How to Make the Best Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

There’s something undeniably magical about homemade cheesy breadsticks, isn’t there? That golden, cheesy, buttery aroma wafting from your oven is like a warm hug for your soul. Today, I’m sharing my secret recipe for the best homemade cheesy breadsticks you’ll ever taste. Perfect for a quick family dinner, a cozy movie night, or even as a snack for your next party, these breadsticks are sure to become a household favorite. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes! If you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes or looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy, and loaded with cheesy goodness
• Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings
• Great as a side dish, snack, or even a light meal
• Perfect for feeding a crowd

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious homemade cheesy breadsticks:

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup cheddar or Parmesan (optional)
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Optional: pinch of flaky salt or red pepper flakes

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make these homemade cheesy breadsticks:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead until smooth (5–7 minutes by hand or mixer).
3. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled.
4. Roll dough into a rectangle (about 9×13″) on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle garlic, seasoning, and cheeses over the top.
6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Brush with extra garlic butter (optional but YES), slice into sticks, and serve warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your homemade cheesy breadsticks turn out perfectly every time:

• Let the dough rise long enough to ensure it’s light and airy.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic butter—brush it generously for that golden, cheesy crust.
• Customize the cheeses to your liking—mix in some cheddar for an extra sharp flavor or Parmesan for a nuttier taste.
• For an extra crispy texture, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes (keep an eye on them to avoid burning).

How to Serve

These cheesy breadsticks are incredibly versatile. Here’s how I love to serve them:

• With a side of marinara sauce for dipping
• As a side to your favorite creamy garlic pasta
• Paired with a fresh green salad for a light weeknight dinner
• As a snack for game day or movie night

Make Ahead and Storage

Want to make these ahead of time? Here’s how:

• Prepare the dough up to the rising stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Bake the breadsticks and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Looking for more easy and delicious recipes? Check out my Cheddar Bay Biscuits or my Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for more quick and tasty ideas. And don’t miss my Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites for another crowd-pleasing snack!

There you have it—my secret recipe for the best homemade cheesy breadsticks. Soft, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, these are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let me know in the comments how you customize yours, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!