If you’re craving a satisfyingly cheesy, aromatic snack that’s easy to whip up at home, look no further than these Cheese Breadsticks. Soft and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, cheesy crust and just the right hint of garlic and Italian herbs, they’re one of those recipes that disappear from the table in record time. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, pairing them with homemade soup, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, Cheese Breadsticks hit the spot every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by how simple the ingredient list looks — each component brings something special to these breadsticks. From that pillowy dough to the gooey, flavor-packed top, every bite is thanks to these kitchen staples coming together in the tastiest way possible.
- Active dry yeast: Helps your dough rise to feather-light, bakery-level perfection.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast, making your breadsticks fluffy and soft, with just a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together, so make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.
- All-purpose flour: The base for chewy, tender breadsticks that hold their shape just right.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and keeps your dough from tasting bland.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, tenderness, and that lovely golden finish as everything bakes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers maximum gooey, stretchy, cheesy magic in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty accent that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Lends an irresistible aroma and depth to each bite without overpowering the cheese.
- Dried Italian herbs: Provide those classic, comforting pizzeria notes everyone loves.
- Melted butter or olive oil (for brushing): Locks in moisture and makes the breadsticks decadently flavorful.
How to Make Cheese Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast and sugar in your warm water. Give it a quick stir and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy on top — this is your cue that the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise tall and proud.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then pour in your frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes, just until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and elastic under your hands.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl (a drizzle of olive oil works great here), turning it over to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is when all the magic happens!
Step 4: Shape and Top the Breadsticks
Once your dough has puffed up beautifully, punch it down gently to deflate the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Carefully transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush the top with melted butter or olive oil. Now comes the best part: Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs evenly over the surface, covering every bit for that signature Cheese Breadsticks finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and toasty bread — it’s almost impossible to wait! Once the breadsticks are golden and the cheese has developed delicious little brown spots, pull them out and allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing into irresistible sticks.
How to Serve Cheese Breadsticks
Garnishes
Once your Cheese Breadsticks are out of the oven, you can take them to the next level with a sprinkling of extra Parmesan, a pinch of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or even a light drizzle of garlic butter. These little finishing touches make every bite extra memorable.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are absolute stars alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, a comforting tomato basil soup, or even a crisp Caesar salad. They’re also fantastic as a hearty appetizer before pizza night or Italian pasta dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn your Cheese Breadsticks into a showstopping centerpiece, stack them in a rustic basket lined with a kitchen towel, arrange them in a spiral on a serving platter, or tuck them into mason jars for a modern touch. Add a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls for everyone to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Cheese Breadsticks (a rare thing, to be honest), simply let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious for snacking or light lunches.
Freezing
Cheese Breadsticks freeze beautifully! Place cooled breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring your Cheese Breadsticks back to their gooey, tender best, pop them in a 350°F oven for just 5 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the breadsticks chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, store-bought pizza dough works well. Just roll it out, add your toppings, and bake as directed for an even quicker batch of Cheese Breadsticks.
What’s the best cheese blend for Cheese Breadsticks?
Mozzarella gives you that classic stretch, but a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan is perfect for both texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in a little provolone or asiago!
How do I make my breadsticks extra fluffy?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water you use is warm but not hot. Letting the dough rise undisturbed until doubled in size guarantees the perfect fluffy texture for your Cheese Breadsticks.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can! Swap in your favorite plant-based cheese shreds, use olive oil instead of butter, and check that your pizza dough is vegan-friendly. Your vegan Cheese Breadsticks will be just as delicious!
What’s the trick to getting them crispy on the outside?
Brushing the dough with melted butter or olive oil before baking helps create a beautiful, slightly crispy crust. If you want them extra crispy, bake a minute or two longer and keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy treat that brings joy to any table, you simply have to try these Cheese Breadsticks. They’re the perfect mix of chewy, cheesy, and golden, with a flavor that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Give them a bake — I promise you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
Print
Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Cheese Breadsticks are a delightful appetizer or snack, oozing with gooey cheese and aromatic herbs. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying on their own!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Melted butter or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush with melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing into breadsticks.
Notes
- You can use pre-made pizza dough for a quicker version.
- Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- These are great served with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
