The newest menu option at Olive Garden is called the Meatball Pizza Bowl and takes decadence to new heights. Here’s how the chefs at Olive Garden create this ode to Italian generosity:
They start with a mound of pizza dough, which they flatten and then shape around a cup filled with Italian cheeses. This process turns the pizza dough into a dough bowl which can retain its shape while it bakes. Once the dough bowl is done baking, the cup o’ cheese is inverted so that the cheeses, now bubbling and molten, can be poured into the center, followed by a veritable mountain of meatballs and meat sauce. But the decadence doesn’t stop there. According to what an Olive Garden spokesperson told TODAY, the edges of the bowl are then brushed with oil and even more cheese (which is similar to how Olive Garden makes its breadsticks) and run back under a broiler to caramelize and crisp up.
The Meatball Pizza Bowl comes with unlimited soup or salad and “unlimited never-ending” (their words!) breadsticks. At $8.99, it is, as Olive Garden says, an example of “plentiful portions” served along with as much soup or salad and breadsticks you can eat. And here’s the amazing, honest-to-goodness truth: it’s not even close to the most decadent dish on the menu. At 860 calories, it’s going to make a significant dent in your daily caloric needs, but not much different from the dent you’d make if you chose any Olive Garden pasta and paired it with just about any sauce. In fact, it’s significantly LESS calorically dense than an order of Rigatoni with Asiago Alfredo sauce (the sauce alone comes in at 940 calories!).
If you have a craving for this Italian restaurant’s specialties but don’t want the mound of calories, try our 28 Olive Garden copycat recipes.
Try these Olive Garden dishes at home.
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Inspired By: Olive Garden's Cheese Ravioli
I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Pasta e Fagioli
Here's an Italian favorite made easier by using prepared spaghetti sauce and canned broth for the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Breadsticks
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results usually are a big hit, as was the case with these super fast breadsticks. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Lasagna Classico
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken Alfredo
As a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals a restaurant version that we love.
—Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Meat Sauce
Here's a thick, hearty sauce that turns ordinary spaghetti and garlic bread into a filling feast. When I'm in a hurry, I make this slow cooker recipe in an electric frying pan instead. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Tilapia Piccata
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Five Italian Cheese Fonduta
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Seafood Lasagna Saute
We make lasagna with shrimp and scallops as part of the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Every bite delivers a tasty “jewel” from the sea. —Joe Colamonico, North Charleston, South Carolina
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Seasonal Cheesecake
When I was a nurse, my coworkers and I regularly swapped recipes during lunch breaks. This creamy cheesecake was one of the best I received. —Georgiann Franklin, Canfield, Ohio
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Eggplant Parmigiana
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, unlike most eggplant Parmesan recipes, it’s much healthier! It takes a little extra time, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Spaghetti with Meatballs
One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to try and make it myself. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Minestrone
A friend gave me this quick, healthy recipe, and it's oh-so-tasty. It makes a big batch and is great for leftovers. To enhance the flavor, add a pound or two of sweet Italian sausage. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Famous House Salad
Meat lovers won't be able to resist my antipasto-inspired salad that eats like a meal. Just add bread and dipping oil. —Melissa Jelinek, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Signature Italian Dressing
What are all those specks and spices in your Italian dressing? You probably have them in your pantry. Create your own signature blend to toss with pasta, greens and fresh spring vegetables. —Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Shrimp Alfredo
When I was pregnant with my first daughter I had to limit my fat intake due to health problems. I still wanted delicious meals that were great for entertaining so I started making this Alfredo for special occasions. —Jackie Price, Trenton, Missouri
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken Parmigiana
My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Tiramisu
This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken Marsala
This is one of my favorite dishes to order in restaurants, so I created a version that I could make in a flash on a weeknight at home. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Raspberry Lemonade
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Fried Mozzarella
A crisp coating holds marvelous melted cheese, which tastes terrific when dipped into a homemade tomato sauce.—Jay Davis, Knoxville, Tennessee
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken Piccata
Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Chicken Margherita
I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes for my family. If you find yourself craving Italian food, this delicious 30-minute meal hits the spot. —Susan Wholley, Fairfield, Connecticut
Inspired By: Olive Garden's Ravioli di Portobello
My friend and I enjoy mushroom hunting. The exercise and fresh air, along with the beauty of the outdoors is invigorating. I came up with this recipe to use up the bounty of our harvest. The dish is easy, yet elegant. It's absolutely delicious. —Kelly Knoblock, Emmett, Idaho