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Warm Cheesy Breadsticks Delight

These homemade cheesy breadsticks feature a soft, elastic dough enriched with melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The dough is allowed to rise until doubled in size, then topped generously with mozzarella and optional cheddar or Gruyère. After baking until golden and bubbly, the breadsticks are perfect warm, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, while garlic imparts a savory aroma. This easy method yields a flavorful dish ideal for sharing as an appetizer or side.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:50:43 GMT
A plate of cheesy breadsticks. Save
A plate of cheesy breadsticks. | foodiffy.com

These homemade cheesy breadsticks are my favorite go-to when I want something comforting and easy to share. They come together quickly and fill the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread and melted cheese. Perfect alongside dinner or as a party snack, these breadsticks hit all the right notes from soft dough to golden cheesy tops.

I remember making these last minute for a family game night and everyone kept reaching for more. They quickly became the star of the evening and a recipe I keep coming back to.

Ingredients

  • Active dry yeast: brings the dough to life and creates that perfect rise. Make sure it’s fresh for best results
  • Warm water: wakes the yeast gently so it activates without killing it. About body temperature feels just right
  • Sugar: feeds the yeast to give a great rise and a slight background sweetness
  • All-purpose flour: makes a soft but sturdy dough. Freshly measured always helps with texture
  • Salt: balances the flavor in the bread, never skip it
  • Olive oil: adds a subtle richness and keeps the breadsticks tender
  • Shredded mozzarella: is classic melty goodness that stretches and browns beautifully. Choose a full-fat variety for best melt
  • Cheddar or Gruyère: add flavor complexity if you want to mix cheeses. Use fresh cheese for best taste
  • Unsalted butter: brushed on top creates that golden shiny finish and adds richness
  • Minced garlic: mixed in the butter gives aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with the cheese
  • Italian seasoning: adds herby notes, a mix of oregano and basil works perfectly
  • Optional red pepper flakes or flaky salt: on top give a nice kick or crunch for finishing touches

Instructions

Build The Yeast Starter:
In a large mixing bowl combine warm water sugar and yeast. Let this sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until it foams on top. This shows the yeast is activated and ready to work.
Make And Knead The Dough:
Add flour salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to bring everything together into a shaggy dough. Turn it out onto a clean surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth stretchy and slightly tacky. Kneading develops the gluten for structure.
First Rise:
Lightly oil the bowl and return the dough inside. Cover with a clean towel and place in a warm spot. Let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes until it doubles in size. This step is key for light tender breadsticks.
Shape And Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough into about a nine by thirteen inch rectangle. Transfer the dough carefully to your baking sheet.
Flavor And Cheese:
Brush the dough surface generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly across the top then cover with shredded mozzarella and the optional cheddar or Gruyère if using.
Bake To Golden Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and golden brown edges as your cue that they are ready.
Finish And Serve:
If you like, brush another layer of melted butter over the hot breadsticks for extra flavor and shine. Slice into sticks and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara ranch or garlic sauce.
Homemade cheesy breadsticks on a wooden board.
Homemade cheesy breadsticks on a wooden board. | foodiffy.com

When I think of these breadsticks I always remember my grandmother’s kitchen where garlic and melted cheese meant comfort and gathering. They never lasted long at our family meals and now I love passing on that joy.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft or refrigerate for up to 4 days though they will dry out a bit. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispness and melty cheese feel.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap out mozzarella entirely for provolone or fontina for a different cheese twist. Whole wheat flour can replace some of the all-purpose for a nuttier flavor though it may change texture slightly. Butter can be substituted with olive oil brushed on top for a lighter finish.

Serving Ideas

These breadsticks are excellent with simple sides like a fresh green salad or alongside pasta dishes. They make a tasty base for quick pizzas or paired with soup for a cozy meal. Try a spicy marinara dipping sauce or a cooling ranch if you want variety.

A plate of cheesy breadsticks.
A plate of cheesy breadsticks. | foodiffy.com

These cheesy breadsticks bring warmth and comfort to any table and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How can I ensure the breadsticks are soft?

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise completely until doubled; this develops gluten and moisture for a soft texture.

→ What cheeses work best for topping?

Mozzarella is ideal for meltiness, while cheddar or Gruyère add extra flavor if desired.

→ Can I make the crust crispier?

Brush olive oil on the dough before baking to achieve a crisper crust on the breadsticks.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these breadsticks?

Classic choices include marinara, ranch, or a garlic-based sauce that complements the cheesy and herby flavors.

→ Is it necessary to let the dough rise for an hour?

Allowing the dough to rise until doubled ensures a light, airy crumb inside the breadsticks.

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, cheesy breadsticks with garlic and Italian herbs, ideal served warm with dipping sauces.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: ~

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: Italian-American

Portion Size: 8 Number of Servings (8 breadsticks)

Dietary Options: Good for Vegetarians

Ingredients Required

→ Dough

01 7 g active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 240 ml warm water (approximately 43°C)
03 5 g granulated sugar
04 312 g all-purpose flour
05 5 g salt
06 30 ml olive oil

→ Toppings

07 170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
08 30 g shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese (optional)
09 45 g unsalted butter, melted
10 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 5 g Italian seasoning
12 Pinch of red pepper flakes or flaky salt (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface becomes foamy.

Step 02

Incorporate flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Stir to combine until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 03

Cover the dough with a clean towel. Place in a warm environment and let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes until doubled in volume.

Step 04

Set the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 05

Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 23 cm by 33 cm. Transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning, followed by shredded mozzarella and optional cheddar or Gruyère cheese.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.

Step 08

Optionally brush with additional melted butter. Slice into breadsticks and serve warm alongside preferred dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For a crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil before baking. Adding a pinch of garlic powder to the dough enhances flavor. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 280
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 12 g