These golden breadsticks feature a soft, chewy dough enhanced with a robust garlic butter blend. Topped generously with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, they bake to a perfect golden brown with a bubbly finish. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, they make a delightful accompaniment for pasta or a flavorful appetizer. Optional fresh parsley and oregano add aromatic depth while subtle scoring creates perfect pull-apart strips.
Discovering these cheesy garlic breadsticks was like finding a hidden treasure in my kitchen. The first time I made them, the aroma of garlic and melted cheese filled the whole house and instantly won me over.
I still remember the evening when I baked these breadsticks for some surprise guests; their eyes lit up at the first bite, and I knew I had nailed it.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I always pick a good quality brand that grabs moisture just right to give the dough its perfect texture
- Instant yeast: Makes the rise fast and reliable without the fuss of proofing
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast just enough to kickstart that lovely rise
- Salt: Balances flavor but be careful not to overdo it
- Warm water: Warm, not hot, so the yeast stays happy and active
- Olive oil: For richness and a tender crumb
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully and lets you control saltiness
- Garlic: Fresh and finely minced to spread that punchy flavor evenly
- Dried oregano: Adds an herbal note that complements the cheese well
- Mozzarella cheese: Choose a good melting mozzarella to get that irresistible stretch
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a sharp, savory contrast
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch for color and brightness
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Liquids:
- Combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in warm water and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough just begins to form. You’ll notice the mix start to come together into a gentle ball.
- Knead Until Smooth:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with your hands for 5 to 7 minutes. Feel it transform from sticky to smooth and elastic; this is where the dough gains strength and character.
- Let It Rise:
- Place the dough into a greased bowl, covering it with a towel or plastic wrap. Set it somewhere warm. After about 30 to 40 minutes, it will happily double in size, smelling yeasty and alive.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet:
- Heat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Shape the Dough:
- Roll the dough into a rectangle roughly 25 by 20 centimeters (10 by 8 inches). Lay it gently on your lined baking sheet, ready for its buttery topping.
- Brush on Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and oregano. Spread this garlic butter evenly over the dough’s surface, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the dough evenly. The cheeses layer together to create gooey, golden patches after baking.
- Score the Dough:
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, score the dough into 8 strips without cutting all the way through, so the breadsticks hold together but slice easily later.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Pop it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the dough rises and the cheese melts into bubbly golden perfection, filling your space with irresistible smells.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the breadsticks cool slightly right after baking. Then slice fully along the scored lines and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if using. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite.
After sharing these breadsticks at a family dinner, they quickly became more than a snack—each bite turned into a memory of laughter, comforting warmth, and togetherness.
Keeping It Fresh
If you’re not serving right away, wrap the breadsticks in foil once cooled and reheat them in a warm oven to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
While these are fantastic on their own, dipping in marinara or a creamy ranch dressing adds an exciting twist your guests will love.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
One evening when my pantry was sparse but I had a sudden craving, these breadsticks came to the rescue—simple, fast, and satisfying.
- Don’t forget to preheat the oven fully for that perfect crust
- If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor kick
Thanks for cooking along with me! Remember, the best dishes are the ones made with a pinch of love and a sprinkle of patience.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of flour is best for the dough?
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All-purpose flour works well to create a soft yet sturdy breadstick dough with good texture.
- → Can I use fresh garlic instead of dried oregano?
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The garlic used is fresh and minced; oregano provides a complementary herbaceous note but can be adjusted to taste.
- → How do I get the cheese to melt evenly?
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the buttered dough to ensure uniform melting during baking.
- → Is it necessary to score the dough before baking?
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Scoring creates defined strips for easy serving while allowing the bread to expand without cracking.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
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Serve warm breadsticks alongside pasta dishes or with a side of marinara for dipping to enhance flavors.