Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough

Quick and simple to make using store-bought or homemade pizza dough.

Perfect for parties, family dinners, or game nights.

Soft and fluffy inside with a golden, cheesy top.

Customizable with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or dipping sauces.

Freezer-friendly and great for making ahead.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
optional: sprinkle of cornmeal for dusting the pan
optional: marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

Directions

1. Prepare the pizza dough through step 4 of its instructions. Punch the risen dough down to release air bubbles and divide it in half. Use one half for the breadsticks and save or freeze the other half for another use.

2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

3. On a lightly floured work surface, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat (sprinkled with cornmeal if desired), roll the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle. The dough may resist and try to shrink back—gently stretch and shape it as evenly as possible.

4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the shaped dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for the final minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.

6. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice into breadsticks. Serve warm, plain or with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 breadsticks

Prep time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes dough rising time)
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese blend twist: Substitute part of the mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.

Stuffed breadsticks: Fold the dough over the cheese before baking to create a stuffed center.

Herb upgrade: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top after baking.

Parmesan finish: Add grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sharper, nuttier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover breadsticks tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5–8 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 20–30 seconds, though the oven method keeps them crispier.

To freeze, wrap baked and cooled breadsticks tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead and reheat just before serving.

Why is my dough shrinking back when I roll it?

The gluten may be tight. Let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes, then try rolling it again.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely. Try pepperoni slices, cooked sausage crumbles, or sliced olives.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake them on a preheated pizza stone or use the broiler for the final minute.

Can I use whole wheat pizza dough?

Yes, whole wheat dough works well, though the texture may be slightly denser.

What’s the best way to cut breadsticks?

Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slices.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baking it?

Yes, pizza dough freezes well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

How do I prevent soggy breadsticks?

Avoid overloading with sauce before baking and ensure they bake until golden brown.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, minced fresh garlic adds a stronger, fresher flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy breadsticks made from pizza dough are a simple yet irresistible addition to any meal. With their soft interior, buttery garlic flavor, and perfectly melted cheese, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this easy recipe delivers comforting, homemade flavor every time.