Absolutely! Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are the ultimate comfort sidekick to any pasta dish, soup, or salad. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy, chewy breadsticks dripping with garlic butter and loaded with melted cheese.
The Best Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
This recipe makes one pan of irresistible, homemade breadsticks that are far superior to anything you can get delivered.
Yields: 12-14 breadsticks
Prep time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes rising)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
· 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
· 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
· 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
· ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
· 4-5 large cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra punch)
· ¼ teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
· 1 ½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· A pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead:
· Stand Mixer: Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
· By Hand: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding a little more flour if it gets too sticky, until smooth and elastic. - First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping & Pan
- While the dough rises, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder (if using), and salt until combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet or jelly roll pan. Pour about 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the pan and spread it around.
Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks
- Punch Down: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air.
- Shape: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, gently press and stretch the dough to fit the entire pan, going all the way to the edges. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and then continue stretching. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Second Rise: Using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush, spread about half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add Cheese: Once risen, uncover the dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots, and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Final Butter Bath: As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, immediately spread the remaining half of the garlic butter mixture over the hot, cheesy breadsticks. This is the secret to an incredible flavor and shine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with a little extra chopped parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Let the breadsticks cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes (just enough so you don’t burn your mouth!), then use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice them into sticks.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Notes & Customizations
· Yeast Note: This recipe uses instant yeast, which you can mix directly with the flour. If you only have active dry yeast, proof it first: stir it into the warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, then proceed with the recipe.
· For a Crispier Bottom: For a slightly crisper bottom crust, bake the plain dough (without cheese) for 5-7 minutes first. Remove, add the cheese, and then bake for the remaining 10-12 minutes.
· Cheese Variations:
· Pepperoni: Add mini pepperoni under the cheese.
· Everything Bagel: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning after the final butter bath.
· Herb & Cheese: Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning to the dough or the butter topping.
· No Stand Mixer? No problem! Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out and knead by hand as directed.
· Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise in the bowl, punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching it into the pan for the second rise.
These breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor. They are the perfect side dish for any Italian feast