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
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Prep: 20 min
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Rising: 60 min
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Bake: 12–15 min
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Total: ~95 min
Ingredients
Dough
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360 ml warm water (~45 °C)
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) dry yeast
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1 Tbsp sugar
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440–500 g all‑purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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60 ml olive oil
Garlic Butter
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120 g unsalted butter, melted
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
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½ tsp dried basil (optional)
Topping
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150 g grated mozzarella
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30 g grated parmesan
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1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step‑by‑Step Cooking Directions
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Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast on top. Wait 5–10 min until frothy.
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Make the Dough: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; stir into dough. Add more flour if sticky.
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Knead: On a floured surface, knead 5–7 min until smooth and elastic (or use a mixer).
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Let It Rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it double (~1 hr in a warm spot).
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Prep Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter, garlic, oregano, and basil.
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Shape Breadsticks: Roll out dough to ~1.25 cm thickness. Cut into strips and place on baking sheet.
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Add Toppings: Brush generously with garlic butter, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly.
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Bake: Preheat to 220 °C and bake 12–15 min until golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, serve warm with marinara or dip of choice.
Nutritional Information (per stick, approx.)
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Calories: 180 kcal
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Carbs: 23 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 8 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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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
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Ultra–cheesy and garlicky comfort food
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Easy to make using basic pantry staples
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Baked, not fried—light yet indulgent
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Fun to share: perfect for get-togethers
Health Benefits
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Offers protein and calcium from cheese
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Garlic provides antioxidants and immune support
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Homemade bread is free from preservatives
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Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats
Serving Suggestions
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Dip in marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or pesto
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Pair with soup (tomato, minestrone) or salad (Caesar, Caprese)
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Serve alongside pasta dishes or grilled meats for a full meal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overheating water (kills yeast)—keep ~45 °C
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Under-kneading (results in dense dough)—knead well
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Too much butter—excess may make sticks soggy
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Baking without preheating—results in uneven bake
Pairing Recommendations
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Red wines: Chianti, Sangiovese
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White wine: Vermentino, crisp Pinot Grigio
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Beer: Pilsner, light IPA
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Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea
Cooking Tips
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Optional chili flakes in butter for spicy twist
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Tear breadsticks instead of cutting for rustic look
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Brush a second layer of garlic butter halfway through baking
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Make ahead by shaping and refrigerating overnight; bake fresh
Similar Recipes to Try
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Stuffed breadsticks with pepperoni and cheese
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Cheesy pull-apart monkey bread
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Garlic knots with parmesan
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Pesto and cheese pinwheels
Variations to Try
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Herb variation: Use thyme, rosemary, or chives instead of oregano
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Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese
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Low‑carb option: Use cauliflower or almond flour for crust
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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
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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. -
How to make them dairy‑free?
Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter in garlic spread. -
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to half the flour for extra fiber. -
Do I need a stand mixer?
No—hand mixing and kneading work fine. -
How do I know dough has risen enough?
It should double in size and when poked, spring back slowly leaving a small indent. -
Can I bake flatbread instead?
Yes, skip the cutting—bake as one flat sheet and slice after baking. -
What’s the best dip?
Classic marinara, pesto, or garlic–herb dip work wonderfully. -
Can I make mini sticks?
Absolutely—cut thinner for finger-food size. -
How to get extra crisp?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or metal sheet. -
How to reheat leftovers?
Warm in 180 °C oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly.