Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

I transform pizza dough into irresistible cheesy breadsticks—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfect for dipping in marinara or serving alongside pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this comes together—20 minutes from start to finish. The buttery garlic-infused dough topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan always disappears fast, especially with kids in the house. Plus, I can make the dough ahead and even freeze it, making these breadsticks a stress-free appetizer or side.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• Olive oil

• Butter (melted)

• Garlic (minced)

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 °F and move a rack to the lowest position.

2. Roll dough into a rectangle slightly smaller than your rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to a sheet brushed with olive oil. Valerie’s Kitchen

3. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, then spread over the dough.

4. Sprinkle half the Italian seasoning and salt evenly, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with the remaining seasoning.

5. Bake 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice into sticks using a pizza cutter. I make about 18 pieces with 6 cuts lengthwise and 3 crosswise.

Servings and timing

• Makes about 18 breadsticks

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use half dough for a smaller batch, wrapping the rest to freeze.

• Try different cheeses—Colby Jack, Provolone, or a mix with Asiago add great flavor.

• Add fresh herbs, garlic powder, or chili flakes for extra kick.

• Bake at 475 °F on a pre‑heated pizza stone for a crispier crust.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftover breadsticks in a sealed bag for up to one week. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven for crispiness or microwave briefly for convenience.

FAQs

How long can I store leftover breadsticks?

I store them refrigerated for up to 7 days in a sealed bag.

Can I freeze these breadsticks?

Yes—I freeze them after baking, then reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or oven.

What if I only want half the recipe?

I split the dough in half. One half becomes breadsticks; I freeze or use the other half later.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Definitely—I often use it for convenience. Just follow the same prep and bake times.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

I love marinara sauce, but ranch, garlic butter, pesto, or even Alfredo dipping sauce are delicious too.

Conclusion

I absolutely love how easy and crowd-pleasing these cheesy breadsticks are—perfectly golden, cheesy, and ready in 20 minutes. They’ve become a staple for casual dinners and parties in my kitchen.

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