Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks (Soft, Buttery & Better Than Takeout)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, cheesy breadsticks fresh from the oven. Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks deliver everything you love about restaurant-style breadsticks — soft centers, golden edges, garlicky butter, and layers of melty cheese — but made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.

These breadsticks are the ultimate side dish. They pair perfectly with pasta, soups, salads, and pizza night, yet they’re indulgent enough to steal the spotlight on their own. The best part? You don’t need advanced baking skills or hours of prep. With store-bought or homemade pizza dough, these cheesy breadsticks come together quickly and bake up beautifully every time.

Once you try making them at home, you’ll never want to order them again.

Why Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Are So Popular

Cheesy breadsticks have earned their place as a fan-favorite appetizer for a reason. They combine familiar flavors — bread, cheese, garlic, butter — in a way that feels indulgent but comforting. Making them at home gives you full control over texture, flavor, and cheese levels.

Homemade cheesy breadsticks are:

  • Softer and fresher than takeout
  • Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings
  • More affordable than ordering out
  • Perfect for sharing

They’re also incredibly versatile — serve them as an appetizer, side dish, snack, or party food.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Simple ingredients create incredible flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out dough into a rectangle or oval, about ¼-inch thick, directly on the parchment.
  3. Mix garlic butter by combining melted butter and minced garlic.
  4. Brush dough evenly with garlic butter, covering the entire surface.
  5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by parmesan.
  6. Season with Italian seasoning and salt.
  7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
  8. Cool slightly, then slice into breadsticks and garnish with parsley.

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks topped with garlic butter and melted cheese, baked until golden and irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 breadsticks
Course: Appetizer, Side
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pizza dough
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
  2. Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle.
  3. Brush dough with garlic butter.
  4. Top evenly with mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings.
  5. Bake until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
  6. Slice into breadsticks and serve warm.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara or garlic butter for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Breadsticks

  • Don’t overbake — soft centers are key
  • Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melt
  • Cut after baking to keep cheese intact
  • Serve warm for maximum cheese stretch

Easy Variations

  • Extra Cheesy Breadsticks – add provolone or Monterey Jack
  • Spicy Breadsticks – sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking
  • Cheddar Cheese Breadsticks – swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar
  • Stuffed Breadsticks – fold cheese inside before baking

What to Serve With Cheesy Breadsticks

These breadsticks are perfect with:

  • Marinara or pizza sauce
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Creamy tomato soup
  • Pasta dishes
  • Caesar salad

They also shine on appetizer boards or game-day spreads.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture
  • Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Using pizza dough ensures a soft, chewy interior while high heat creates golden edges. Garlic butter infuses flavor directly into the bread, and baking the cheese on top allows it to melt evenly without burning. The result is bakery-style cheesy breadsticks with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks are proof that the simplest recipes are often the most satisfying. Warm, buttery, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Once you make these at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered them out.

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