Let’s be honest: breadsticks are great. But cheesy breadsticks? They’re on another level. Soft, pillowy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter, then buried under a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly. They’re the ultimate pizza night side dish—or honestly, they could be the whole meal.
Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear before the pizza even arrives at the table. They’re easier to make than you think, and they’ll make you feel like a hero in your own kitchen. Let’s get cheesy.
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead
Knead with a dough hook or by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. It should pass the windowpane test (stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing).
First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips, each about 1 inch wide.
Second Rise
Place the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat Oven
While the breadsticks rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake
Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
Make Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
Add Cheese
Remove the breadsticks from the oven. Brush immediately with the garlic butter. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Broil
Return to the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots. Watch carefully—it burns quickly.
Cool Slightly
Let the breadsticks cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro-Tips for Cheesy Breadstick Greatness
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own for that perfect gooey cheese pull.
- Don’t Overbake the Breadsticks: They’ll continue to cook slightly under the broiler. Pull them when they’re just lightly golden.
- Watch the Broiler: Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on it.
- Brush with Garlic Butter Immediately: Warm bread soaks up that garlic butter flavor best. Don’t wait.
- Serve Right Away: These are at their absolute best fresh from the oven while the cheese is still stretchy.
