If you’re anything like me, there are days when nothing hits the spot quite like warm, gooey Cheese Breadsticks fresh from the oven. Golden, cheesy, and irresistible with every pull-apart piece, these are the ultimate comfort snack or side for your next pasta dinner, pizza night, or gathering with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Serious Cheese Pulls: With two dreamy layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, every bite delivers gooey meltiness that’s positively photo-worthy!
- Better Than Takeout: You get that pizzeria-style touch right at home, with no mystery ingredients—just fresh, familiar flavors.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: These Cheese Breadsticks come together quickly, perfect when you want a satisfying snack or side without the wait.
- Customizable to the Last Sprinkle: Switch up cheeses, herbs, or even the dough to suit whatever you’re craving or have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheese Breadsticks is in their simplicity! Every ingredient earns its keep, layering savory flavors, pillowy texture, and cheesy bliss—so don’t skip the details below if you want breadstick perfection.
- Pizza Dough (1 pound): This forms the deliciously chewy base—use your favorite store-bought dough or homemade for an extra-special touch.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on before baking, butter helps the crust become perfectly golden and adds irresistible richness.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Mixed into the butter, it infuses every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show! Classic for its oozy melt and mild taste that lets other flavors shine through.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty sharpness and a little golden crisp right on top.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle for flavor that gives a gentle, herbaceous lift.
- Dried Oregano (1/4 teaspoon): Just a dash brings those classic Italian pizzeria vibes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Enhances all those savory flavors—season to taste based on your preference.
Variations
One of the joys of Cheese Breadsticks is how customizable they are—so feel confident making these your own, whether you’re working around dietary needs or craving something new.
- Use Different Cheeses: Swap in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked provolone for fun flavor twists.
- Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough; everything else stays exactly the same.
- Boost the Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even a bit of rosemary make for vibrant color and flavor.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that pairs so well with all that melty cheese.
How to Make Cheese Breadsticks
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease your preferred baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza pan. If you’re working with pizza stone, be sure to let it heat up as the oven comes to temperature! Roll or gently stretch your dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle—it doesn’t need to be a perfect shape, so don’t stress.
Step 2: Get Buttery & Flavorful
Stir the melted butter together with the garlic powder, and then brush that garlicky goodness over your dough from edge to edge. This gives the breadsticks a flavorful, golden crust that’s irresistible from first bite to last.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Magic
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the dried basil, oregano, and a light sprinkle of salt if you’re using it. The cheese and herbs will create those signature savory layers that make Cheese Breadsticks such a treat.
Step 4: Bake and Slice
Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the crust is golden and the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two, then cut into breadsticks—16 is the perfect number for easily shareable pieces.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Breadsticks
- Dough Handling: Let your dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping—this makes it much easier to stretch without shrinking back.
- Herb & Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese all the way to the edges for maximum golden crust, and scatter the herbs evenly so every slice is packed with flavor.
- Baking Stone Advantage: If you have a pizza stone, preheating it gives an extra-crispy bottom that’s just like your favorite pizzeria’s breadsticks.
- Serving Hot: These Cheese Breadsticks taste best served warm, so slice and enjoy right out of the oven for the ultimate melty cheese experience!
How to Serve Cheese Breadsticks
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil right after baking brings a pop of color and freshness that makes your Cheese Breadsticks instantly more inviting. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes just before serving is always a crowd-pleaser!
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are practically begging to be dunked in warm pizza sauce, but they also complement a classic Caesar salad, creamy tomato soup, or alongside pasta with rich sauces for the coziest family-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game nights, serve your Cheese Breadsticks in a lined basket or standing tall in a mason jar for a tempting, hands-on centerpiece. Cut them smaller for appetizer platters, or stack them on a wooden board with dipping sauces for a snack everyone will flock to.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cheese Breadsticks cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for a day but keep best in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze, simply arrange breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—this stops them from sticking together and lets you grab just what you need later. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheese Breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, though the crust won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Cheese Breadsticks?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe wonderfully easy and convenient. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching for best results—homemade or bakery-fresh dough also work perfectly if you have the time.
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What’s the best way to get really crispy Cheese Breadsticks?
Using a preheated pizza stone is your best bet for a crisp bottom. If you’re using a baking sheet, make sure it’s lightly greased and avoid overloading with cheese at the edges. Bake until the edges turn deep golden brown for the perfect crunch.
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Can I make these Cheese Breadsticks ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble and bake the breadsticks ahead of time, then let them cool and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven just before serving for that freshly-baked taste—your guests will never guess they weren’t made on the spot.
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Which cheeses melt best for Cheese Breadsticks?
Mozzarella is classic for its stretchy melt, but adding a bit of provolone, Monterey Jack, or even fontina creates interesting flavor blends and extra gooeyness. Parmesan gives you that sharp, golden finish on top!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the aroma and taste of fresh Cheese Breadsticks made from scratch—so go ahead and give this recipe a try! Invite family or friends to help, grab your favorite dip, and savor every cheesy, cozy bite—you won’t regret it.
Print
Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
These Cheese Breadsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. With a crispy crust and gooey cheese topping, they are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound (454g) pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking surface: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza pan.
- Prepare the dough: Roll or stretch the dough into a 12×10″ rectangle.
- Top the dough: Combine melted butter and garlic powder. Brush over the dough. Add cheeses, herbs, and salt.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice into breadsticks and serve with pizza sauce if desired.
Notes
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it before making the pizza. Use a peel or parchment paper to transfer the pizza to the stone.
- Homemade pizza dough will require additional prep time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
