If you’ve ever craved a warm, melty, and utterly delicious snack, you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe. These breadsticks bring together the perfect combination of soft, pillowy pizza dough and ooey-gooey mozzarella, all seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a cozy movie night snack, or a quick side dish, these cheesy breadsticks are guaranteed to disappear fast and have everyone asking for the recipe. The best part? They’re made with just a handful of simple ingredients, and the oven does most of the work, delivering a golden, cheesy delight in just 15 minutes of baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a role, from the dough’s softness to the buttery garlic coating and the rich, melty cheese that steals the show.
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough: The base of your breadsticks provides that soft and chewy texture everybody loves.
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Coats the dough with rich flavor and helps the seasoning stick perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves: Adds that irresistible savory punch that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend or dried basil: Brings an herby, aromatic dimension that elevates each bite.
- 1 and 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show—gooey, stretchy, and golden when baked.
- Optional: sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan: Helps prevent sticking and adds a slight crunch to the bottom of the breadsticks.
- Optional: marinara or pizza sauce for dipping: For that classic pairing that makes each bite even better.
How to Make Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roll the Dough
Begin by preparing your pizza dough according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought for convenience. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles that might create uneven breadsticks. Divide the dough in half if you want to save some for later—this recipe shows how versatile this dough can be. Roll your portion out on a lightly floured surface into a 9 by 13-inch rectangle. It’s okay if the shape isn’t perfect; just try to keep the thickness even for uniform baking.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
Mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic) and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. This flavorful blend will soak into the dough and infuse every bite with rich garlic goodness and aromatic herbs. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough surface, making sure you cover all edges.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now comes the fun part—sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of your butter-coated dough. The mozzarella will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that makes these breadsticks absolutely addictive. Be generous but ensure an even layer so every breadstick has that perfect cheesy stretch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your prepared dough on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or dusted with cornmeal for easy cleanup and a subtle crunch). Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch, turn the oven to broil during the last minute or two, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once baked, let your cheesy breadsticks cool for a few minutes, then slice them into 16 small sticks or however large you prefer. Serve them warm, either plain or with your favorite marinara or pizza dipping sauce. Your guests will be swooning over these!
How to Serve Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or enhance these breadsticks with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil. These little finishing touches bring a fresh pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks make a fantastic partner for virtually any Italian-inspired meal. Pair them with a classic Caesar salad for a light contrast or alongside spaghetti and meatballs for a hearty, comforting meal. They also work wonderfully beside a warm bowl of soup or chili for dipping and dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your breadsticks in a basket lined with a red-checked napkin, perfect for sharing at a casual gathering. You can also stack them neatly on a platter with small ramekins of different dipping sauces like ranch, pesto, or garlic butter to let everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store your breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them well sealed helps maintain their soft texture and cheesy flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual breadsticks or a batch tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen breadsticks back to life, pop them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until warm and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the breadsticks slightly crispy on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time while still delivering soft and flavorful breadsticks.
Is it possible to make these breadsticks gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative when making this recipe. Just check the packaging or recipe instructions for baking adjustments.
Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Definitely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or a blend to suit your tastes.
How do I make the breadsticks extra crispy?
For crispier edges, sprinkle some cornmeal on your baking surface and broil the breadsticks for the last minute or two, watching carefully to avoid burning.
What dipping sauces go best with these breadsticks?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto also complement the flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy to make and brings such joyful, comforting flavors to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, these breadsticks hit all the right notes of cheesy, garlicky goodness with a soft, satisfying bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!
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Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 small breadsticks
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These easy cheesy breadsticks are made from simple homemade or store-bought pizza dough, layered with melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and generous mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection in just 15 minutes, they make an irresistible side dish or snack. You can freeze the dough or leftover breadsticks for convenience, making this recipe both delicious and practical.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend or dried basil
- 1 and 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional
- Sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Punch down the risen pizza dough to release air bubbles and divide it in half. Use one half to make these breadsticks and save the other half for another use or freeze it according to your dough recipe.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to heat up while you prepare the breadsticks.
- Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper/silicone mat dusted with cornmeal, roll out the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly rectangular as the dough tends to want to be round.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder (or minced garlic) and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
- Bake: Place the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. For extra browning, switch your oven to broil mode for the last minute if desired.
- Slice and serve: Cut the baked dough into 16 small breadsticks. Serve warm plain or with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Store leftovers: Keep leftover breadsticks in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. Reheat before serving as preferred.
Notes
- Dough can be homemade or store-bought; freezing instructions for dough depend on your dough recipe.
- Optional cornmeal dusting prevents sticking and adds texture but can be skipped.
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice golden-brown top but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover breadsticks freeze well and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
