Name: Italian Garlic and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F); 1 tablespoon active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder + fresh for boost); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: pinch of salt and extra herbs

These homemade Italian-inspired garlic and cheese breadsticks that capture the essence of rustic Italian baking. Made from a simple yeasted dough, they’re brushed with fragrant garlic butter, blanketed in gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection for an irresistible, pull-apart treat that’s better than any restaurant version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for these breadsticks because they’re incredibly easy to make at home with pantry staples, yet they deliver that addictive restaurant-quality flavor and texture.

The dough rises beautifully soft and pillowy, while the generous layer of melted cheeses creates that glorious cheesy pull every time you break one apart. The garlic butter infuses every bite with savory aroma, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs ties it all together with authentic Italian flair.

They’re versatile—serve them alongside spaghetti, as an appetizer with dipping sauce, or even as a snack on movie night. Plus, the recipe is forgiving for beginners, smells amazing while baking, and always gets rave reviews from family and friends. Once you try them fresh from the oven, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Yield: 16 breadsticks

Italian Garlic and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe

Soft, cheesy Italian garlic breadsticks with buttery garlic topping and melted mozzarella—irresistible homemade side!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 38 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough:

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the topping:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder + fresh for boost)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: pinch of salt and extra herbs

Instructions

Wake up the yeast! In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly—like it's saying hello! This means your yeast is alive and ready to work magic.
Build the dough base. Add the salt, olive oil (or melted butter), and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until it starts coming together into a shaggy ball.
Knead for softness. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (or keep in mixer) and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should feel like a soft pillow!
Let it rise happily. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot. Let it rise for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size—patience pays off with fluffy breadsticks!
Preheat and prep. While rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Shape those sticks. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Roll or stretch it into a rectangle about ½-inch thick on the prepared sheet (roughly 12x16 inches).
Garlic butter bliss. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this aromatic mixture generously over the entire dough surface—get every corner for maximum flavor!
Cheese it up. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, followed by a shower of grated Parmesan. Press lightly so the cheese sticks to the buttery base.
Cut and ready. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips (long or short—your call!). Separate them slightly on the sheet for even baking.
Bake to golden perfection. Pop in the oven for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Brush with any leftover garlic butter right out of the oven for extra shine and taste. Serve warm—watch them disappear!

Notes

These are best enjoyed fresh and hot! Pair with marinara sauce for dipping. If cheese browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Adjust garlic to your taste—more for garlic lovers!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 18mgSodium 319mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 6g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor punch—mince it finely or grate it directly into the melted butter.
Don’t overwork the dough; knead just until smooth to keep the breadsticks tender.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot (like near a preheated oven) for faster, fluffier results.
Brush the garlic butter twice—once before baking and again right after—for maximum flavor and shine.
For extra cheesy goodness, add cheese halfway through baking so it melts without burning.
Cut the dough into even strips using a pizza cutter for uniform baking.
If using store-bought pizza dough, let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.

Ingredients Notes

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough—bread flour can be swapped for chewier texture, but all-purpose keeps them light and accessible.
Active dry yeast gives the perfect rise; make sure your water is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, or it can kill the yeast.
Butter (salted or unsalted) is key for richness—use real butter for authentic flavor in both the dough and topping.
Fresh garlic cloves minced or grated provide bold, aromatic taste far superior to powder alone.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey factor—low-moisture works best to avoid sogginess.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) adds nutty, salty depth; grate your own for better melt and flavor.
Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic Italian touch—adjust to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

For a quicker version, use store-bought pizza dough or refrigerated bread dough instead of homemade—simply roll, top, and bake.
Make them vegan by swapping butter for plant-based margarine, using dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Add herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the garlic butter for more aromatic depth.
For spicy kicks, mix in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the topping.
Try different cheeses: provolone, fontina, or asiago for varied melt and flavor profiles.
Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and ensure yeast is GF-friendly.
Herb-focused: Skip cheese for plain garlic herb breadsticks, or go extra cheesy with a double layer of mozzarella.

Storage Options

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness (microwaving makes them soft but soggy).

Freeze baked breadsticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat in the oven. The unbaked dough can be frozen after shaping; thaw and bake as directed.