There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, cheesy garlic breadsticks fresh out of the oven. The golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and fragrant garlic butter make these an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these homemade breadsticks will disappear in minutes!
I first started making these when I was looking for an easy way to elevate a simple pasta night at home. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite. Now, they’re a must-have at our dinner table, especially when we’re craving something warm and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
These breadsticks are everything you want in a cheesy, garlicky treat—and more!
First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can have fresh breadsticks ready to bake in no time. No complicated techniques or special equipment required!
They’re also perfectly cheesy. The blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan melts beautifully over the soft, buttery dough, creating that signature pull-apart cheesiness.
If you love bold flavors, you’ll appreciate the rich garlic butter infused into every bite. The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, and herbs takes these breadsticks to the next level.
Best of all, they’re versatile. Serve them as a side with pasta, dunk them in marinara sauce, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks is in their simple yet flavorful ingredients.
The dough serves as the foundation of the breadsticks. You can use homemade pizza dough or store-bought for convenience. If making from scratch, opt for a dough with olive oil for added richness.
For the cheese, a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works best. Mozzarella provides that perfect stretch, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
The garlic butter is what truly sets these breadsticks apart. Melted butter mixed with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt infuses the dough with bold, savory goodness.
A light brushing of olive oil before baking helps create that crispy, golden crust while keeping the breadsticks soft inside.
Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
How To Make These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Making these breadsticks is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect results every time!
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using homemade dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes for easier handling.
Next, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and brush the surface lightly with olive oil to help create a crisp exterior.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the dough, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella over the entire surface, followed by a dusting of grated Parmesan. The more cheese, the better!
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, gently score the dough into breadstick-sized strips. This will make them easier to pull apart once baked.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Allow the breadsticks to cool for a few minutes before pulling them apart. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispy finish.
For freezing, wrap individual breadsticks in foil and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven.
Variations and Substitutions
These cheesy garlic breadsticks are highly customizable! Here are some fun variations to try:
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing it on the dough.
Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar if you want a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavor.
If you prefer a garlic-free version, use a mix of butter and olive oil with Italian herbs for a fragrant, savory alternative.
Make it gluten-free by using a store-bought gluten-free pizza dough or making your own at home.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding cooked and crumbled bacon on top before baking for a smoky, salty twist!
No matter how you customize them, these cheesy garlic breadsticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintHomemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
These homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Made with simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, butter, and garlic, they make a great appetizer or side dish for pasta, pizza, or soups. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these breadsticks are a must-try for garlic bread lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic. Brush over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the dough.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice into strips, but do not separate them.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- For extra crispiness, bake directly on a pizza stone.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
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