Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
A Soft, Buttery, Cheesy Must-Have for Any Meal
There’s something magical about the aroma of warm, freshly baked bread coming from your oven, especially when it’s smothered in cheese and brushed with garlic butter.
These Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are a soft, golden, and irresistibly cheesy side dish that works perfectly with pasta, soup, pizza night, or even as a quick snack.
Made completely from scratch and freezer-friendly, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love These Breadsticks
- Soft and fluffy with a golden crust
- Topped with melted cheese and brushed with garlic butter
- Freezer-friendly—make a batch and bake later
- Ideal for dipping in marinara, garlic sauce, or soup
- Pairs perfectly with everything from pasta to party platters
Ingredients (Yields 12 Breadsticks)
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own cheesy breadsticks at home:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix with cheddar if desired)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy. Add in olive oil, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Add the remaining flour, a bit at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
🔹 Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
🔹 Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch the dough down and roll it out into a large rectangle (roughly 9×13 inches). Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut the dough into 12 strips, but don’t separate them. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
🔹 Step 4: Second Rise
Loosely cover the dough and let it rise again for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
🔹 Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
🔹 Step 6: Garlic Butter Finish
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the warm breadsticks as soon as they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.
How to Serve Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks
These cheesy breadsticks are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- With pasta dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, or fettuccine
- Alongside a bowl of broccoli cheese soup or tomato soup
- As an appetizer with marinara or ranch dipping sauce
- Next to a homemade pizza for a full-on pizza night experience
- As a snack on game day, party night, or just because
Storage and Freezer Tips
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
- To freeze: Freeze after the first bake (before garlic butter) in an airtight bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with garlic butter.
Final Bite: Why You’ll Be Making These on Repeat
These Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks aren’t just a side—they’re the first thing everyone reaches for at the table.
They’re buttery, cheesy, fluffy, and completely customizable. With simple ingredients and freezer-friendly flexibility, they’re an easy way to upgrade any meal.
Save this recipe—you’ll be coming back to it again and again.
