Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

There's something magical about the smell of cheesy garlic breadsticks baking in the oven. The aroma of melted cheese, roasted garlic, and warm bread is enough to pull everyone straight into the kitchen before dinner is even on the table.

I first whipped these up on a whim during a Friday night pizza night when I had leftover dough and a craving for something extra garlicky. Since then, these homemade breadsticks have earned a permanent spot in our rotation—they’re quick to make, impossible to resist, and pair perfectly with just about any meal.

Whether you're serving them as a side, a snack, or even a party appetizer, these cheesy garlic breadsticks are about to become your new go-to comfort food. Let’s dive into what makes them so special.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

These breadsticks aren't just a crowd-pleasing side dish—they're downright addictive. Here's why you'll want to make them again and again.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you'll have warm, gooey breadsticks ready in under 30 minutes (if you're using pre-made dough). It’s the perfect shortcut recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Budget-friendly and pantry-ready, this recipe uses ingredients you likely already have on hand—flour, garlic, cheese, butter, and a few seasonings. That means you can whip up a batch anytime without a trip to the store.

They’re also super versatile. Use homemade or store-bought pizza dough, switch up the cheeses, or add herbs like rosemary or oregano to tailor them to your tastes. They’re as flexible as they are delicious.

And finally, these breadsticks are a family favorite. Picky eaters? No problem. Kids and adults alike will go back for seconds—and thirds. They’re great for dipping in marinara, ranch, or even as a companion to soup or salad.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that bring these cheesy garlic breadsticks to life.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe keeps things simple, but each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible cheesy, garlicky flavor and perfect texture.

Pizza dough is the base of these breadsticks. You can use homemade dough if you’re feeling ambitious, or grab a ball of fresh dough from the grocery store to save time. Either way, you'll want dough that’s soft, stretchy, and easy to shape.

Shredded mozzarella cheese brings that classic gooey, melty texture we all love in breadsticks. I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor and best melt. Feel free to mix in a little cheddar or provolone for extra depth.

Fresh garlic is what gives these breadsticks their bold, savory kick. I like to grate or finely mince the garlic and mix it into melted butter for a more intense infusion of flavor. If you're short on time, garlic powder works too—just adjust to taste.

Salted butter is brushed over the dough both before and after baking to create that golden, flavorful crust. I like to add a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried parsley for a touch of color and herbaceousness.

You'll also need a baking sheet or pizza stone, parchment paper, and a pastry brush to help evenly spread that delicious garlic butter. A pizza cutter makes slicing into perfect sticks a breeze once they’re out of the oven.

How To Make This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Making these breadsticks from scratch couldn’t be simpler, and the process is as satisfying as the final result. Here’s how to do it.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a rough rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Next, melt your butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and any dried herbs you're using. Brush about half of the mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to cover the edges too.

Now comes the cheesy magic. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella all over the dough, pressing it down lightly so it sticks. For extra cheesiness, you can layer in some Parmesan or cheddar as well.

Bake the dough for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, and the edges of the dough are crisp and browned. Keep an eye on it during the last couple of minutes to make sure the cheese doesn’t over-brown.

As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. This final touch adds even more flavor and gives them that mouthwatering shine. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes, then slice into sticks using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

From start to finish, this recipe takes around 25 minutes. Once you smell the buttery garlic goodness coming from your oven, you’ll know they’re almost ready—and totally worth the wait.

Storage Options

These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely store leftovers for later.

To keep them soft and flavorful, place cooled breadsticks in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll last on the counter for about 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze them, wrap each breadstick individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just reheat straight from frozen—no need to thaw.

When reheating, the oven is your best friend. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that toasty crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this cheesy garlic breadsticks recipe is how customizable it is. There are countless ways to make it your own.

If you’re short on mozzarella, swap in other cheeses like shredded Monterey Jack, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of kick. Parmesan on top adds a salty bite and crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Want a gluten-free option? Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough—just be sure to follow any specific baking instructions that come with it. The results are still delicious and just as cheesy.

For an herby twist, add fresh basil, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is also a great way to turn up the heat if you like a little spice.

If you're vegan or dairy-free, swap out the butter for olive oil and use plant-based cheese alternatives. Garlic-infused olive oil works beautifully in this recipe and still gives you that rich, savory flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Once you have the basic method down, these breadsticks are a blank canvas for your favorite flavors and toppings.

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