Cheese Breadsticks Recipe

Cheese breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food: warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these breadsticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They pair perfectly with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy dip. With a soft and fluffy texture, golden crust, and melted cheese topping, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these cheesy delights.
2. Versatile: Serve them alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes, or enjoy them as a snack.
3. Customizable: Use your favorite cheese, add herbs, or spice them up with red pepper flakes.
4. Irresistible: The combination of melted cheese and buttery bread is hard to beat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Breadsticks

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.
3. Cut into Strips:
   • Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips, approximately 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
4. Place on Baking Sheet:
   • Arrange the strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

1. Brush with Butter:
   • Brush the melted butter over each breadstick to create a golden crust.
2. Sprinkle Cheese and Seasonings:
   • Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt over the breadsticks.
3. Optional Add-Ons:
   • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh parsley before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Breadsticks

1. Bake Until Golden:
   • Place the breadsticks in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Cool Slightly:
   • Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

1. Dips:
   • Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
2. Pairings:
   • Enjoy alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo.
3. Party Appetizer:
   • Cut the breadsticks into smaller pieces for an easy-to-eat party snack.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Breadsticks

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast, high-quality cheese, and herbs will elevate the flavor.
2. Don’t Overbake: Watch the breadsticks closely to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
3. Make it Crispy: For a crispier texture, bake the breadsticks on a pizza stone.
4. Experiment with Cheeses: Mix mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor combination.

Variations

1. Stuffed Cheese Breadsticks:
   • Place a strip of string cheese inside the dough before rolling it into a breadstick shape.
2. Herb-Infused Dough:
   • Mix dried herbs like oregano or rosemary directly into the dough for added flavor.
3. Spicy Breadsticks:
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese topping.
4. Gluten-Free Version:
   • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the same steps.
5. Sweet Breadsticks:
   • Skip the garlic and cheese, and instead brush the dough with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well for this recipe if you’re short on time.

2. How can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the dough and shape the breadsticks in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I make these breadsticks vegan?

To make vegan cheese breadsticks, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

4. What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, but you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even feta for different flavors.

Why These Breadsticks Are Irresistible

These cheese breadsticks are everything you want in a snack or side dish: cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. The soft, fluffy dough combined with gooey melted cheese and the crisp edges makes them a surefire hit at any gathering. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Make a batch today and watch as these cheesy delights disappear in no time! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a party spread, these breadsticks will be the star of the table. Enjoy the aroma of fresh-baked bread and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen—it’s pure culinary magic!

Yield: 12 Breadsticks

Cheese Breadsticks Recipe

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Cheese breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food: warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these breadsticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They pair perfectly with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy dip. With a soft and fluffy texture, golden crust, and melted cheese topping, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Rising Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Topping:
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For Garnish:
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

3. Shape the Breadsticks

1. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 9x13 inches.
2. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Toppings

1. Brush the dough generously with melted butter.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the surface.
3. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Breadsticks

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Slice and Serve

1. Let the breadsticks cool for 5 minutes, then slice into strips using a pizza cutter or knife.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Cheese Variety: Mix it up with cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for a quick bake the next day.