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Cheese Breadsticks | Soft, Cheesy & Irresistible

Few things are more comforting than fresh, warm breadsticks straight from the oven—especially when they’re loaded with gooey cheese and brushed with garlic butter. These Cheese Breadsticks are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and finished with melty mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian herbs. Perfect for serving with marinara sauce, creamy dips, or alongside pasta, soups, and salads, these breadsticks turn any meal into a cozy feast. They’re easy to make from scratch and taste even better than your favorite restaurant version!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Bake & rise time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 cup warm water 110°F / 45°C
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using stand mixer)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Clean kitchen towel (for rising dough)
  • Baking sheet or 9x13-inch pan
  • Pastry brush
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the yeast
  1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the dough
  1. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a soft dough forms.
  2. Knead on a floured surface (or with a mixer) for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First rise
  1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the breadsticks
  1. Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle.
  2. Place on greased baking sheet.
  3. Brush with melted butter.
Step 5: Add cheese & herbs
  1. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
  2. Slice into strips with a pizza cutter but keep pieces together for baking.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Cool slightly, then pull apart breadsticks. Serve warm with marinara or garlic butter for dipping.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in airtight bag up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap in foil before reheating.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Stuffed Cheese Breadsticks: Fold dough over extra cheese before baking.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños with cheese topping.
Garlic Lovers’ Breadsticks: Double garlic powder and brush with garlic butter after baking.
Italian Style: Use provolone or asiago cheese for more depth.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat.
Herb Blend: Use Italian seasoning instead of individual herbs.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, skip the proofing step and mix directly into flour.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, kneading by hand works perfectly.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but fresh mozzarella melts better.
Do these taste like pizza breadsticks?
Yes—especially when dipped in marinara.
Can I make dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate overnight and bake the next day.
Can I use bread flour?
Yes, it makes breadsticks chewier.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have been expired or water too hot.
Can I skip herbs?
Yes, but they add great flavor.
Can I make mini breadsticks?
Yes, divide dough smaller and reduce bake time by a few minutes.
Do kids enjoy these?
Absolutely—cheesy, dippable, and fun to eat!
🏁 Conclusion
These Cheese Breadsticks are warm, soft, and irresistibly cheesy, making them the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Paired with marinara or garlic butter, they’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in.
Bake a batch today, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought breadsticks again!