These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough topped with melted cheese and rich garlic butter. With a golden, crispy crust and a gooey center, these breadsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer, a side dish for pasta, or just a delicious snack, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and sure to become a family favorite!
I love making these breadsticks whenever I have extra time on the weekend or when I’m planning a special Italian-themed dinner at home. There’s something about freshly baked, cheesy bread that’s so comforting and satisfying. The smell of garlic and melted cheese wafting through the house is simply irresistible. Plus, these breadsticks are so versatile! I’ve served them with marinara for dipping, alongside a hearty bowl of soup, or even with a salad for a lighter meal. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: With a straightforward dough recipe and only a few minutes of hands-on time, these breadsticks are easy enough for beginner bakers.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and two types of cheese makes every bite unforgettable.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and fluffy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy topping—breadstick heaven!
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even make a spicy version. These breadsticks are a great canvas for creativity.
- Family Favorite: Serve them with dinner, at parties, or as a snack—everyone loves cheesy garlic breadsticks!
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Yeast: Use active dry yeast for best results. If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
- Flour: Bread flour provides a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works well for a softer breadstick.
- Cheese: Try mixing in some sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy twist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
1. Make the Dough
Start by combining ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Give it a stir and let it rest for 5 minutes until the mixture looks foamy (this means your yeast is activated and ready to go).
Next, add the remaining ¼ cup warm water, 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of white vinegar. Begin mixing on medium-low speed, and gradually add 1 ½ to 2 cups of flour, adding just enough for the dough to come together. Knead for about 3-4 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky (but not too sticky that it clings to your fingers).
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape the Breadsticks
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Place a large piece of parchment paper on your countertop and transfer the dough onto it. Use your hands (or a rolling pin) to spread the dough out into a rectangle, about ⅓ inch thick. The dough should be easy to work with at this point, so just use your hands to stretch and shape it as needed.
3. Add the Toppings
In a small bowl, mix together 1 ½ tablespoons of melted salted butter and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the dough, making sure to get it all the way to the edges. Next, sprinkle 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough, followed by 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of these two cheeses will give you that perfect balance of flavor and gooey texture.
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside. The preheated stone will help create a crispy bottom crust on your breadsticks. Carefully transfer the dough (still on the parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
5. Serve
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 sauce, ranch, or even a side of garlic butter for an extra hit of flavor. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy garlic breadsticks are delicious on their own or paired with various dishes. Here’s how to enjoy them:
- Appetizer: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
- Side Dish: Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Snack: Enjoy as a quick, cheesy snack anytime you’re craving something savory.
- Pizza Night: Serve alongside your favorite pizza for an extra treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Allow the breadsticks to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled breadsticks individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place breadsticks on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quicker option.
Variations and Modifications
- Herb Garlic Breadsticks: Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley to the garlic butter.
- Spicy Cheesy Breadsticks: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks: Roll small strips of mozzarella into the edges of the dough to create gooey, cheese-stuffed breadsticks.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.
Final Note
These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are so satisfying and easy to make that you’ll want to have them on repeat! With a soft, fluffy dough, a generous amount of cheese, and a touch of garlic, they’re the perfect addition 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.