🧄🧀 Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Experience warm, golden garlic breadsticks loaded with melted cheese—perfect as a comforting appetizer, snack, or side. With homemade dough and a buttery, garlicky topping complemented by mozzarella and parmesan, they bring restaurant-style flavor to your table with ease.

Cooking Time

  • Prep: 20 min

  • Rising: 60 min

  • Bake: 12–15 min

  • Total: ~95 min

Ingredients

Dough

  • 360 ml warm water (~45 °C)

  • 2¼ tsp (1 packet) dry yeast

  • 1 Tbsp sugar

  • 440–500 g all‑purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 60 ml olive oil

Garlic Butter

  • 120 g unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)

  • ½ tsp dried basil (optional)

Topping

  • 150 g grated mozzarella

  • 30 g grated parmesan

  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)


Step‑by‑Step Cooking Directions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast on top. Wait 5–10 min until frothy.

  2. Make the Dough: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; stir into dough. Add more flour if sticky.

  3. Knead: On a floured surface, knead 5–7 min until smooth and elastic (or use a mixer).

  4. Let It Rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it double (~1 hr in a warm spot).

  5. Prep Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter, garlic, oregano, and basil.

  6. Shape Breadsticks: Roll out dough to ~1.25 cm thickness. Cut into strips and place on baking sheet.

  7. Add Toppings: Brush generously with garlic butter, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly.

  8. Bake: Preheat to 220 °C and bake 12–15 min until golden and bubbly.

  9. Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, serve warm with marinara or dip of choice.


Nutritional Information (per stick, approx.)

  • Calories: 180 kcal

  • Carbs: 23 g

  • Protein: 5 g

  • Fat: 8 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Notes: Estimated values; cheeses add calcium and iodine.


Origins & Popularity

Breadsticks have Italian roots, often served with soups and salads. Cheese-stuffed or topped versions echo cheesy garlic bread classics, beloved worldwide at pizzerias and family tables.


Reasons You’ll Love It

  • Ultra–cheesy and garlicky comfort food

  • Easy to make using basic pantry staples

  • Baked, not fried—light yet indulgent

  • Fun to share: perfect for get-togethers


Health Benefits

  • Offers protein and calcium from cheese

  • Garlic provides antioxidants and immune support

  • Homemade bread is free from preservatives

  • Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats


Serving Suggestions

  • Dip in marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto

  • Pair with soup (tomato, minestrone) or salad (Caesar, Caprese)

  • Serve alongside pasta dishes or grilled meats for a full meal


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overheating water (kills yeast)—keep ~45 °C

  • Under-kneading (results in dense dough)—knead well

  • Too much butter—excess may make sticks soggy

  • Baking without preheating—results in uneven bake


Pairing Recommendations

  • Red wines: Chianti, Sangiovese

  • White wine: Vermentino, crisp Pinot Grigio

  • Beer: Pilsner, light IPA

  • Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea


Cooking Tips

  • Optional chili flakes in butter for spicy twist

  • Tear breadsticks instead of cutting for rustic look

  • Brush a second layer of garlic butter halfway through baking

  • Make ahead by shaping and refrigerating overnight; bake fresh


Similar Recipes to Try

  • Stuffed breadsticks with pepperoni and cheese

  • Cheesy pull-apart monkey bread

  • Garlic knots with parmesan

  • Pesto and cheese pinwheels


Variations to Try

  • Herb variation: Use thyme, rosemary, or chives instead of oregano

  • Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese

  • Low‑carb option: Use cauliflower or almond flour for crust

  • Herby garlic swirl: Add a parsley–garlic swirl before baking


Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic – Rich in allicin, garlic supports heart health and immune function, and its aromatic flavor pairs beautifully with cheese.


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Conclusion

These homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks are a deliciously simple way to satisfy comfort food cravings. With their golden crust, oozy cheese, and garlic aroma, they’re an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and perfect for dipping, they elevate any meal or gathering.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I freeze them?
    Yes! Freeze cooled breadsticks in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 180 °C oven for 5–7 min.

  2. How to make them dairy‑free?
    Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter in garlic spread.

  3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
    Yes, replace up to half the flour for extra fiber.

  4. Do I need a stand mixer?
    No—hand mixing and kneading work fine.

  5. How do I know dough has risen enough?
    It should double in size and when poked, spring back slowly leaving a small indent.

  6. Can I bake flatbread instead?
    Yes, skip the cutting—bake as one flat sheet and slice after baking.

  7. What’s the best dip?
    Classic marinara, pesto, or garlic–herb dip work wonderfully.

  8. Can I make mini sticks?
    Absolutely—cut thinner for finger-food size.

  9. How to get extra crisp?
    Bake on a preheated pizza stone or metal sheet.

  10. How to reheat leftovers?
    Warm in 180 °C oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly.