Cheesy garlic breadsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish, perfect for pizza nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving something warm and cheesy.
Made with soft pizza dough, buttery garlic seasoning, and a blend of melty mozzarella and Parmesan, these breadsticks are packed with flavor and have the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.
Whether served with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or your favorite dip, they’re a simple yet irresistible treat that’s easy to make at home.
Plus, with endless customization options, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Marinara sauce or garlic butter, for dipping
Preparation
Preheat the oven:
Temperature: 425°F (220°C)
Rack position: Middle rack
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Roll out the dough:
Lightly dust your work surface with flour.
Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick).
Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add the savory twist:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Brush this mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Add the cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the buttered dough.
Follow with a layer of grated Parmesan.
Optional: Add fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
5. Slice the dough:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
You can leave the strips in place — they’ll bake together but separate easily after baking.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the edges are crispy.
7. Cool and serve:
Let the breadsticks cool for 5 minutes before gently separating them.
Serve warm with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping.
Tips:
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes — but keep an eye on them!
Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend if you want to mix things up.
Let me know how they turn out — or if you want more twists on this recipe
To store cheesy garlic breadsticks, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in foil.
They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft and chewy instead of crispy.
For a fun twist on classic cheesy garlic breadsticks, try using different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend for extra flavor.
Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or chopped olives for a unique touch.
If you love herbs, sprinkle fresh basil or rosemary on top before baking.
To make stuffed breadsticks, place a strip of cheese inside each dough strip and seal the edges before baking.
For a crispier texture, brush the edges with extra melted butter and broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for delicious dipping options!
The nutritional content of cheesy garlic breadsticks depends on portion size and ingredients, but a typical breadstick contains around 150–200 calories.
Each serving provides approximately 15–20 grams of carbohydrates from the dough, 8–12 grams of fat from the butter and cheese, and 5–7 grams of protein from the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Sodium content can be moderate to high due to the cheese and seasoning, so consider using low-sodium ingredients if needed.
For a lighter version, use whole wheat dough, reduce the cheese, or bake with less butter.
Pairing with a fresh salad or veggie-based dip can help balance the meal.