten
Frozen breadsticks that show any signs of spoilage should not be eaten. A good practice is writing the freeze date on your breadstick container so you know when the 2-3 month recommended timeframe has passed.
Storing best practices
For maximum freshness and shelf life of your frozen Olive Garden breadsticks, be sure to:
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers
- Remove excess air from containers before sealing
- Avoid overfilling containers
- Freeze immediately after cooling breadsticks
- Store breadsticks flat in a single layer vs. stacked
- Do not allow breadsticks to touch each other in the freezer package
- Label package with contents and freeze date
- Keep freezer set to 0°F or below
Following proper freezing, storage, and reheating methods will help your frozen breadsticks last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Fun ways to use up leftover Olive Garden breadsticks
Instead of freezing your extras, here are some fun ways to use up leftover Olive Garden breadsticks:
- Make breadstick crumbs – pulse in a food processor and use as breading for chicken, etc.
- Cut up for olive garden breadstick croutons on salads or soups
- Make olive garden breadstick garlic bread for pasta dishes
- Make a breadstick breakfast sandwich on a sliced breadstick
- Make breadstick dessert nachos drizzled with chocolate sauce
Get creative with those delicious leftover breadsticks! They make for good eating beyond just appetizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze the Olive Garden breadstick dipping sauce?
No, the dipping sauce does not freeze well. The texture and flavor will degrade. Only freeze leftover breadsticks themselves.
Do Olive Garden breadsticks need to be thawed before reheating?
Olive Garden breadsticks can go straight from frozen into a preheated 400°F oven to reheat. No thawing required first.
Can you freeze Olive Garden breadsticks after they have been refrigerated?
It is best to freeze any leftover breadsticks immediately after bringing home from the restaurant if they will not be eaten right away. Waiting to freeze them after refrigerating can decrease their quality and shelf life.
How long do fresh Olive Garden breadsticks last in the fridge?
Freshly baked Olive Garden breadsticks will last 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure to use within that time frame for best flavor and texture.
Is there a difference between the regular and garlic Parmesan Olive Garden breadsticks when freezing?
There is no significant difference in how long the two varieties of breadsticks will last in the freezer. Follow the same guidelines for freezing, storage, and shelf life for both regular and garlic Parmesan Olive Garden breadsticks.
The bottom line
Freezing is a great way to save those delicious leftover Olive Garden breadsticks for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool them fully before freezing in an airtight container, and reheating in the oven returns them closest to their fresh-baked quality. Follow proper storage guidelines, and your Olive Garden breadsticks can be enjoyed long after your restaurant visit whenever that craving strikes!