Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a warm, gooey, and cheesy snack that everyone loves! They’re made from soft, pillowy dough that’s brushed with garlic butter, topped with a generous amount of cheese (usually mozzarella), and baked until golden and crispy. These cheesy breadsticks are the perfect companion to any pizza night or a great side to pair with marinara sauce for dipping.

I first made these homemade cheesy breadsticks when I was craving the ones from my favorite pizzeria, but I didn’t want to leave the house. The dough comes together easily, and after some time resting, it’s rolled out, brushed with a buttery garlic mixture, and loaded up with cheese. The cheese melts into the dough, creating the perfect balance of crispy edges and a chewy center. What I love most is how customizable they are—you can add herbs like oregano or basil, or even sprinkle on some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate cheesy snack!

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Movie nights
• Game day snacks
• Pizza parties
• Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks will become your go-to snack:

• Cheese Galore: A generous layer of melted cheese on top for an irresistible, gooey texture.
• Soft and Fluffy: The breadsticks have a soft, pillowy interior that’s perfectly complemented by a crispy golden exterior.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, these cheesy breadsticks are perfect for when you need a tasty treat fast.
• Customizable: You can adjust the amount and type of cheese to suit your preferences—mozzarella, cheddar, or even parmesan.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve them alongside your favorite marinara sauce or dip for extra flavor.
• Fun to Make: These breadsticks are easy to prepare and are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a party, or a casual snack, these breadsticks fit the bill.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch, these breadsticks are fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options.
• No Knead: With no need for complicated kneading or rising, you can enjoy freshly baked bread sticks in no time.
• Perfectly Cheesy: Every bite is packed with cheese, making these breadsticks a cheese lover’s dream.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 breadsticks
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Breadsticks:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a perfect melt for cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Shape the Breadsticks:

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Cut into Strips: Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into 12 strips.

Assemble the Breadsticks:

9. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough strips on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the dough strips with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder if desired.
11. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the dough strips.
12. Sprinkle with Herbs: Optional—add dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Bake the Breadsticks:

13. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

14. Slice and Serve: Let the breadsticks cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks:

• With Marinara Sauce: Dip the breadsticks in a classic marinara sauce for the perfect combination.
• For Game Day: Serve these cheesy breadsticks as a snack during your next sports game.
• Alongside Pasta: Pair with your favorite pasta dish for a comforting, filling meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and satisfying snack.
• With Ranch Dressing: Dip in ranch dressing for a creamy contrast to the cheesiness.
• For Movie Nights: These breadsticks are the perfect snack to munch on during a movie marathon.
• As Party Food: Serve at your next party for a cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• With Garlic Butter Dip: Make a garlic butter dip to complement the flavors of the breadsticks.
• As a Side Dish: Pair with salads, soups, or stews for a heartwarming meal.
• For Lunch: Pack them with a side of marinara sauce for a quick and easy lunch.

Additional Tips

• Perfectly Crispy: For an extra crispy crust, brush the breadsticks with olive oil before baking.
• Stretching the Dough: Be sure to roll the dough out evenly to ensure even baking.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add other toppings like chopped herbs, red pepper flakes, or beef bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Reheat Leftovers: Leftover breadsticks can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Recipe Variations

• Garlic Cheese Breadsticks: Add more garlic powder to the dough and sprinkle extra parmesan on top for a bold garlic flavor.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Breadsticks: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
• Stuffed Cheese Breadsticks: Add a layer of mozzarella inside the dough for stuffed, cheesy breadsticks.
• Herb-Infused Dough: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil or rosemary to the dough for a flavorful twist.
• Cheese and Beef Bacon: Sprinkle crispy beef bacon bits over the cheese before baking for a savory touch.

Special Equipment

• Pizza Cutter: For slicing the dough into even strips.
• Stand Mixer: Optional, for kneading the dough more easily.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the breadsticks to perfection.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the dough with butter or oil.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.
2. How long do these breadsticks last?
   Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the dough and assemble the breadsticks, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze these breadsticks?
   Yes, freeze the unbaked breadsticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month.
5. Can I use different cheeses?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese you like.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
7. Can I add toppings like pepperoni?
   Yes, you can top the breadsticks with pepperoni or any other topping before baking.
8. Can I make these without yeast?
   Yes, use a no-yeast pizza dough recipe for a quicker version.
9. What if I don’t have garlic powder?
   You can substitute with minced garlic or garlic salt.
10. How do I cut the breadsticks evenly?
    Use a pizza cutter for quick, clean slices.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a perfect, gooey, cheesy snack or side dish that’s great for sharing (or not!). These breadsticks are soft, pillowy, and topped with plenty of melted cheese, garlic butter, and herbs, creating a wonderfully cheesy and flavorful treat.

To make them, start by preparing a simple dough with yeast, flour, water, and olive oil. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle or long strips. Brush the dough with garlic butter or olive oil, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella (or your favorite cheese blend), and bake until the breadsticks are golden and the cheese is bubbling. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano or basil before baking. Once baked, slice the bread into sticks and serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. These cheesy breadsticks are perfect for serving with pizza, pasta, or as a fun appetizer at parties.

I can’t wait to see how your Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, golden creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!