Let’s be honest: breadsticks are great. But cheesy breadsticks? They’re on another level. Soft, pillowy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter, then buried under a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly. They’re the ultimate pizza night side dish—or honestly, they could be the whole meal.
Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear before the pizza even arrives at the table. They’re easier to make than you think, and they’ll make you feel like a hero in your own kitchen. Let’s get cheesy.
Ingredients
For the Breadstick Dough (Makes 12 breadsticks):
- 3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup (60ml) warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups (200g) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- Warm marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead: Knead with a dough hook or by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. It should pass the windowpane test (stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing).
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 inch wide.
5. Second Rise: Place the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Preheat Oven: While the breadsticks rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
8. Make Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
9. Add Cheese: Remove the breadsticks from the oven. Brush immediately with the garlic butter. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Broil: Return to the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots. Watch carefully—it burns quickly.
11. Cool Slightly: Let the breadsticks cool for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro-Tips for Cheesy Breadstick Greatness
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own for that perfect gooey cheese pull.
- Don’t Overbake the Breadsticks: They’ll continue to cook slightly under the broiler. Pull them when they’re just lightly golden.
- Watch the Broiler: Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on it.
- Brush with Garlic Butter Immediately: Warm bread soaks up that garlic butter flavor best. Don’t wait.
- Serve Right Away: These are at their absolute best fresh from the oven while the cheese is still stretchy.
