Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Cheese Bread Sticks are the perfect side dish or snack when you want something warm, gooey, and comforting. Soft, fluffy dough is topped with buttery garlic spread and a generous layer of melted cheese, then baked until golden brown and bubbly. Every bite delivers that classic pizzeria flavor—garlic, butter, cheese, and herbs—all wrapped up in tender breadsticks. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings, and pair beautifully with marinara sauce, ranch, or Alfredo for dipping. Whether you serve them with pasta, pizza night, or as a party appetizer, these cheesy bread sticks are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Garlic Cheese Bread Sticks – Cheesy, Buttery, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter, topped with melted cheese, and baked until golden brown for the ultimate cheesy side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Brush garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and breadsticks are golden brown.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and let cool slightly before slicing into sticks.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for variety.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) – The fluffy base for the bread sticks.
Butter – Brushed on top for richness and golden color.
Garlic (minced or garlic powder) – Infuses the bread sticks with savory flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – The main cheesy topping, melty and gooey.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a golden crust.
Italian seasoning – Brings herbaceous notes that complement the garlic and cheese.
Salt and black pepper – Enhances the flavors.
Fresh parsley – A garnish that adds color and freshness.
Optional dipping sauces – Marinara, Alfredo, or ranch.
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.
Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle or circle about ½-inch thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in garlic. Brush the garlic butter generously over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top, followed by Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the crust is cooked through. Remove from oven and cool for 2–3 minutes. Slice into bread stick shapes and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with dipping sauces.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 bread sticks. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and baking requires 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Freezing is also an option—freeze baked bread sticks in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Cheesy – Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños before baking.
Stuffed Bread Sticks – Fold cheese inside the dough before baking for gooey centers.
Garlic Herb Butter – Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme with the butter.
Bacon Lover’s Version – Add cooked bacon crumbles on top before baking.
Low-Carb Option – Use cauliflower crust as a base.
Vegan-Friendly – Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter.
Pizza-Style – Spread a thin layer of marinara before adding cheese.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in provolone or Monterey Jack adds richness.
Do I need a pizza stone?
No, a baking sheet works fine, though a pizza stone gives a crispier crust.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, garlic powder mixes well with melted butter and still delivers flavor.
How do I prevent soggy bread sticks?
Don’t overload with butter or cheese—balance is key.
Conclusion
Garlic Cheese Bread Sticks are cheesy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, they’re perfect for pairing with pasta, pizza, or enjoying on their own with a dipping sauce. With their golden crust, gooey cheese, and fragrant garlic butter, these bread sticks will quickly become a family favorite and a must-have at gatherings.