Cheese Breadsticks are the ultimate dippers and a perfect side to pastas, salads, and soups.
When everybody’s out for the night and I’m on my own contemplating what is now called “girl dinner,” it’s always some combination of bread and cheese—that combo is my absolute favorite. It used to be a choice between a baguette and Brie or a bagel and cream cheese, but this recipe for cheese breadsticks has changed all that. Now these crispy-crusted, gooey treats are the only bread and cheese pairing for me.
Cheese breadsticks are kind of like a pizza, kind of like garlic bread, and kind of like an open toasted cheese sandwich, and yet despite similarities to all three, they are their own very unique and individual thing. Although they start out with a pizza dough, there’s no sauce between the melty cheeses and the crust. The garlic butter is a perfect note between the dough and the cheese, but it’s not the main event. And while they do brown like a toasted cheese, cheese breadsticks are much more pillowy, soft, and chewy. And the taste? Salty and tangy from the mozzarella, nutty from the grated Parmesan, and yeasty and toasty from the pizza crust, and then there’s the garlic and Italian herbs. So delicious.
They’re fun to make, too. Which is a good thing for me since once my crew finds out I made cheese breadsticks in their absence (and, yes, ate most if not all of them before they got home), I have to whip up another batch. It’s easy! Roll out the pizza dough and brush with the melted garlic butter. Then top with the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and browned just the way you like it. Then slice and serve.
Here’s a great recipe for Pizza Crust, if you want to make your own dough. And cheese breadsticks are great dipped in this Tomato Sauce, but my favorite way to eat them is dunked in a meaty Bolognese Sauce.
Different Types of Mozzarella
When you go to the store to buy your shredded mozzarella, you’re bound to be confronted by some choices. There are whole milk, part-skim, and low-moisture varieties. So, how do you know which one to choose?
We can help! Whole milk mozzarella has the most fat, which means it has the richest flavor and melts very well. It’s also often responsible for the long cheese pull we experience when lifting a piece of pizza off the pan or biting into a mozzarella stick. Part-skim mozzarella has had some of the fat from the milk removed. This is a good option for people trying to cut some calories. Also, while part-skim doesn’t melt quite as well as whole milk mozz, it does brown faster, so that could be a plus for some folks. Finally, low-moisture mozzarella has a lower water content and tends to be saltier and denser than the other two. It also melts really well, so it is often a favorite for pizza. Which one should you use for cheese breadsticks? The good news is that each one works really well in this recipe!
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cooled cheese breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Will This Recipe Work With Vegan Cheeses?
Absolutely. Most non-dairy cheese shreds melt really well, so creating vegan versions of cheese breadsticks is easy. Just remember to replace the butter with a plant-based substitute.
Can You Make These Breadsticks With Crescent Dough Instead Of Pizza Dough?
You can, but they won’t be the same thing. Crescent dough will be thinner and a bit sweeter than pizza dough. That said, it will probably still be good!
Serving Suggestions
While cheese breadsticks are great dipped in tomato-based sauces, there are other yummy ponds these cheesy sticks can swim in. Try dunking the cheese breadsticks in Basil Pesto for some herby deliciousness or in Chili for a spicy, savory dip. These breadsticks are also the perfect companion for soups. We love swirling them through Minestrone and Lasagna Soup to keep the Italian vibe going, but they are also really delish dunked in French Onion Soup (once you’ve eaten the cheesy crouton on top and need more bread!).
Cheese Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough at room temperature
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Marinara sauce for dipping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with a bit of butter or oil.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the bread from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and cut into 16 breadsticks. Enjoy warm, sprinkled with parsley. Optionally, serve with marinara sauce on the side.
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