There's nothing better than warm, cheesy garlic breadsticks fresh from the oven. With their golden, crispy edges and gooey, melted cheese, these breadsticks are the perfect side for pasta night, soup dinners, or even as a standalone snack. The best part? This homemade version is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
I first made these cheesy garlic breadsticks when I was craving something warm and comforting but didn't want to order takeout. After a few tweaks to get the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and cheese, this recipe became an instant favorite in my house. Now, they make a regular appearance on our dinner table, especially when we're in the mood for something quick, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, cheesy, and irresistibly garlicky breadstick recipe. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these breadsticks are a guaranteed hit.
First, they're super simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you'll have warm, cheesy breadsticks ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
They also have the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. The golden-brown crust pairs perfectly with the gooey, cheesy topping.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? This recipe uses everyday ingredients like flour, cheese, garlic, and butter, making it a much more affordable alternative to ordering garlic bread from a restaurant.
Finally, these breadsticks are incredibly versatile. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even alongside a bowl of homemade soup. You can also experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a mouthwatering flavor and texture.
Pizza dough forms the base of these breadsticks. You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough adds an extra level of freshness and flavor. If making your own, be sure to let it rise properly for the best texture.
Garlic butter is key to achieving that rich, garlicky flavor. A mix of melted butter and minced garlic is brushed over the dough before baking, infusing every bite with delicious aroma and taste.
Mozzarella cheese gives the breadsticks their signature gooey, cheesy topping. For the best melt, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mild mozzarella. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top enhances the flavor and helps create that perfect golden-brown crust.
Italian seasoning brings everything together, adding depth and a touch of herbaceousness. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
How To Make These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Making these cheesy garlic breadsticks is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have the ultimate cheesy snack ready in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, roll out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a rectangle or circle, about ¼ inch thick, and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Next, make the garlic butter by melting butter in a small bowl and mixing in minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface. This step is crucial for infusing the breadsticks with a bold garlic flavor.
Now, it's time for the cheese topping. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the dough, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan. For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning and a dash of salt.
Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, let them cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into strips. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these breadsticks store well and taste just as delicious when reheated.
For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the breadsticks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch things up based on your preferences and dietary needs.
For a healthier option, try using whole wheat pizza dough instead of regular white flour dough. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and extra fiber.
If you love extra garlic flavor, add roasted garlic to the butter mixture or sprinkle garlic powder over the cheese before baking.
Want to spice things up? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a slight kick, or mix in some cayenne pepper with the garlic butter.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors—cheddar, gouda, or provolone all work beautifully in place of or in combination with mozzarella.
No matter how you customize them, these homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and let me know your favorite way to enjoy them!
PrintHomemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Make the best homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks with this easy recipe! These breadsticks are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese and garlic butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side for pasta and pizza nights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle and place it on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, then brush it over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the dough.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then slice into breadsticks.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake directly on a pizza stone.
- Add more cheese for an extra gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Leave a Reply