When I’m rushing to get dinner on the table and need something that’ll make my kids actually excited, these Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are my secret weapon. They’re definitely not health food – I’m upfront about that – but sometimes you need a side dish that creates genuine happiness around your dinner table.
Two weeks ago, I had leftover pizza dough sitting in my fridge and about fifteen minutes before my family would start getting cranky about dinner. I threw these together, and honestly, the way my teenagers abandoned their phones to hover around the oven told me everything I needed to know. The best part? I always have these ingredients on hand, and they’re practically foolproof. This one’s going to become your new favorite!
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
I keep pizza dough in my fridge constantly because it’s a lifesaver for quick sides. My go-to is Trader Joe’s, but any grocery store brand works perfectly – just make sure it’s at room temperature before you start.
- 1 pound pizza dough or bread dough (at room temperature, about 30-45 minutes from fridge)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted – I recommend using real butter for the best flavor
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – My preference is part-skim for better melting without grease
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – In my experience, this creates amazing depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – I usually skip this when I’m in a hurry
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend getting your oven fully preheated first – this makes all the difference for getting crispy edges while keeping the inside tender.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up – this gives you an incredibly crispy bottom.
Step 2: Let your dough sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes if it’s been refrigerated. Cold dough tears easily and fights back when you try to stretch it.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a rectangle about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Don’t worry about perfect edges – rustic looks great and tastes even better.
Step 4: Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet (easier cleanup) or lightly grease your pan. Mix melted butter with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 5: Brush the garlic butter evenly across the dough surface, then distribute the mozzarella cheese evenly. Don’t pile it too thick in spots – this creates soggy patches.
Step 6: Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
Step 7: Let cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting – this prevents the cheese from pulling off in long strings. Cut into 1-inch strips with a pizza cutter.
What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
These breadsticks shine alongside dishes that need something rich and satisfying to round out the meal.
Easy Lasagna Soup: The perfect pairing – you get all those classic Italian flavors working together beautifully.
Classic Chilli Con Carne: The bread helps balance the heat and makes the meal more filling for hungry families.
Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad: These breadsticks add satisfying carbs to a lighter salad dinner.
Marinara Sauce: The absolute classic dipping combination – the acidity cuts through the butter perfectly.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: Rich meets rich in the best possible way for a comfort food feast.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re honestly best eaten fresh, but I understand real life doesn’t always cooperate.
For reheating, use your oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave – this keeps them from getting chewy. Pro tip: brush with a tiny bit more butter before reheating for that just-baked taste.
These freeze surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions in foil, then store in freezer bags. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick side that everyone will actually eat.
Conclusion
Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most joy in your kitchen. These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks prove you don’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients to make something your family will genuinely get excited about. Try them tonight – they’ll become your go-to recipe when you need a guaranteed win.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If using pizza stone, place in oven to preheat for crispy bottom.
- Allow dough to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes if refrigerated. Cold dough tears easily.
- Roll or stretch dough on lightly floured surface into rectangle, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Transfer dough to parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly greased pan.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in small bowl.
- Brush garlic butter evenly over dough surface using pastry brush.
- Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly over buttered dough. Add Parmesan if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly with light golden spots.
- Let cool 2-3 minutes before cutting to prevent cheese strings. Cut into 1-inch strips.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with dipping sauces.
Notes
