I make these garlic cheese bread sticks whenever I want something warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy. They come out soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor in every bite. I love serving them as a side dish with pasta, soup, or even enjoying them on their own as a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. I only need basic pantry ingredients, and the results taste just like something from a restaurant. I enjoy how soft and fluffy the bread turns out, while the melted cheese on top adds that perfect stretchy texture. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with different cheeses or herbs depending on what I have at home.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
directions
I start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in the warm water. I let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
I then mix in the flour, salt, and olive oil. I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. I place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). I roll the dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a lined baking sheet.
I mix the melted butter with the minced garlic and brush it generously over the dough. I sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
I bake the bread for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. I remove it from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and slice into bread sticks before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 8 bread sticks from this recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes Rise time: 1 hour Bake time: 15–18 minutes Total time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper flavor. I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. I also enjoy brushing the crust with extra garlic butter right after baking for even more flavor. Occasionally, I mix Italian seasoning into the dough for an herby twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftover bread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When I reheat them, I place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes until warmed through. I avoid using the microwave because I find it makes the bread chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
I often prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. I bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
I sometimes use store-bought pizza dough when I want to save time. I simply roll it out and follow the same topping and baking steps.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
I prefer mozzarella for its melt and stretch, but I also enjoy adding Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor.
How do I make the bread sticks extra crispy?
I bake them on the lower rack of the oven and make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing them inside.
Can I freeze garlic cheese bread sticks?
I freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I reheat them directly from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.
Conclusion
I love making these garlic cheese bread sticks because they are simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of soft bread, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese makes them impossible to resist. Whenever I want a comforting homemade side dish, this is one of my favorite recipes to prepare.
Soft and fluffy homemade garlic cheese bread sticks topped with buttery garlic, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they make the perfect comforting side dish or cheesy snack.
Ingredients
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface and transfer to a lined baking sheet.
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley if desired, slice into 8 bread sticks, and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute store-bought pizza dough to save time.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Brush extra garlic butter over the crust after baking for enhanced flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes for best texture.
Freeze in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
