Why You’ll Love Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
This recipe delivers that irresistible combination of crusty outside and gooey cheese inside. It’s simple enough for baking beginners, uses just a handful of everyday ingredients, and comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous entertaining. The garlic‑butter base lifts the flavor while the melted mozzarella and Parmesan make the breadsticks feel indulgent without being complicated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound (454 g) pizza dough (homemade or store‑bought)
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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¼ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Lightly grease a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza pan.
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Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a roughly 12 × 10‑inch rectangle (the shape doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic looks work fine).
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder to create the garlic‑butter mixture.
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Brush the garlic‑butter evenly over the shaped dough.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the dough. Then sprinkle the dried basil, dried oregano, and salt (if using) on top.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly so the cheese sets a bit. Then slice into breadstick strips and serve warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or pizza sauce.
Servings and timing
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Yield: about 16 breadsticks
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Prep time: ~15 minutes
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Cook time: ~15 minutes
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Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
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Swap in whole wheat or gluten‑free pizza dough to suit dietary needs.
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Use olive oil instead of butter (or a blend) for a lighter crust.
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Replace garlic powder with 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic sautéed in butter for more punch.
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Use a cheese blend—cheddar, provolone, or a vegan alternative—for different flavor profiles.
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Try fresh herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley) instead of dried for a more vibrant finish.
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Consider toppings such as chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze post‑bake.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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To reheat: preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and warm the breadsticks for a few minutes until heated through and the crust regains some crispness.
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If storing with dipping sauces, keep them separate to avoid soggy breadsticks.
FAQs
How do I know when the breadsticks are done?
You’ll know they’re done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover with foil for the final minute or two.
Can I use fresh pizza dough that needs rising?
Yes — if you’re using dough that requires rising, let it come to room temperature and rise according to its instructions before shaping and topping for these breadsticks.
What’s the best way to slice them into breadsticks?
After baking, allow the bread to cool briefly so the cheese sets (about 2–3 minutes). Then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice across the rectangle into roughly 16 strips.
Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
You can prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time and refrigerate (covered) for up to a few hours. Then bake just before serving for best texture.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Classic marinara or pizza sauce works great. You might also try garlic‑herb butter, ranch dressing, pesto, or even a cheesy sauce for extra indulgence.
Can I freeze these breadsticks?
Yes. After baking, allow the breadsticks to cool, then freeze in a single layer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1–2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350 °F oven until warm.
How can I make them crispier?
Roll the dough a bit thinner for a crisper crust. Using a pizza stone, or placing the baking sheet low in the oven can also help. If the cheese browns too fast, reduce temperature slightly and bake a little longer.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can use other doughs like pre‑made bread dough, focaccia dough, or even crescent roll dough for a sweeter, quicker option. the texture will differ slightly, but you’ll still get a tasty result.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. The base recipe is vegetarian (uses no meat). For a vegan version, use vegan butter or olive oil and a plant‑based shredded cheese substitute. Also check that the dough you use is vegan‑friendly.
Can I add toppings like pepperoni or veggies?
Absolutely. You can add thinly sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, chopped spinach, or other favorite toppings before baking to turn these into mini breadstick pizzas.
Conclusion
These cheese breadsticks are a fantastic side dish or appetizer that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a baking beginner or simply looking for a quick and satisfying recipe, they’re a winner. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have warm, cheesy, herb‑infused breadsticks on your table in about half an hour. Enjoy making them your own through variations and share them warm with family or friends for an Italian‑night treat that hits all the right notes.
Cheese Breadsticks: A Beginner’s Delight for Italian Nights
These cheesy breadsticks are a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for Italian-themed nights. With a soft, buttery dough and gooey melted cheese, they make a great side or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over half of the dough, then fold the other half over the cheese.
- Cut into strips and twist each strip slightly. Place on the baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and Parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, but freshly grated gives a better melt.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with marinara or garlic butter for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
