Introduction: Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on their own. Soft, warm, and buttery, these breadsticks are topped with a generous layer of melted cheese and a flavorful garlic butter spread, making them irresistibly tasty. Whether served with pasta, salad, or just on their own with marinara for dipping, they’re a sure hit for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning (if using), and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Shape the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 8-12 strips (depending on your desired size for the breadsticks). You can also roll the dough into a large rectangle and slice it into breadsticks.
Brush with Garlic Butter: Place the dough strips on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each breadstick generously with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the breadsticks.
Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Description:
These Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are a soft, buttery, and cheesy treat with a crispy golden crust. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor, while the melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a deliciously cheesy topping. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone snack, these breadsticks are sure to be a favorite at any table.
Tips:
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the garlic butter before baking to give your breadsticks a slight kick.
If you want to save time, use store-bought pizza dough or even refrigerated breadstick dough for a quicker version.
If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic in the butter mixture.
For an even crispier crust, bake the breadsticks on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
Variations:
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Herbed Breadsticks: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the garlic butter for a more fragrant and flavorful breadstick.
Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks: For an extra treat, stuff the dough with cheese or even pepperoni before baking to make cheesy, stuffed breadsticks.
Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a slightly healthier option with a nutty flavor.
Corrections:
If the breadsticks are not as crispy as you’d like, try increasing the baking time by a few minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning the cheese.
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little extra flour to the surface or refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and garlicky breadsticks as a perfect side for pasta, pizza, or just by themselves with marinara for dipping! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone and are quick enough to make for a last-minute snack or meal addition.