Description
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks with crispy edges, a golden crust, and gooey cheese inside. A quick and simple recipe perfect for snacks, appetizers, or sides, made with pantry staples and customizable for various dietary preferences including gluten-free and vegan options.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tsp sugar (divided)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by dissolving 2 1/4 tsp yeast and 1/2 tsp sugar in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Let it foam for 5-10 minutes. Then mix the yeast mixture with 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and the remaining 1/2 tsp sugar until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 7-10 minutes until elastic and soft.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Roll the risen dough out onto a baking sheet into a 12 by 9 inch rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or knife, score vertical strips to create breadstick shapes but leave them attached at the bottom for easier separation after baking.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella mixed with Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough. Then dust garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top for flavor infusion.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow cheese to set slightly. Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
Notes
- Use warm water (not hot) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead dough just until smooth to avoid tough breadsticks.
- Fresh mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Lightly brush olive oil on dough before adding cheese for a crisper crust.
- Keep an eye on breadsticks in the last minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Allow breadsticks to rest a few minutes after baking to maintain gooey but set cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cheesy breadsticks, homemade breadsticks, easy appetizer, gluten-free breadsticks, cheesy snack, party appetizer