Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking, and these cheesy garlic breadsticks are a frequent star in my kitchen. The first time I made them, my family devoured the entire batch before dinner even started!

They are wonderfully simple to prepare and bring so much comfort and flavor to the table. If you enjoy this, you should also explore our guide for the Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe. These breadsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible breadsticks. Here’s what you need for that perfect chewy texture and cheesy pull.

• 1 (16 oz.) package of pizza dough: A fresh, refrigerated pizza dough is a great time-saver and provides the perfect chewy base.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This creates the rich, flavorful foundation for the garlic and herbs.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is key for a potent, authentic flavor that powder just can’t match.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For the best melt and classic cheese pull, shred your own from a block.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty, and salty bite that complements the mild mozzarella.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A simple way to add a blend of complementary herbs like oregano and basil.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
• 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping: Use your favorite store-bought brand or a simple homemade version.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, perfect for a family appetizer or side dish.

Cooking Time

This recipe is fantastic for when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these breadsticks. Here’s a list of the basic tools you’ll need.

• Baking Sheet: To bake the breadsticks evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pizza dough to the correct thickness.
• Small Bowl: To mix the garlic butter.
• Pastry Brush: For evenly spreading the garlic butter mixture.
• Pizza Cutter or Knife: For slicing the finished breadsticks into perfect strips.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara

Making these breadsticks is a fun and simple process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a golden, cheesy snack ready in no time. The aroma from the oven alone is worth the small effort!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for getting a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and chewy. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the breadsticks from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Gently roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; rustic is part of the charm.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and freshly minced garlic. Using a pastry brush, spread this glorious mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough. Make sure to get all the way to the edges so that every bite is packed with rich, garlicky flavor.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheeses and Seasoning

Now for the best part! Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter layer, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Finish it off by scattering the Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper over the top for that final layer of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dough have turned a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point.

Step 6: Slice and Serve Warm

Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the breadsticks cool for just a minute or two, which makes slicing much easier. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut them into strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve them immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make these breadsticks even more spectacular.

• Use Room Temperature Dough: I’ve found that letting the refrigerated pizza dough sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to roll out.
• Infuse the Butter: For an even deeper garlic flavor, gently warm the melted butter and minced garlic in a small saucepan for a minute before brushing it on the dough.
• Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Go all the way to the edges with the cheese. Those crispy, cheesy edges are arguably the best part!
• Broil for a Minute: If you like your cheese extra brown and bubbly, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 30-60 seconds of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it, as it can burn quickly.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your tastes or what you have on hand. For more inspiration, you can also explore our other dinner recipes.

• Spice It Up: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick of heat.
• Herb Variations: Instead of Italian seasoning, try using just dried oregano or a sprinkle of fresh rosemary.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Pesto Power: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the dough before adding the cheese for a fresh, basil-infused flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara

These breadsticks are a fantastic appetizer or side dish for almost any meal.

• Serve them hot from the oven alongside a big bowl of your favorite pasta or a hearty soup.
• Arrange them on a platter for a party appetizer that will disappear in minutes.
• For dessert, follow up with something sweet like our Avocado Smoothie with Spinach and Pineapple to round out the meal perfectly.
• Pair them with a fresh, crisp green salad for a light yet satisfying lunch.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note this can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g

How to Store the Breadsticks

If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Here’s how to keep them fresh.

• Storing: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To restore their texture, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why this cheesy garlic breadstick recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

• Incredibly Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for a last-minute appetizer or side.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese is a classic that everyone loves.
• Super Versatile: You can easily customize the herbs and cheeses to make it your own.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking, and these cheesy garlic breadsticks are a frequent star in my kitchen. The first time I made them, my family devoured the entire batch before dinner even started! They are wonderfully simple to prepare and bring so much comfort and flavor to the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: lunch

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 16 oz. package of pizza dough: A fresh, refrigerated pizza dough is a great time-saver and provides the perfect chewy base.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted: This creates the rich, flavorful foundation for the garlic and herbs.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: Freshly minced garlic is key for a potent, authentic flavor that powder just can’t match.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For the best melt and classic cheese pull shred your own from a block.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp nutty, and salty bite that complements the mild mozzarella.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A simple way to add a blend of complementary herbs like oregano and basil.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
• 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping: Use your favorite store-bought brand or a simple homemade version.
• Fresh parsley chopped: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving.

Method

 

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for getting a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and chewy. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the breadsticks from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Gently roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; rustic is part of the charm.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and freshly minced garlic. Using a pastry brush, spread this glorious mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough. Make sure to get all the way to the edges so that every bite is packed with rich, garlicky flavor.
4. Now for the best part! Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter layer, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Finish it off by scattering the Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper over the top for that final layer of flavor.
5. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the edges of the dough have turned a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point.
6. Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the breadsticks cool for just a minute or two, which makes slicing much easier. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut them into strips. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve them immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.