Introduction
Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food—soft, warm, and packed with gooey cheese and garlicky butter flavor. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these breadsticks are easy to make from scratch or with store-bought dough. They pair beautifully with pasta, pizza, or soup, and are just as delicious dipped into marinara sauce or ranch.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter & Topping
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: Heat to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Pan: Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Dough: Roll dough into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches). Place on prepared pan.
Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush generously over the dough.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Slice: Cut into breadsticks while still warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve: Enjoy hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are soft and fluffy inside with a golden, cheesy crust on top. The garlic butter infuses every bite with rich flavor, while the melted mozzarella creates gooey, stretchy goodness. They’re irresistibly savory and guaranteed to disappear fast at the table.
Tips
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for chewier breadsticks.
Don’t skip brushing garlic butter on the dough edges—it gives a crisp, flavorful crust.
If short on time, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly.
Let breadsticks cool slightly before slicing so the cheese sets and doesn’t slide off.
Variations
Cheese lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone.
Stuffed breadsticks: Roll the dough with cheese inside for extra cheesy centers.
Herb butter: Add fresh basil, parsley, or chives to the garlic butter.
Spicy twist: Mix cayenne or chili flakes into the butter.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pizza dough.
Correction
A common mistake is overbaking, which makes breadsticks dry and tough. Watch closely and remove once golden brown. Another issue is using too little cheese—the breadsticks should be well covered for that gooey, cheesy pull. Also, avoid adding raw garlic directly without mixing it into butter—it can burn in the oven and taste bitter.
Enjoy
Serve Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks warm, fresh from the oven, with marinara, ranch, or alongside pasta and pizza night. Soft, cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying—these breadsticks will quickly become a family favorite.