Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying these breadsticks are to make from scratch. The dough comes together easily and bakes up pillowy and golden. The combination of garlic butter and melty cheese takes it over the top, and they pair beautifully with marinara or ranch. Whether I’m sharing with friends or making a batch just for myself, these breadsticks always disappear fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping:
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

directions

1. I start by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy, which tells me the yeast is active.

2. I stir in the olive oil, salt, and flour until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size.

4. While the dough rises, I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. I roll the dough out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

6. In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter and minced garlic, then brush it generously over the dough.

7. I sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning evenly over the top.

8. I bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

9. Once out of the oven, I slice them into breadsticks and serve them warm with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rise time)
Servings: 8 breadsticks
Calories per serving: 290 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I like to add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh basil for a kick of heat or freshness. If I want a heartier option, I fold pepperoni slices or cooked sausage into the dough before baking. I’ve even swapped the mozzarella for a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. They crisp up nicely in a toaster oven too.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made dough for this recipe?

Yes, when I’m short on time, I use store-bought pizza dough. I just roll it out and follow the same topping and baking steps.

Can I freeze these breadsticks?

Definitely. I freeze them after baking, then reheat in the oven until warm and melty. They’re great to make ahead and serve fresh when needed.

What’s the best cheese for maximum melt?

Mozzarella is my go-to for that stretchy, gooey texture, but I sometimes mix in Monterey Jack or Fontina for even more melt and flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with success. The texture is slightly different, but still soft and cheesy.

How do I keep the breadsticks soft?

I don’t overbake them and make sure to cover them with foil if I’m storing them overnight to lock in moisture. A quick warm-up in the oven brings them right back.

Conclusion

These Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a warm, melty, and utterly satisfying treat that I love serving with any Italian meal or as a stand-alone snack. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and always a hit with anyone who tries them. With that perfect mix of garlic, butter, cheese, and soft dough, they never stick around for long.