Get ready to skip the delivery and make the most irresistible, gooey, and garlicky cheesy breadsticks right in your own kitchen. This cheesy breadsticks recipe is your ticket to achieving pizzeria-perfect results with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a savory snack, or the perfect sidekick to your favorite pasta dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts. We’ve packed it with simple ingredients and straightforward steps to ensure a golden, bubbly top and a soft, chewy center every single time.
Why This Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. It’s incredibly versatile, using either store-bought pizza dough for a quick weeknight treat or a simple homemade dough for a weekend project. The garlic butter topping is infused with Italian herbs, creating a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the rich, melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. Forget bland, dry breadsticks; these are designed for the ultimate cheese pull.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- Pizza Dough: One 1-pound ball of store-bought or homemade pizza dough. This is the foundation of our easy cheesy breadsticks.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, melted, forms the base of our rich garlic herb topping.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds classic pizzeria flavor.
- Cheese: A combination of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for that incredible stretch and grated Parmesan for a nutty, salty bite.
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat and fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making The Best Cheesy Breadsticks
Follow these simple steps to cheesy perfection. This process is straightforward and guarantees delicious results.
1. Prepare the Dough
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet. On a floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough to fit the pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
2. Create the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is incorporated. Use a pastry brush to spread this amazing garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
3. Add the Cheese
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter-topped dough. Follow this with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This dual-cheese method is key for the perfect cheesy breadsticks recipe.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top. The edges of the dough should be cooked through and lightly crisped.
5. Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cheesy bread cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Use a pizza cutter to slice into sticks and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. For a truly decadent experience, serve them alongside our favorite cheese sauce.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the pizza dough as little as possible to keep it tender and soft.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt and cheese pull, buy blocks of mozzarella and Parmesan and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, or different herbs to make this recipe your own.
The Best Dipping Sauces
No cheesy breadstick is complete without a delicious dip. While classic marinara is always a winner, why not try something new? We highly recommend serving these with a simple garlic sauce for an extra kick of flavor. For those who love cheesy comfort food, pairing these breadsticks with a hearty main like our classic baked mac and cheese creates a truly memorable meal.
FAQs for This Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Absolutely! Using a 1-pound ball of store-bought refrigerated pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. Just let it come to room temperature before stretching it into the pan.
The key to soft, fluffy breadsticks is not to overwork the dough. Handle it gently when stretching it into the pan. Baking at the right temperature (400°F / 200°C) also ensures they cook through perfectly, remaining soft inside with a golden top.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This crisps them up again without making them soggy.
Cheesy breadsticks are incredibly versatile! They are perfect on their own or with a side of marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch for dipping. They also make a fantastic side dish for pasta, soup, or salad.
For the perfect cheese pull and flavor, we recommend a combination of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese for its melting quality and grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is re-melted and the bread is warmed through. This method keeps them from getting soggy.
We Want to Hear From You!
We are confident this is the best cheesy breadsticks recipe you’ll ever make! If you loved it as much as we do, please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your appetizer board on Pinterest!
Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe (The Ultimate Guide)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking sheet. On a floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough to fit the pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the breadsticks cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Cheese Tip: Shredding your own cheese from a block results in a much better melt and superior cheese pull compared to pre-shredded varieties.
