Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks wafting through your kitchen. With a perfectly golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and a rich garlic butter topping, these breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food.

I first made these breadsticks on a cozy Friday night, looking for the perfect side to pair with my homemade marinara sauce. One bite, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness. Now, they’ve become a staple in our household for pizza nights and gatherings.

Why You'll Love These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Get ready to fall in love with these breadsticks for so many reasons!

First, they’re easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple dough, butter, garlic, and cheese.

They’re also versatile. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a late-night snack, they always hit the spot. You can pair them with soups, pasta, or even enjoy them on their own.

And let's talk about that cheese pull! With a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, every bite is filled with gooey, melty goodness that makes them absolutely irresistible.

Best of all, they’re budget-friendly. Instead of ordering from your favorite pizza place, you can whip these up at home for a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing any flavor!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these breadsticks lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering flavor and texture.

The Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but if you have time, making your own dough adds an extra layer of freshness. A basic mixture of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water works perfectly.

Garlic Butter: The rich, savory base of these breadsticks comes from a combination of melted butter and freshly minced garlic. I highly recommend using real butter over margarine for the best flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese is the star of the show! It melts beautifully, creating those long, satisfying cheese pulls. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for the best texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top gives these breadsticks a deliciously salty, nutty finish. It also helps create a slightly crisp topping when baked.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme adds the perfect touch of flavor to enhance the garlic and cheese.

If you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, that’s all you need to bake these to perfection!

How To Make These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Making these breadsticks is easier than you might think! Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Start by preparing the dough. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. If making your own, allow it to rise until doubled in size.

Next, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness so the breadsticks are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

Prepare the garlic butter mixture by melting butter and mixing it with minced garlic. Brush this generously over the rolled-out dough, ensuring every inch is covered with buttery goodness.

Now comes the best part—adding the cheese! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, followed by a dusting of Parmesan. For extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes on top.

Transfer the prepared dough to a lined baking sheet or pizza stone and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. The breadsticks are ready when the edges are golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let them cool slightly before slicing into strips. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Storage Options

These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store leftovers.

To store in the fridge, place them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

To freeze, arrange the breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these breadsticks is how customizable they are!

Want a spicy kick? Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle chopped jalapeños over the cheese before baking.

For a herbaceous twist, mix fresh chopped parsley or basil into the butter mixture for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Looking for a different cheese blend? Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for a unique flavor profile.

If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pizza dough or make your own with a mix of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum.

Experiment with different flavors and make these cheesy garlic breadsticks your own! No matter how you customize them, one thing’s for sure—they’ll disappear fast!

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