Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smell of cheesy garlic breadsticks baking in the oven—warm, golden, and bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness. These homemade breadsticks are soft on the inside, perfectly crisp on the edges, and smothered in melted cheese that stretches with every bite.

I first whipped these up on a whim during a pizza night at home, using leftover dough and a craving for something cheesy on the side. Now, they’re a permanent part of our menu—whether as a cozy appetizer, a snack for the kids, or a must-have side to soups and pastas.

What makes these breadsticks so great? They’re simple to make with pantry staples, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. These homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks hit that perfect comfort food note, without requiring hours in the kitchen.

First and foremost, they’re ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull these off. If you’ve got some flour, yeast, and cheese, you’re already halfway there.

They’re budget-friendly, too. Everything in this recipe is made from common ingredients—no fancy cheese or specialty dough needed. You’ll likely find everything already in your kitchen.

These breadsticks are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a party snack, a game-day crowd-pleaser, or a side dish for pasta, soup, or salad. You can even use them to scoop up marinara sauce or leftover chili.

And let’s not forget the best part—they're made with real, fresh ingredients. No preservatives, no mystery cheese, just pure, gooey deliciousness from your own oven.

Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to for pizza night, potlucks, or just when you're craving something warm and cheesy.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these breadsticks comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that come together in a big, bold way. Here's what you'll need to make them taste just right.

The flour forms the base of our dough. All-purpose flour works perfectly here, providing just the right texture: soft and chewy in the center, with a golden crust on the edges. If you have bread flour on hand, you can use it for a slightly chewier result, but it’s not required.

Yeast is essential to give our dough its rise and airy interior. I prefer using instant yeast for convenience—you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.

A generous dose of garlic brings the flavor front and center. I recommend using freshly minced garlic mixed into melted butter, which gets brushed all over the dough before baking. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives a deeper, more savory kick.

The cheese is where the magic happens. A blend of shredded mozzarella and parmesan is my go-to combo. Mozzarella gives that perfect stretchy melt, while parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the garlic beautifully.

You’ll also need olive oil, which helps keep the dough tender and adds a subtle richness. I use it both in the dough and to grease the baking pan for a perfectly crisp bottom.

No special equipment is required here—a simple baking sheet or pizza stone will do the trick. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it’ll make the kneading process quicker, but you can absolutely knead by hand if you prefer.

How To Make This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Making these cheesy garlic breadsticks is easier than you'd think. With just a little prep and patience, you'll have a pan of golden, melty goodness ready to serve.

Start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and a splash of olive oil. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. Then, add the flour and salt, and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead it on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is the perfect time to preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare your garlic butter.

While the dough rises, melt some butter and stir in your minced garlic. You can also mix in a little chopped parsley for a pop of freshness, though it’s optional. Set this aside—you’ll use it twice: once before baking and once right after the breadsticks come out of the oven.

Once your dough has risen, punch it down and press it into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan or onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. You want an even, flat layer. Use a pizza cutter or knife to gently score the dough into breadstick shapes—don’t cut all the way through, just mark where you'll separate them later.

Brush the dough generously with your garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle your mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the edges are crisp.

As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them again with the remaining garlic butter. Let them cool for a few minutes, then cut along the scored lines and serve warm. The whole process takes just over an hour, and the results are totally worth it.

Storage Options

Leftovers? Rare—but just in case, here’s how to store them. These cheesy garlic breadsticks hold up well for a couple of days and reheat beautifully.

Store any extra breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you'd like them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, where they'll keep for up to 4 days without losing too much texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the breadsticks. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months this way.

To reheat, place refrigerated or thawed breadsticks on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. This helps them regain that crispy edge and gooey center. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the texture won't be quite as crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you're adjusting to dietary needs or just playing around with flavors, there are tons of ways to switch it up.

For a spicier twist, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne over the cheese before baking. It adds a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese.

Want to go gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or mix. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for rising and baking, as texture and timing can vary.

You can also swap out the cheeses. Try cheddar for a sharper flavor, or add fontina or provolone for an extra gooey melt. A sprinkle of goat cheese or feta adds tang and elevates the flavor profile.

Herb it up! Mix Italian seasoning, chopped basil, or fresh rosemary into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for an herbal upgrade.

If you're short on time, you can even use store-bought pizza dough. It won’t have quite the same homemade charm, but it still delivers on cheesy, garlicky goodness in a pinch.

However you make them, these breadsticks are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.

Print