Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks – Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Cheesy

There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a pan of homemade cheesy breadsticks out of the oven. The smell alone—warm bread, melted cheese, and buttery garlic—has a way of drawing everyone into the kitchen before you even call them. These breadsticks are soft and fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella that stretches beautifully with every bite.

Homemade cheesy breadsticks are one of those recipes that feel special yet are surprisingly simple to make. They’re perfect for cozy nights in, family pizza nights, game-day spreads, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer when guests come over. Once you make them from scratch, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions—they just don’t compare to the freshness and flavor of homemade.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the dough. It’s easy to work with, forgiving, and bakes up soft and pillowy every time. The garlic butter brushed on top seeps into the bread as it bakes, creating layers of flavor beneath the cheese. Whether you serve these breadsticks with marinara, ranch, or enjoy them straight from the pan, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients:

• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, which means the yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead by hand or mixer for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic. Brush generously over the surface of the dough.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let cool slightly before slicing into breadsticks.
10. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks topped with melted mozzarella and garlic butter, perfect for dipping.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 breadsticks

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Topping

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Stand mixer or hand kneading

Method

 

1. Activate yeast with warm water and sugar until foamy.
2. Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil to form dough and knead until smooth.
3. Let dough rise until doubled in size.
4. Roll dough onto baking sheet and brush with garlic butter.
5. Top with cheeses and seasoning.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly, then slice and serve.

Notes

Best served warm with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra softness, avoid adding too much flour; the dough should be slightly tacky.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
• If you love extra garlic, add a pinch of garlic powder along with the fresh garlic.

Variations:

• Add pepperoni slices on top for pizza-style breadsticks.
• Mix cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella for deeper flavor.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
• Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna.
• Enjoy alongside soups or salads for a complete meal.

Storage Information:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.
• Freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months.

FAQ:

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it to room temperature before baking.
• Can I use store-bought dough? Absolutely, though homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.
• Why are my breadsticks dry? Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness.

History / Fun Facts:
Breadsticks originated in Italy as a way to stretch bread dough during times of scarcity. Over time, they evolved into the cheesy, garlicky comfort food we love today, especially popular in American pizza culture.