Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: The Easiest, Cheesy Recipe EVER

Homemade cheesy breadsticks: ah, the aroma alone transports us back to Sunday dinners in Nonna’s kitchen! There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked dough, garlic, and melting cheese wafting through the air. These simple delights were always a favorite and that’s why we want to share this recipe with you! They’re the perfect side for pasta and are sure to be a family favorite. Whip up these homemade cheesy breadsticks for your next comforting meal. Trust us, they won’t last long! 

Why You Will Love This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: The Easiest, Cheesy Recipe EVER

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: The Easiest, Cheesy Recipe EVER
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: The Easiest, Cheesy Recipe EVER 6

Homemade cheesy breadsticks are an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own, these breadsticks are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 16 breadsticks
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition:
Calories: 180
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 8g

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (105 to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast (one packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  8. Roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the dough.
  9. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter.
  10. Cut the dough into 1 inch wide strips. Twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, use a good quality mozzarella cheese. You can also substitute other cheeses, such as provolone or asiago. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to your liking.

These aren’t your average store bought breadsticks, dear friends. Our homemade cheesy breadsticks recipe is pure comfort food, plain and simple. They’re surprisingly quick to make. The aroma of garlic and cheese baking in the oven? Irresistible. Every bite is an explosion of flavor. They’re incredibly easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and herbs. Remember when Maria’s grandkids requested these every time they came to visit? We’d bake batches upon batches, and there were never any leftovers!

Ingredients Needed for This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious breadsticks. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single herb; feel free to experiment with what you’ve got in the pantry!

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm water (105 to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast (one packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a tray of warm, cheesy breadsticks in no time.

  1. 1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  1. 2. Add the olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  1. 3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes.

  1. 4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  1. 5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  1. 6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  1. 7. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

homemade cheesy breadsticks - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

  1. 8. Roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the dough.
  1. 9. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter.
  1. 10. Cut the dough into 1 inch wide strips. Twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  1. 11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  1. 12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Serve these homemade cheesy breadsticks alongside your favorite Italian dishes! They are perfect with spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or a simple salad. You can also dip them in marinara sauce or ranch dressing. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! For a delightful main course, complement these breadsticks with our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage, a flavor combination that promises satisfaction.

How to Store This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

To store leftover breadsticks, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. Reheating them in the air fryer may also work.

Tips to Make This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

  • For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses. Try adding provolone, asiago, or fontina.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Don’t over bake the breadsticks, or they will become dry.
  • If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a little more flour.
  • Brush with another coat of garlic butter when they come out of the oven for extra garlicky flavor.

Helpful Notes for This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Remember, the warmth of the water is crucial for activating the yeast, but don’t make it hot! Too hot, and it will kill the yeast. Also, high gluten flour can give your breadsticks a chewier texture, but all purpose will work just fine.

Also, feel free to experiment by adding other flavorings to the dough. Sometimes we like to add a little rosemary or thyme. You can get some good cheesy flavor and make these an equally cheesy experience!

Variation of This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

  • Spicy Breadsticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick. Or, use our cheesy garlic chicken wraps as a source of inspiration and add some chicken for a savory twist.
  • Herb Breadsticks: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter.
  • Pesto Breadsticks: Spread pesto over the dough instead of garlic butter.
  • Everything Bagel Breadsticks: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.

FAQs About This Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

How do I make homemade cheesy breadsticks soft?

To make your breadsticks soft, ensure you don’t over-bake them. Brush them with melted butter immediately after baking, and consider adding a touch of milk powder to the dough for extra tenderness.

Can I freeze homemade cheesy breadsticks?

Yes, you can freeze them! Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm.

What kind of cheese is best for homemade cheesy breadsticks?

Mozzarella is a classic choice, offering great melting and a mild flavor. You can also experiment with Parmesan, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste.

How long do homemade cheesy breadsticks last?

Homemade cheesy breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but will typically last for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, or approximately 1 week in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these homemade cheesy breadsticks as much as we do! They are a simple, yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to customize them to your liking and add your own personal touch. From our kitchen to yours, *buon appetito*! We know you and your family will just love these homemade cheesy breadsticks.

Maria Rossi

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