Few things are as comforting and satisfying as Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks — warm, buttery bread infused with garlic and smothered in gooey melted cheese. These golden breadsticks are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Paired with a rich homemade marinara sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Inspired by classic Italian-American pizzerias, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality breadsticks right at home. The combination of garlic butter, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese atop tender dough is truly unbeatable.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite comfort foods — freshly baked bread and melted cheese — in one irresistible bite. The aroma of garlic butter baking in the oven fills the kitchen and makes everyone’s mouth water instantly!
It’s a recipe that’s simple yet indulgent, making it perfect for movie nights, family gatherings, or cozy dinners. Plus, dipping warm, cheesy breadsticks into tangy marinara sauce is one of life’s small but glorious pleasures.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
You must try these Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks because:
- They’re crispy, buttery, cheesy, and garlicky all at once.
- Easy to make with pantry staples — no fancy ingredients needed.
- Perfect for parties, pizza nights, or weekend treats.
- The homemade marinara sauce elevates the entire experience.
- You can customize them endlessly with herbs, spices, or cheese blends.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time if using homemade dough)
- Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 breadsticks
- Calories: ~250 kcal per breadstick (with cheese and marinara sauce)
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Roll out the dough and brush with garlic butter.
- Sprinkle cheese and herbs evenly.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Simmer marinara sauce and serve warm with breadsticks.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
- Set aside to infuse while preparing the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about ½-inch thick).
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Add oregano, parsley, and a pinch of salt for flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes, then slice into breadsticks using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Step 6: Make the Marinara Sauce
- While the breadsticks bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, basil, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the warm breadsticks alongside the homemade marinara dipping sauce.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
- Perfect as an appetizer with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, or pizza nights.
- Sprinkle with extra parsley or chili flakes before serving for extra color and flavor.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent soggy breadsticks.
- For extra flavor, brush again with garlic butter right after baking.
- Use a pizza stone for the crispiest crust.
- Want them extra cheesy? Add a sprinkle of cheddar or provolone before baking.
- For a crispier texture, bake a few minutes longer under the broiler.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Breadsticks: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Four-Cheese Breadsticks: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
- Herb-Lover’s Version: Add fresh rosemary or thyme before baking.
- Stuffed Breadsticks: Fold the dough over cheese to make gooey cheese-filled sticks.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and plant-based mozzarella cheese.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Freeze unbaked topped dough for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time.
- Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or toaster oven.
Special Equipment Needed
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan (for marinara sauce)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Conclusion
The Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce are everything you want in a comfort food — warm, buttery, cheesy, and perfectly garlicky. They’re ideal for sharing, but you might find them too good to share!
Whether you’re serving them as a side to pasta, a game-day snack, or a late-night treat, these breadsticks are guaranteed to steal the show. Once you try them fresh out of the oven with that tangy marinara dip, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce
Description
Few things are as comforting and satisfying as Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks — warm, buttery bread infused with garlic and smothered in gooey melted cheese. These golden breadsticks are soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Paired with a rich homemade marinara sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter : In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside to infuse while preparing the dough.
-
Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks : Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about ½-inch thick). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
-
Step 4: Add the Toppings : Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Add oregano, parsley, and a pinch of salt for flavor.
-
Step 5: Bake : Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges. Let it cool for 2 minutes, then slice into breadsticks using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
-
Step 6: Make the Marinara Sauce : While the breadsticks bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, basil, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
-
Step 7: Serve : Serve the warm breadsticks alongside the homemade marinara dipping sauce.
