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Cheesy Breadsticks

Featured in Delicious Homemade Bread and Muffin Recipes.

Start with a fluffy dough, add mozzarella, and coat with garlic butter for breadsticks that pair perfectly with marinara dipping sauce.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:54:16 GMT
Golden breadsticks with mozzarella and herbs, served with a small bowl of marinara. Pin it
Golden breadsticks with mozzarella and herbs, served with a small bowl of marinara. | chefmelt.com

Our Household's Treasured Gooey Breadsticks

I've got to tell you about these unbelievable breadsticks that vanish within 10 minutes at our place. My kitchen gets filled with the wonderful aroma of gooey cheese and garlic whenever they're in the oven. They've got this amazing crisp exterior, wonderfully melty middle, and they're so mouthwatering you'll probably need to make twice as many. I've tweaked this recipe for years until it became the treat that brings my family racing to the table.

What Makes These Truly Special

The thing I adore about these breadsticks is how simple they are to customize. I'll use mozzarella alone sometimes, and other days I'll throw in some sharp cheddar when I want more punch. My little ones join in on pizza evenings, and my older kids can actually make a batch without any help. They're fantastic for dipping in hot marinara or simply enjoying by themselves during family movie time.

Key Components

  • Pizza Dough: Ready-made from the store does the job nicely or whip up your own if you've got spare time. Make sure it sits out a bit for easier stretching.
  • Cheeses: Buy whole blocks of mozzarella and parmesan to shred at home—it tastes way better than the packaged kind.
  • Butter and Garlic: Pick up some quality salted butter and real garlic bulbs for our flavor foundation.
  • Seasonings: An Italian herb mix gives you that signature taste.
  • Optional Add-ins: Try fresh jalapeños if you want some kick or basil pesto for extra flavor depth.

Making It Happen

Set Up
First, warm your oven to 450°F. Put parchment on a big baking tray while waiting. Get your dough out so it can warm up and use this moment to shred all your cheese.
Make Your Flavor Base
Melt the butter and stir in freshly chopped garlic. Let it sit as you handle the dough so those flavors can really come together.
Work The Dough
Sprinkle some flour on your counter. Carefully roll out the dough into a rectangle roughly 1/4 inch thick, trying to keep the shape fairly uniform.
Layer Your Flavors
Brush plenty of that garlic butter mix all over. Scatter Italian herbs across it, then cover with your freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
Slice And Arrange
Take a sharp pizza cutter and cut into even strips. Move each one carefully to your waiting baking sheet, leaving room between them.
Cook Until Golden
Stick them in your hot oven for about 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them toward the end. You want golden edges and bubbling cheese. Let them cool just a bit before eating—they'll be super hot!

Kitchen Wisdom

Don't skip grating your own cheese, it really does melt so much nicer than pre-packaged stuff. If you want super crunchy breadsticks, try baking just the dough for a couple minutes first. I sometimes fold the cheese inside the dough to make stuffed versions that are totally amazing. For leftovers, warm them at 350°F for a few minutes and they'll taste just-baked again.

A platter of golden, cheesy breadsticks topped with herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of marinara sauce. Pin it
A platter of golden, cheesy breadsticks topped with herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of marinara sauce. | chefmelt.com

Creative Twists

Try adding fresh rosemary for a fancy touch. My guy loves when I throw in some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. The kids go wild for sweet versions with cinnamon sugar. On pizza nights, I stuff them with mozzarella and pepperoni and they're gone in a flash.

Totally Worth The Cheese Pull

These breadsticks have become part of our family story. They show up when we get together, during movie nights, and sometimes just because we need some comfort food. Nothing beats watching everyone's eyes light up when they pull that first warm, stretchy breadstick apart. Make them once and I bet they'll become your go-to treat too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let the dough rise?

It makes the texture light and airy while giving the flavor time to deepen.

→ Can I switch up the cheese?

Absolutely! Try gruyère, emmental, or even comté for a French twist.

→ How do I get the water to the right warmth?

Use either a kitchen thermometer or water that feels comfortably warm, not hot, when you touch it.

→ Can these be prepped ahead?

They're best fresh but can last up to two days in an airtight box.

→ Why press the cheese into the dough?

So the cheese stays put while baking and doesn’t fall off.

Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft breadsticks packed with mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Breads and Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
02 1 cup of lukewarm water (around 43-46°C).
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
04 A teaspoon of salt.
05 2 and 1/2 cups of regular flour.
06 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
07 A cup of mozzarella cheese, grated.
08 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
11 Tomato dipping sauce (Marinara).

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, stir together the warm water, dry yeast, and sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until it starts foaming.

Step 02

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything until a dough begins to form.

Step 03

On a flat, floured surface, knead the dough for five minutes or so, until it’s stretchy and smooth.

Step 04

Place the dough in an oiled-up bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm spot for 30 minutes.

Step 05

Set your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 06

Deflate the risen dough by punching it, roll it on a floured counter into a rectangle about 1.5 cm thick.

Step 07

Scatter the grated mozzarella all over the rolled-out dough. Use a rolling pin to lightly press the cheese down.

Step 08

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into even strips shaped like breadsticks.

Step 09

Place the breadsticks on your prepared tray, leaving about 2.5 cm between each stick.

Step 10

In a small dish, mix melted butter with garlic powder and oregano until combined.

Step 11

Spread the flavored butter over the breadsticks using a brush or spoon, covering them completely.

Step 12

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until they look golden and the cheese starts bubbling.

Step 13

Let the breadsticks sit to cool down for a bit before you move them off the tray.

Step 14

Serve your warm breadsticks paired with marinara sauce for dipping.

Step 15

Store leftovers in a sealed container, they’ll stay good for up to two days.

Notes

  1. Freshly made dough with yeast.
  2. Endless topping possibilities!
  3. Perfect for sharing at gatherings.
  4. Pair with marinara sauce for a classic combo.

Tools You'll Need

  • Parchment for baking.
  • Baking tray.
  • A large bowl.
  • Knife or pizza cutter.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains cheese and butter (dairy).
  • Includes wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 6 g