Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these breadsticks combine three of my favorite things: soft homemade bread, garlic butter, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite has a buttery garlic flavor with plenty of mozzarella stretching from the top.

I also like that I can customize them easily. I can add more garlic, switch the cheeses, sprinkle on Italian seasoning, or add a little crushed red pepper when I want some heat.

They’re also perfect for sharing. I can slice the baked dough into thin breadsticks for a party or make thicker pieces when I want a more substantial side dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Warm water
Granulated sugar
Active dry yeast
All-purpose flour
Salt
Olive oil
Unsalted butter, melted
Garlic cloves, minced
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, optional
Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

I start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. I let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy.

I add the olive oil and salt, then gradually mix in the flour. Once a soft dough forms, I knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic.

I transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has roughly doubled in size.

I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

I gently punch down the risen dough and roll or press it into a large rectangle. I transfer it to my prepared baking sheet.

In a small bowl, I combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I brush this garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the dough.

Next, I sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough and finish it with Parmesan cheese. I make sure the cheese reaches close to the edges so every breadstick gets plenty of cheesy topping.

I bake the breadsticks for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots.

After removing them from the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes. I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if I have some on hand, then slice the bread into individual sticks and serve them warm.

Servings and Timing

I usually cut this recipe into about 12 breadsticks, although I can make them thinner or thicker depending on how I plan to serve them.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 45–60 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: about 12 breadsticks

Variations

For extra-cheesy breadsticks, I add more mozzarella or mix in shredded provolone. I sometimes add cheddar for a sharper flavor or use a little extra Parmesan on top.

When I want spicy garlic breadsticks, I sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. I can also serve them with spicy marinara sauce.

For an herb-packed version, I add dried oregano, basil, parsley, or extra Italian seasoning to my garlic butter.

If I want even more garlic flavor, I brush a little additional garlic butter over the breadsticks immediately after they come out of the oven.

For a quicker version, I can use prepared pizza dough instead of making the dough from scratch. I let refrigerated dough come closer to room temperature before stretching it so it’s easier to work with.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Since the breadsticks contain plenty of cheese, I prefer refrigerating leftovers rather than leaving them at room temperature for an extended period.

For longer storage, I let the breadsticks cool completely and place them in a freezer-safe container. I can freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating, I prefer using the oven or air fryer because it helps bring back the lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. I warm them at about 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted again.

I can also microwave individual breadsticks for a quick snack. I heat them in short intervals until warm, although I find that microwaving makes them softer than reheating them in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. When I’m short on time, I use store-bought pizza dough and skip the homemade dough preparation. I stretch the dough into a rectangle, add my garlic butter and cheeses, and bake it until golden.

What cheese is best for garlic breadsticks?

I usually choose low-moisture mozzarella because it melts beautifully and gives me the classic cheesy stretch. I combine it with Parmesan for a stronger savory flavor. Provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend can also work well.

Why are my breadsticks tough?

When my breadsticks turn out tough, overworking the dough, adding too much flour, or baking them too long can be the cause. I keep the dough soft and slightly tacky and remove the breadsticks once the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. I can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to make the breadsticks, I bring the dough closer to room temperature before shaping it, adding the toppings, and baking.

What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks?

I love serving these breadsticks with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. They also pair well with spaghetti, lasagna, baked pasta, tomato soup, creamy soups, salads, and homemade pizza.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are an easy way for me to turn simple homemade dough into an irresistible side dish. The combination of fluffy bread, rich garlic butter, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan makes them especially difficult to stop eating while they’re still warm.

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

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These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks combine soft homemade bread with rich garlic butter, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, they are perfect served warm with marinara sauce.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 breadsticks
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy.
Add the olive oil and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until roughly doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Gently punch down the risen dough and roll or press it into a large rectangle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough, followed by the grated Parmesan, spreading the cheese close to the edges.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
Let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, slice into individual breadsticks, and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

For extra-cheesy breadsticks, add more mozzarella or combine it with provolone, cheddar, or your favorite pizza cheese blend.
For spicy breadsticks, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking or serve with spicy marinara.
Add dried oregano, basil, parsley, or additional Italian seasoning to the garlic butter for extra herb flavor.
For stronger garlic flavor, brush additional garlic butter over the breadsticks immediately after baking.
Store-bought pizza dough can be substituted for the homemade dough. Let refrigerated dough come closer to room temperature before shaping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze completely cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breadstick
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 390 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 28 mg