If there’s one snack or side dish that never fails to delight, it’s Easy Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks. Soft, fluffy bread loaded with gooey mozzarella and brushed with garlic butter makes this recipe irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or as a party appetizer, these breadsticks are easier to make than you think.

Ingredients

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp garlic butter (for brushing)
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead Dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape Breadsticks: Punch down dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Cut into strips, roughly 1 inch wide.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the strips. Optionally, fold strips over cheese slightly to seal.
Second Rise: Place strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for 20 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Bake breadsticks for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Brush with Garlic Butter: Remove from oven and immediately brush warm breadsticks with melted garlic butter. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or enjoy as is.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Breadsticks

Use fresh yeast: It ensures better rise and fluffiness.
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes; breadsticks should be golden but soft inside.
Cheese varieties: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Garlic butter boost: Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning to your garlic butter for a flavor punch.

Variations

Stuffed Breadsticks: Add pepperoni or cooked bacon inside strips for a meaty twist.
Herb Breadsticks: Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, or rosemary on top before baking.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

As a side: Perfect with soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken noodle.
Dipping sauces: Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or cheese dip complement these breadsticks perfectly.
Party platter: Serve alongside pizza or pasta dishes for family dinners or parties.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Breadsticks, known as grissini in Italy, originated in the Piedmont region and were traditionally very thin and crunchy. Over time, the American version evolved to soft, cheesy breadsticks that are often served as a starter or snack. Pairing them with cheese and garlic butter adds a rich, indulgent flavor while keeping them easy to make at home.

Storage

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness.

Recipe Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the breadsticks for 1–2 minutes at the end.
You can prepare dough a day in advance; keep it covered in the fridge for a slower rise.
Adjust cheese quantities to your taste; more cheese creates a gooier, decadent texture.

Nutrition (per breadstick)

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 280mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 6%
Calcium: 10%