Soft, buttery, and oozing with cheese, these Cheese Breadsticks will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. They’re perfect for dunking in your favorite sauces!
These cheese breadsticks are the kind of irresistible dish that disappears almost as fast as they’re served. Soft, warm, and brushed with buttery garlic flavor, each stick is smothered in gooey, melted cheese and baked until perfectly golden and bubbly. The edges are lightly crisp while the center stays fluffy and tender, everyone will love them!
We love serving these cheesy breadsticks alongside our Homemade Zuppa Toscana and Tuscan Lentil Soup.
Table of Contents
Easy Cheesy Breadsticks
Who invented the breadstick? It was a baker named Lorenzo Torinese in Northern Italy back in 1679—and we’re so thankful he did!
These homemade breadsticks are quick to make and fill the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma as they bake. Best served warm, they’re soft, chewy, and packed with cheesy goodness—our family can’t get enough!
Get the kids involved and watch them have fun making (and eating) these delicious breadsticks. Trust us, they’ll love it!
Why We Love Breadsticks
- Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, garlic butter, or your favorite sauce.
- Great for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
- You can make a batch ahead of time for meal prep.
Recipe Ingredients
Cheese – Mozzarella provides the perfect melt, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite that enhances the breadsticks.
Garlic – Minced garlic mixed with butter creates a savory topping that infuses the breadsticks with irresistible flavor.
Butter – Melted and mixed with seasonings to create a flavorful topping.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Use Bread Flour – Opt for bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a chewier texture and better gluten development.
Herb and Spice – Add some extra flavor by incorporating dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the dough. Alternatively, melt butter, mix in garlic powder or other spices, and pour over the breadsticks for an extra flavorful topping.
How to Make Cheese Breadsticks
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low for 2 minutes. Then switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead on low for 4 minutes.
Step 3: Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place dough in the bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (246 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
Step 5: Punch down the dough with your fist to release air. Divide the dough in half. Freeze or use one half for later.
Step 6: Lightly flour your work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle.
Step 7: In a small bowl combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Brush over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle half of it with the cheese. Fold the half without cheese over on top of the side with cheese. Press to seal. Cut into 1 1/2-inch strips. Pinch both ends of the strip and twist in opposite directions. Take care not to drop the filling. Place each twist onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and top with additional Parmesan.
Step 8: Place in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9: Serve immediately.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after it has risen. Just shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with dishes like Kale, Spinach, and Basil Pesto Baked Pasta, Sausage Mushroom and Spinach Pasta, or garlic butter noodles. They’re also fantastic alongside Instant Pot meatballs, a refreshing salad, or a comforting meatless baked ziti.
Storage Information
Allow the breadsticks to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
To REHEAT, wrap breadsticks in foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them for 20–30 seconds wrapped in a moistened paper towel.
More Delicious Bread Recipes to Try
Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 1/4 c warm water - 110 degrees F
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast - 1 packet
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 c all-purpose flour
For the Filling
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter - melted
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 c mozzarella - shredded
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese - grated
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low for 2 minutes. Then switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead on low for 4 minutes.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place dough in the bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (246 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
- Punch down the dough with your fist to release air. Divide the dough in half. Freeze or use one half for later.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Brush over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle half of it with the cheese. Fold the half without cheese over on top of the side with cheese. Press to seal. Cut into 1 1/2-inch strips. Pinch both ends of the strip and twist in opposite directions. Take care not to drop the filling. Place each twist onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and top with additional Parmesan.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Is the butter/spice mixture and all the cheese just for 1/2 the dough, or is that to be split and used for the other half of the dough? I used it all with the half of the dough and they were delicious, but didn’t know if I was overdoing it.
If you were to use both right away, you would split it, but there is nothing wrong with using the whole amount for 1/2 the dough 🙂 The cheesier the better!
These are a must any time we have pasta!! Super soft & definitely cheesy!
These are so cheesy and heavenly! Next time I need to double the batch because they did not last long! Lots of requests to make these tomorrow night again.