Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Buttery, Cheesy, and Better Than Takeout

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a large baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.

3. Shape the Dough:

• Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle or circle about ¼-inch thick.
• Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Toppings:

1. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter.
2. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
3. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure it covers the surface.
4. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

5. Bake:

• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Slice and Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
• Use a pizza cutter to slice into breadsticks (strips or wedges).
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
• Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.

Tips and Variations

• Use pre-made dough: If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works great.
• Add a cheesy crust: Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella around the edges of the dough for extra cheesiness.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne to the toppings for a spicy kick.
• Make it herby: Add finely chopped rosemary, oregano, or thyme for a flavorful twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp.
• Breadsticks can be frozen. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Pair cheesy breadsticks with:

• Spaghetti or lasagna
• Soup (like tomato basil or minestrone)
• Salad (like Caesar or Italian chopped salad)
• Game-day dips like spinach-artichoke or queso