These cheesy breadsticks made from pizza dough are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining gooey melted cheese with a golden, crispy crust. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly soft inside, they’re ideal for dipping into marinara or enjoying on their own. With just 15 minutes of baking, you’ll have a warm, aromatic appetizer ready to impress in no time.
Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a savory snack, these breadsticks deliver a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The stretchy cheese, fragrant garlic, and buttery finish make every bite a delight. Plus, the 2-hour prep time is mostly hands-off, letting the dough rise while you relax. Simple, delicious, and always a hit—these breadsticks are a must-try for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cheesy Breadsticks
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough*
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend or dried basil
- 1 and 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese*
- Optional: Sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan
- Optional: Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Punch down the risen pizza dough to release air bubbles. Divide it in half. (Use one half for this recipe and save the other half for pizza or freeze it for later.)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper (optionally sprinkled with cornmeal), roll the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just aim for a thin, even shape.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the buttered dough.
- Bake: Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, broil for the last minute.
- Slice and serve: Remove from the oven and slice into breadsticks. Serve plain or with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Store leftovers: Keep leftover breadsticks tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat as desired.
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, why not mix it up? Try serving your cheesy breadsticks with garlic butter dip (melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley) or a creamy ranch dressing. For a spicy kick, pair them with a sriracha mayo or a spicy marinara.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
These breadsticks are versatile! Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering or alongside a fresh garden salad or bowl of soup for a complete meal. They also make a great snack for movie nights or game days.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For frozen breadsticks, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Quick and Easy Variations
Customize your breadsticks by adding pepperoni slices, chopped olives, or sautéed mushrooms before baking. For a cheesy twist, mix in some shredded cheddar or parmesan with the mozzarella. Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Time-Saving Shortcuts
Short on time? Use store-bought pizza dough to skip the prep work. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough *
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 28g, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend or dried basil
- 1 and 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese *
- optional: sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan
- optional: marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare pizza dough through step 4. Punch the risen dough down to release the air bubbles. Divide in half. (Make a pizza with the other half or freeze half of the dough for another time. See dough recipe for freezing instructions.)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- On a lightly floured work surface or on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat sprinkled with cornmeal (I skipped the optional cornmeal in the video above), roll the dough out into a 9×13-inch rectangle. The dough will want to be round, so do your best to shape it into a thin rectangle around this size—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Combine the butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Brush over shaped dough. Cover evenly with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. If desired, turn the oven to broil for the last minute to really brown the top.
- Slice into breadsticks and serve plain or with marinara sauce. Cover leftover breadsticks tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat as you prefer. Baked breadsticks can be frozen up to 3 months.