UGHHH these Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are soft and fluffy dough swimming in melted cheese and buttery garlic – the ultimate pair if you ask me. These breadsticks are a guaranteed crowd pleaser, with a golden, crispy crust and gooey center. No matter if you’re preparing them as an appetizer, a side for pasta, or even just a tasty snack to munch, they take so little time you’ll wonder why they’re not a staple in your cupboards already!
I like to make these breadsticks when I have some time with not much to do on a weekend or when I’m working on a special dinner at home that is Italian in theme. There’s just something about warm, cheesy, fresh-baked bread that’s so comforting and fulfilling. It’s pungent, garlicky, cheesey aroma filling the house. Plus, these breadsticks are incredibly versatile! I’ve served them with marinara for dunking, as part of a meal with a hearty soup, or as a lighter meal with a salad. Believe me — these will have you cooking every week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Fast: If you stick with a basic dough recipe, these breadsticks only take a few minutes of your time, so they’re risen by the time you’re done kneading, and they’re easy enough for beginner bakers.
- Bursting With Flavor: Garlic, butter, plus two different kinds of cheese equals an unforgettable bite.
- Tactile Finality: The perfect fluff on the inside, a little crunch on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy top, heaven!
- Toss in some herbs, spices, or make a stinger. These breadsticks are a perfect canvas for creativity.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Everyone loves cheesy garlic breadsticks, at dinner, for parties or as a snack.
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Understanding of Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast will give you the best results. If using instant yeast, omit the proofing step and combine it directly with the flour.
Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer breadstick.
Cheese: If you want it even cheesier, mix in some sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has the best flavor, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
The full ingredient listing with amounts along with the instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast. Give it a stir, and let rest for 5 minutes until the mixture looks foamy (this means your yeast was activated and is ready to go).
Then add the remaining ¼ cup warm water, 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon white vinegar. Start mixing at medium-low speed, then add 1 ½ to 2 cups flour, adding enough flour for dough to just come together. I kneaded for roughly 3–4 minutes, until the dough is soft and slightly tacky (but should not stick to your hands).
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks
Degas the dough — when it has risen, gently punch it down to get rid of any air bubbles. Lay out a big sheet of parchment on your counter and dump the dough onto it. With your hands (or a rolling pin), spread the dough out into a rectangle, about ⅓ inch thick. At this point the dough should be workable so just use your hands to stretch and shape it as needed.
Add the Toppings
In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ tablespoons melted salted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Rub the garlic butter all over the dough, right to the edges. Then spread 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the dough, followed by 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Now, these two cheeses are what you want to use to achieve that ultimate flavor and gooeyness.
Bake
Heat your oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet inside. The hot stone will aid in getting a crispy bottom crust on your breadsticks. Gently slide the dough (still on the parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crispy on the edges.
Serve
Take the breadsticks out of the oven, allow to cool for a couple minutes and slice. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch, or even a side of garlic butter for an added kick. Take pleasure in every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy garlic breadsticks are great as an appetizer or with other meals. Here’s how to enjoy them:
Appetizer: With marinara sauce, ranch or garlic butter for dipping.
Side Dish: Serve up with pasta such as spaghetti or lasagna for an easy Italian-inspired feast.
Snack: Eat as a quick, cheesy snack whenever you’re in the mood for something salty.
Pizza Night: Pair with your favorite pizza for added indulgence.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: The breadsticks should be completely cool before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
To freeze: Individually wrap cooled breadsticks in plastic wrap and put in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating, at room temperature.
Reheating: For reheating, place on sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warm throughout. Or zap it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a faster fix.
Variations and Modifications
Herb Garlic Breadsticks: Mix dried herbs (oregano, basil, parsley) into the garlic butter.
Spicy Cheesy Breadsticks: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks: Roll little strips of mozzarella into the edges of the dough, creating gooey, cheese-stuffed breadsticks.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and swap the cheeses for dairy-free varieties.
Final Note
These Easy Cheesy Homemade Garlic Breadsticks are very hard to resist and perfect for making on repeat! With a soft, fluffy dough, ample cheese and just a hint of garlic, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any meal or occasion. Enjoy, and happy baking! 🍞🧀
Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast Helps the dough rise and gives it a soft, airy texture.
- 1 tsp granulated sugar Activates the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm water Between 105-115°F, to activate the yeast.
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil Adds richness and keeps the dough moist.
- 3/4 tsp salt Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar Tenderizes the dough and helps it rise.
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.
- 1 1/2 tbsp salted butter Melted, for brushing over the dough.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced; fresh garlic infuses the breadsticks with robust flavor.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated; adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese Shredded; melts into a gooey, delicious topping.
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ½ cup of the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add the remaining ¼ cup warm water, olive oil, salt, and white vinegar to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on medium-low speed using the dough hook attachment, or use a wooden spoon if mixing by hand. Gradually add in the flour, about ½ cup at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead for 4-5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside the oven to preheat.
- Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a large piece of parchment paper. Use your hands (or a rolling pin) to shape the dough into a rectangle about ⅓ inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together. Brush this garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Top with a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown.
- Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.