Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food: golden, gooey, and loaded with garlicky flavor and bubbling cheese. Whether you’re watching the game, feeding a crowd, or just indulging your carb-and-cheese cravings, this recipe bakes up tray after tray of irresistible breadsticks that are as fun to pull apart as they are to dip! With each bite, you get the perfect balance of crispy-edged crust, pillowy center, and that signature cheesy stretch, making these Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks a must-have for pizza nights, parties, and cozy evenings in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how minimal but essential the ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks really are! Each one plays a starring role, combining to create a snack that’s positively addictive, beautifully textured, and packed with savory Italian flavor.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): This is your fluffy foundation—store-bought or homemade dough both work for quick prep and chewy texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps the crust bake up with a gorgeous golden finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The melty, stretchy star! Always use fresh-shredded for that gooey pull-apart effect.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Gives a nutty, salty punch and helps brown the cheese topping.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Builds that signature garlicky aroma you want in every bite of breadsticks.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together all the herby notes—think basil, oregano, and thyme—for pure pizzeria vibes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Doubles up the garlic flavor for a bold, punchy kick.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors and amplifies all the cheesy goodness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and a fresh finish—totally worth it if you have some on hand.
- Marinara sauce (for dipping): The must-have sidekick for dunking your hot, cheesy breadsticks!
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Start by setting your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C)—that’s key for getting pizzeria-style breadsticks at home. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 12×8 inches. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Gently transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet so it’s ready to get dressed up with all those delicious toppings.
Step 2: Mix Up the Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. This fragrant oil is what gives Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks their irresistibly bold flavor and that gorgeous sheen. It’s the secret sauce that soaks into the crust and sets the stage for all that gooey cheese.
Step 3: Brush and Top with Cheese
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously brush the garlic oil over every inch of the dough. Don’t forget the edges—they’re the best part! Then, shower the dough with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan. Spread the cheeses all the way to the edges for that amazing crispy cheese “frico” along the sides.
Step 4: Score for Easy Pull-Apart Pieces
Before baking, take a pizza cutter or sharp knife and score the dough into breadstick-sized strips, but don’t cut all the way through. This makes it easy to pull apart the breadsticks after baking, and helps every inch bake up evenly cheesy and golden.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust edges are just tinged with brown. If you like your breadsticks extra crispy, leave them in a couple more minutes—just keep an eye on that cheese!
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your baked breadsticks cool for just a few minutes so the cheese can set. Then, use the scoring cuts as a guide to pull them apart. Finish with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color, and serve them warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping. Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are at their absolute best straight from the oven!
How to Serve Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley or a quick dusting of extra Parmesan takes these breadsticks from simple to sensational. Red pepper flakes add a pop of color and heat, or you could drizzle with a touch of garlic butter for even more richness. Creative garnishes let you tailor Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks to your taste and occasion.
Side Dishes
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are practically a meal on their own, but they shine brightest beside classic Italian favorites. Serve them with a fresh Caesar or garden salad, cozy alongside pasta dishes, or as a hearty side for soup or chili nights. Don’t forget an extra bowl of marinara or a creamy ranch dip for all that swooping and swirling!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile breadsticks high on a rustic wooden board for a family-style centerpiece, or stand them upright in a tall glass for an edible bouquet at parties. Slice them thinner for cheesy dippers, or present them in a basket lined with a checked napkin for pure pizzeria charm. However you serve them, Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover breadsticks (trust me, it’s rare!), let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. This will keep your Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks soft and fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature or a little longer in the fridge.
Freezing
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks freeze exceptionally well! Wrap them in foil, then place in a freezer-safe zip bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then reheat to bring back that just-baked magic.
Reheating
To get that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, reheat leftovers on a baking sheet at 350°F until hot and the cheese is melty again. Skip the microwave if you can, since it can make the crust chewy instead of crisp. For frozen breadsticks, add a few extra minutes in the oven for best results.
FAQs
Do I have to use homemade dough for this recipe?
Not at all! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and makes these Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks ultra convenient. If you have a favorite homemade dough recipe, though, it takes the flavor to the next level.
Can I add other cheeses or toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with cheese—try provolone, cheddar, or even a blend for more complex flavor. Add sliced jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped olives for an extra twist.
What’s the best way to serve marinara dipping sauce?
Warm your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara in a little saucepan or microwave until steaming, then pour it into a bowl for dunking. For guests, offer a few different dips—think garlic butter, ranch, or pesto!
How can I make these breadsticks spicier?
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the garlic oil mixture or over the finished breadsticks adds a satisfying heat. You can also add finely chopped fresh chilies for a seriously spicy twist.
Can I make Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough (store-bought or homemade). Double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Final Thoughts
Few things in life are as rewarding—and simple—as pulling a tray of Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks straight from your oven. They bring people together, deliver pure comfort with every melty bite, and never go out of style. If you love cheesy snacking, do yourself a favor and make these tonight—they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a delicious appetizer featuring gooey melted cheese and flavorful garlic-infused crust. Easy to make and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Oil: Mix olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Brush over the dough.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dough.
- Cut and Bake: Score the dough into strips, bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Cool slightly, pull apart breadsticks, garnish with parsley, and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs in the garlic oil.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting.
- Store leftovers airtight and reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 breadsticks
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
