If you love the comforting combination of melted cheese, garlic, and crispy bread, then this Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe will quickly become your go-to snack. Perfectly golden, delightfully soft on the inside, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness, these breadsticks are incredibly easy to make and work for any occasion—whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is essential, contributing to that irresistible blend of softness, crunch, and savory taste that makes these breadsticks so special.
- 1 lb pizza dough: Homemade or store-bought, this forms the soft, chewy base for the breadsticks.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to create a flavorful garlic-infused brush.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the signature pungent, aromatic garlic punch.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts gooey and stretchy to satisfy any cheese lover’s craving.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal warmth and color.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor subtly without overwhelming the taste buds.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances the overall seasoning perfectly.
- Marinara sauce, for dipping: Offers a tangy contrast that makes each bite even better.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure you grease your baking sheet well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. A properly prepared baking surface helps your breadsticks bake evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a rectangle shape. This shape is perfect for cutting breadsticks and ensures they all bake evenly. Don’t worry about being perfectly precise—rustic shapes work just as well and give your breadsticks a charming homemade look.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil Brush
Mix the minced garlic with olive oil in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse your breadsticks with a deep, aromatic garlic flavor that feels fresh and vibrant. The olive oil also helps to keep the breadsticks moist while baking.
Step 4: Apply the Garlic Oil
Brush your dough generously and evenly with the garlic-infused olive oil. This step is key because it not only flavors the bread but also helps the cheese and seasonings stick perfectly to the surface.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Cheeses and Seasonings
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt over the oiled dough. The combination of cheeses offers a wonderful contrast of sharpness and gooey melt, while the oregano and garlic powder add layers of flavor complexity.
Step 6: Cut the Dough into Strips
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, gently cut the dough into strips. These strips will make your breadsticks easy to twist and bake into perfect individual portions.
Step 7: Twist the Strips
Take each cut strip and give it a gentle twist before placing it on your prepared baking sheet. Twisting adds a fun texture and helps pockets of cheese and flavor form throughout the breadstick, making every bite an exciting experience.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Put the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the breadsticks for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and pull them out once they turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma alone will have you rushing to the oven!
Step 9: Serve Warm with Marinara
Remove the breadsticks and let them cool just slightly before serving warm. Don’t forget to set out a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. That tangy, tomato-rich sauce perfectly complements the cheesy, garlicky flavor of the breadsticks and makes every bite a flavorful delight.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. This adds a pop of color plus a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with Italian favorites like pasta dishes, hearty soups, or crisp salads. They make a fantastic appetizer or side that can round out a meal with comforting, irresistible flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your breadsticks in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin or stack them on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping. This approach makes them an inviting centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will remain soft but slightly less crisp, perfect for a quick snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked breadsticks by twisting and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, then freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen breadsticks, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breadsticks soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before you plan to bake. Frozen dough works just as well and can be a handy shortcut for busy days.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just make sure they melt well, so you still get that bubbly, gooey texture.
How spicy is this Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe?
This recipe is mild and savory with no heat added. If you want to add a kick, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Can I add herbs other than oregano?
Definitely! Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or basil all make delicious additions and bring a fresh twist to the classic flavor.
What’s the best way to roll the dough if it keeps sticking?
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour, and try to avoid pressing too hard. If the dough still sticks, let it rest a few minutes to relax before continuing.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe is pure comfort food at its best — simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick snack or a party appetizer, they bring warmth and joy to any table. Go ahead and give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cheesy Breadsticks are an irresistible snack combining golden, crispy twisted dough with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, enhanced by garlic and oregano. Perfect for any occasion, these breadsticks are served warm with marinara sauce for dipping, making them a crowd-pleaser at parties or a comforting treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Topping:
- 1 lb pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle shape, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic to create a flavorful garlic-infused oil.
- Brush Dough: Evenly brush the garlic-infused olive oil across the surface of the rolled-out dough to infuse it with rich flavor.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt evenly over the oiled dough to create a cheesy, aromatic topping.
- Cut Into Strips: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into strips of your preferred width to form individual breadsticks.
- Twist Breadsticks: Twist each dough strip gently to create a spiral shape and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the twisted breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a crispy texture.
- Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and serve them warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing their flavor and providing a perfect accompaniment.
Notes
- For crispier breadsticks, bake for the full 15 minutes, keeping an eye to avoid burning.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor.
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Use homemade pizza dough for a more authentic and flavorful breadstick experience.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for variation.

