Easy Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe with Pizza Dough

 How to Make Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks with Pizza Dough (Step-by-step guide)

Making cheesy garlic breadsticks using pizza dough is simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow this step-by-step method to create soft, pull-apart breadsticks with a crispy edge and gooey cheese center.

 Prepare the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Lightly flour your surface and roll out one pound of pizza dough into a rectangle, roughly 9×13 inches.

• For added texture and flavor, lightly dust your baking tray or pizza stone with cornmeal.

Make the Garlic Butter

• Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter.

• Stir in 3 cloves of finely minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder), 1 tsp of dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt.

• Brush half of this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.

 Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle 1 to 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, covering it generously.

• For extra flavor, add ¼ cup grated parmesan or provolone on top.

• Optional: Add a light touch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

 Slice and Bake

• Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into breadstick-sized strips before baking (this makes them easier to pull apart later).

• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbling.

• Once baked, brush the remaining garlic butter on top.

 Serve Hot

• Let the breadsticks cool for 3–5 minutes before pulling apart.

• Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic dipping sauce.

• For serving inspiration, explore this Pinterest pull-apart cheese bread idea.

By slicing before baking, you get perfect pull-apart cheesy breadsticks that are ideal for sharing. This method delivers crisp edges with a soft, cheesy center in every bite.

Variations & Add-ons

Customizing your cheesy garlic breadsticks is half the fun. Here are several ways to make this recipe your own:

• Pepperoni Pizza Breadsticks: Add sliced pepperoni over the cheese before baking for a pizza-inspired version.

• Pesto Swirl: Drizzle a little pesto with the garlic butter for added herb flavor.

• Stuffed Breadsticks: Add a second layer of dough on top, seal the edges, and stuff with cheese and ham.

• Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the garlic butter for extra heat.

• Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil or rosemary right before serving for an aromatic finish.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas or create your own version using whatever cheese or herbs you have on hand. Use this Pinterest inspiration board to find more creative twists and crowd-pleasing versions.

These variations can easily elevate your breadsticks from a side dish to the main event at your next gathering.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your garlic breadsticks tasting fresh and delicious even after baking, follow these storage and reheating tips:

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap each breadstick individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best results.

• Microwave: While quick, this method may cause sogginess—wrap in a paper towel to reduce moisture if using.

Avoid reheating too long to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Use these tips to bring your breadsticks back to their original cheesy glory.

What is No-Yeast Pull Apart Cheesy Bread?

The no-yeast pull-apart version of cheesy garlic breadsticks is a faster alternative that skips the proofing process entirely. Instead of relying on yeast to rise, it uses baking powder or self-rising flour, which significantly cuts down on prep time while still delivering a fluffy, bread-like texture.

This version is especially ideal for:

• Last-minute gatherings or quick weeknight snacks.

• Baking beginners who want easy, reliable results.

• People avoiding yeast or with dietary sensitivities.

Pull-apart styles are also great for parties—just set them on the table and watch them disappear. For more pull-apart bread ideas, visit this Pinterest inspiration.

And if you’re curious about what makes yeast-based breads different, check out what is yeast for a deeper understanding.

 Ingredients for No-Yeast Pull-Apart Breadsticks

For the no-yeast version, the ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)

• 1 tablespoon baking powder (omit if using self-rising)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup milk or buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the garlic cheese topping:

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional:

• Sprinkle of parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for flavor

• Brush with additional garlic butter after baking

These ingredients create a dense, rich dough that bakes up fast and holds cheesy layers well. For inspiration, take a look at this no yeast garlic bread recipe that mirrors this style.

How to Make Pull-Apart Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

This method is quick, requiring no rise time and minimal effort. Here’s how to make them:

 Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Add milk and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

• Knead briefly until smooth—about 1–2 minutes.

Roll and Layer

• Roll out dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

• Brush with garlic butter and top with mozzarella.

• Slice into strips and stack 2–3 strips together before placing them vertically in a loaf pan or baking dish.

 Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

• Optional: Brush more garlic butter on top right out of the oven.

This layering technique gives you fluffy, layered bread you can pull apart easily—similar to a monkey bread texture but savory and cheesy. For a guide on this style, check out this Pinterest pull-apart cheese bread.

 Quick Tips for Perfect No-Yeast Cheesy Breadsticks

• Don’t overmix the dough—this can make it tough.

• Use cold milk for fluffier results.

• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and better browning.

• Stack strips loosely to allow space for them to puff and bake evenly.

• Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

These tips help ensure a fluffy inside and golden cheesy top every time. For more ideas, this Pinterest board of party snack breads has helpful visuals.

 Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Want to prep ahead for parties or weekly snacking? Here’s how:

Make Ahead

• Prepare the dough and assemble the breadsticks.

• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked assembled breadsticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag.

• Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

To freeze leftovers, wrap tightly and store in an airtight container. Reheat using the oven or air fryer to retain crispness.

Serving Ideas & Dipping Sauces

These cheesy breadsticks are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a dip takes them over the top. Serve with:

• Warm marinara sauce

• Ranch dressing for a creamy contrast

• Garlic aioli or butter dip

• Buffalo or BBQ sauce for spice

They also pair perfectly as a side to:

• Pasta dishes

• Soups like tomato basil

• Salads like Caesar or chopped Italian

Need ideas for presentation? Browse this Pinterest board for stunning breadstick serving trays and party setups.

Nutrition Breakdown (Optional)

While exact values will vary, here’s an estimate per breadstick:

• Calories: ~150–200

• Fat: 9–12g

• Carbs: 15–20g

• Protein: 6–8g

For a healthier version, consider:

• Using reduced-fat cheese

• Brushing with olive oil instead of butter

• Adding fiber-rich flours or gluten-free blends

FAQ

Can I use canned pizza dough?
Yes, canned or refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient shortcut. Just unroll, top, and bake as directed.

How do I make breadsticks without yeast?
Use baking powder as a leavening agent. Mix with flour, milk, and oil for a quick dough alternative.

What’s the best cheese for cheesy breadsticks?
Mozzarella is best for melt and stretch. Blend with parmesan or cheddar for stronger flavor.

How do you keep garlic breadsticks crispy?
Use a preheated pan or pizza stone. Reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes. Prepare and refrigerate unbaked, or freeze for longer storage. Bake just before serving for best results.

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