If you’re ready to experience crispy, cheesy comfort food at its best, these Cheese Breadsticks will make your day. Think golden edges, stretchy mozzarella, a fragrant garlic butter base, and flecks of basil and Parmesan — all in one bite. They’re so utterly addictive, you might just “sample” them all before they hit the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Cheesy: You get real cheese in every single bite — a mix of melty mozzarella and savory Parmesan that bubbles and browns to perfection.
- Ridiculously Easy: Whether you use store-bought dough or make your own, these Cheese Breadsticks come together with just a handful of basic ingredients and 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From game days to family dinners to party tables, there’s never a crumb left behind — everyone loves pulling a warm, cheesy stick right from the tray.
- Customizable Magic: Switch up the cheeses, herbs, or dipping sauces for endless flavor twists — you can truly make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheese Breadsticks is that they call for staple ingredients you likely already have. Each component shines: from pillowy dough to gooey cheese and aromatic herbs, every element plays a delicious role.
- Pizza Dough (1 pound): Use your favorite homemade recipe or grab fresh store-bought dough for speed. The foundation for chewy and fluffy breadsticks.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushing this over the dough adds richness and helps the toppings stick — plus, butter is key for that irresistible golden finish.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic and breadsticks are a match made in heaven — it infuses the entire batch with savory flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show for that classic stretchy, melty cheese pull!
- Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, grated): Adds sharp, nutty depth and a touch of salty savoriness that perfectly balances the mozzarella.
- Dried Basil (½ teaspoon): Brings an herby Italian lift and wonderful aroma.
- Dried Oregano (¼ teaspoon): Delivers subtle warmth and rounds out the pizzeria experience.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, optional): For an extra pop if your dough or cheese aren’t already salty enough.
Variations
Cheese Breadsticks are impossible to mess up — and begging for your personal touches. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe around whatever flavors, cheeses, or dietary needs you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and check that your cheeses are certified gluten-free for a safe, celiac-friendly treat.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the butter for breadsticks with extra zing.
- Herb Swap: Fresh or dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, or a smattering of chives all play beautifully with cheese and dough.
- Cheese Lovers: Toss in a blend like provolone, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar for an extra-gooey, flavor-packed twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based butter and a combo of vegan mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free Cheese Breadsticks everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Cheese Breadsticks
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Get that oven hot and ready at 425°F and lightly grease your chosen pan — a baking sheet, a pizza pan, or, for those who love crispy perfection, a preheated pizza stone. This helps the dough bake up with golden edges and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shape (Don’t Stress!) the Dough
On a lightly floured surface (or with floured hands), gently pat, stretch, or roll the dough into approximately a 12×10 inch rectangle. No need for Instagram-level symmetry — any rustic shape works, and kids love helping with this part!
Step 3: Brush, Sprinkle, Layer
Blend the melted butter and garlic powder, then brush that glorious mix all over the dough, right up to the edges. Evenly sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan, followed by the basil, oregano, and an optional pinch of salt for max flavor.
Step 4: Bake, Slice, and Devour
Bake your loaded breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, just until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned in spots. Slide a spatula underneath, slice into 16 breadsticks, and serve piping hot — preferably with warm pizza sauce for dipping!
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Breadsticks
- Dough Handling 101: If your dough is hard to stretch, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes — this relaxes the gluten and makes shaping much easier.
- Preheat Your Pizza Stone: For extra-crispy bottoms, always preheat your pizza stone and prep the breadsticks on parchment for easy transfer.
- Cheese Coverage: Sprinkle cheese all the way to the edges — that’s how you get those addictive crispy, caramelized cheese bits around the perimeter.
- Slice While Hot: Wait just a few minutes after baking, then slice while the cheese is still soft and melty for clean breadsticks and the best cheese pull!
How to Serve Cheese Breadsticks
Garnishes
A dusting of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a quick swirl of olive oil on top can make Cheese Breadsticks feel bistro-fancy. For mega garlic fans, add a light grate of raw garlic or a sprinkle of garlic salt just after baking — so bold and tasty!
Side Dishes
Pair Cheese Breadsticks with a classic marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, or serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad, hearty tomato soup, or a big Italian antipasto board. They also hold their own on game day with wings, sliders, or a platter of roasted veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, stack the breadsticks like a log cabin tower with little bowls of sauce for dunking, or serve them on a rustic cutting board. You can even cut them into mini sticks for finger food appetizers, or twist the dough for fun spiral-shaped dippers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheese Breadsticks left (a rare event!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for 3–4 days. Wrap them in parchment to help preserve their texture.
Freezing
Freeze baked Cheese Breadsticks in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen for a quick, cheesy snack anytime — they taste just as delicious as the day you made them.
Reheating
For best results, pop leftovers in a 375°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through and re-crisped (about 5-8 minutes). The microwave works for super quick reheating, but your breadsticks will be softer and a bit less crispy — still ridiculously tasty, though!
FAQs
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Can I make Cheese Breadsticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dough and topping in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. If baking ahead, refresh them in the oven for a few minutes to restore that freshly baked texture.
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Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely! Try cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, gouda, or a blend — just be sure to use good melting cheeses for the best gooey results.
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What’s the best way to get crispy edges?
For those addictive crispy bits, use a hot preheated pizza stone or bake on a dark baking sheet. Let the cheese reach right to the edges so it can caramelize, and don’t be afraid to bake an extra minute or two!
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Do I need to let the dough rise before baking?
If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for at least 15–20 minutes so it’s easier to stretch. With homemade dough, follow your recipe; a quick rest after shaping helps the breadsticks bake up extra fluffy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a tray of homemade Cheese Breadsticks — they’re warm, welcoming, and downright irresistible every time. Give them a try and watch your kitchen become the most popular spot on the block. Happy snacking!
Print
Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
These Cheese Breadsticks are a savory, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce. They are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and are a great snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound (454g) pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, pizza stone or pizza pan, set aside.
- Prepare dough: Roll or stretch the dough into a 12×10′ rectangle. Combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush over the shaped dough.
- Add toppings: Top with cheeses, herbs, and salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice into breadsticks and serve with pizza sauce if desired.
Notes
- If you are using a pizza stone: Preheat the stone while making the pizza. Be sure to make your pizza on a peel or a piece of parchment paper. Slide the pizza off the peel and on to the stone or transfer the pizza parchment paper and all on to the hot stone.
- If choosing to make homemade pizza dough allow more prep time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
