Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are a delicious, crispy, and cheesy appetizer or side dish, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Made with a soft, buttery dough, infused with garlic and topped with melted mozzarella, these breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, garlicky, and loaded with melted cheese
- Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack
- Easy to make with homemade or store-bought dough
- Great for dipping in marinara, ranch, or garlic butter
- A hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
For the Topping:
- Butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the Breadsticks:
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Brush the dough with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the dough. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Slice into strips using a pizza cutter but do not separate them yet.
Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then separate the breadsticks and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve:
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 breadsticks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Stuffed Breadsticks: Layer cheese inside the dough before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough.
- Herb Butter Flavor: Add fresh basil or oregano to the butter mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds, though the texture may soften.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works well for a quicker option.
What’s the best cheese for these breadsticks?
Mozzarella is classic, but parmesan, cheddar, or provolone add great flavor.
How do I keep the breadsticks from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much butter, and bake until golden brown.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked breadsticks, then bake when ready.
What dipping sauces go well with these breadsticks?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or alfredo sauce pair perfectly.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Brush the edges with olive oil and bake for a few extra minutes.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The oven or air fryer works best for keeping them crispy.
Can I add toppings like bacon or pepperoni?
Yes, chopped bacon, pepperoni, or even jalapeños make great additions.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are the perfect combination of crispy, buttery, and cheesy goodness. Whether as a side dish or a party appetizer, they are easy to make and always a hit. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy, cheesy garlic breadsticks perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp parsley (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and place it on a baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter and minced garlic, then spread it over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add dried oregano on top and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, slice into breadsticks, and garnish with parsley.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano for a bolder flavor.
- Brush with extra butter for an even crispier crust.
- Serve with Alfredo sauce for a creamy dipping option
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *