Go Back
Homemade cheesy breadsticks on a baking sheet with golden bubbly mozzarella and garlic butter

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, buttery, and loaded with melty mozzarella. Made from a simple scratch dough, brushed with garlicky butter, and baked until golden. Perfect for pizza night, soups, pasta, or dipping into your favorite sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet; must be fresh and active
  • 1 cup warm water about 110 degrees F
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella freshly shredded melts best
  • 0.25 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese optional, for extra flavor
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes or flaky salt optional topping

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. If no foam appears, the yeast is inactive and needs to be replaced.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth, springy, and no longer sticky.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down risen dough and roll into a 9 by 13 inch rectangle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Brush dough generously with melted butter. Scatter minced garlic evenly over the surface, sprinkle Italian seasoning, then layer on the mozzarella and optional cheese.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and edges are browned. Brush with extra melted butter right out of the oven, slice into strips, and serve warm.

Notes

Make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature 30 minutes before baking. Freeze baked breadsticks wrapped tightly in foil for up to one month. Reheat at 350 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.