Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe | Cheff Recipes

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Breadsticks are a beloved side dish in many cuisines, especially Italian, where they are often paired with pasta dishes, salads, or served as appetizers. Cheesy breadsticks take this classic snack to another level by incorporating the richness of melted cheese into the soft, chewy bread. These breadsticks are often found on restaurant menus, served as a starter or side dish to a meal, but making them at home allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your preferences.

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The beauty of Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks lies in their simplicity, but also in their versatility. While most breadstick recipes rely on a simple dough of flour, yeast, and water, cheesy breadsticks elevate that base by incorporating a blend of cheeses and seasonings that create an irresistible, golden, cheesy crust.

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What sets homemade cheesy breadsticks apart from the store-bought versions is the freshness. Homemade versions allow you to control the quality of ingredients, the amount of cheese, and the exact texture you prefer, from soft and pillowy to crisp and golden. Moreover, preparing cheesy breadsticks from scratch allows for creativity with ingredients—whether you want to make them gluten-free, add herbs, or choose a specific blend of cheeses.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare the dough from scratch, how to select the best cheeses, and how to ensure your breadsticks turn out perfectly each time. Whether you’re serving them at a party, alongside a main course, or as a late-night snack, these Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks will satisfy every craving. Let’s get started on this delicious journey.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or the water might have been too hot, so start again with a new packet of yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour.
3. Add the activated yeast mixture (water, sugar, and yeast) to the flour mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir to combine until the dough starts to come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the breadsticks dense.
5. Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

6. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle shape. The size of the rectangle will depend on how thick or thin you want your breadsticks. For thicker breadsticks, roll the dough to about ½ inch thick; for thinner breadsticks, roll it to ¼ inch thick.
7. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. You should have around 12-15 breadsticks depending on the size of your rectangle.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling

8. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix them together to ensure the cheeses are evenly distributed.
9. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the dough strips. If you want to make cheesy breadsticks with cheese throughout, you can spread the cheese across the entire dough rectangle before cutting the strips. Otherwise, add the cheese only to the middle portion of each strip.

Step 5: Bake the Breadsticks

10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Place the cheesy dough strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. If you’d like a more rustic, free-form style, you can twist each strip into a spiral or braid them for a decorative touch.
12. Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want them to be perfectly golden but not too crisp.

Step 6: Add the Topping

13. While the breadsticks are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
14. When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps the breadsticks stay soft and moist.
15. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

16. Allow the breadsticks to cool slightly before serving. These cheesy breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

Variations of Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

While the classic cheesy breadsticks are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe and add different flavors to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Herb-Infused Cheesy Breadsticks

Add a fresh herb blend like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the dough or sprinkle it on top of the breadsticks before baking. The herbs will add an aromatic flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.

2. Garlic Cheesy Breadsticks

Increase the garlic flavor by adding fresh minced garlic to the dough itself, or sprinkle garlic powder and garlic salt over the top of the breadsticks before baking. You can also drizzle the garlic butter over the breadsticks just before serving for an extra kick.

3. Bacon Cheesy Breadsticks

For a savory twist, crispy bacon crumbles can be added to the cheese mixture before rolling the breadsticks. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the cheese, making it a great option for those who enjoy meaty additions.

4. Gluten-Free Cheesy Breadsticks

To make gluten-free breadsticks, use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Be sure to check the yeast and other ingredients for gluten content. You can also use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe as a base for your cheesy breadsticks.

5. Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks

For an indulgent treat, try stuffing the breadsticks with extra cheese, pepperoni, or sausage before rolling them up. This will give you a gooey, cheesy center with each bite.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam in the water, it’s likely expired and you’ll need to use a new packet.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When kneading the dough, be gentle and avoid overworking it. Over-kneading can result in tough breadsticks. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture.
• Bake at High Heat: To achieve the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy, bake the breadsticks at a high temperature (around 400°F).
• Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra-crisp bottom, you can bake your breadsticks on a preheated pizza stone.
• Experiment with Cheese: Don’t limit yourself to just mozzarella and Parmesan. Experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for unique flavors.

Conclusion

Homemade cheesy breadsticks are an incredibly satisfying snack or side dish that can elevate any meal. With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but customizable to your tastes. Whether you prefer soft and chewy breadsticks, a crispy crust, or a variety of cheese blends, the recipe is highly adaptable.

Making these cheesy breadsticks from scratch also ensures that you have complete control over the ingredients, giving you the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and textures. They can be made as a simple appetizer or served alongside your favorite dishes, such as pasta, pizza, or a hearty soup.

Now that you have the knowledge and detailed steps to make Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start baking! Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness and share these delightful treats with family and friends.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
5. Shape the Dough:
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle or circle, about 1/2 inch thick, depending on your preferred breadstick size. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add the Toppings:
   Brush the rolled dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly across the dough. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it out to cover the dough.
7. Bake the Breadsticks:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the breadsticks are golden brown.
8. Slice and Serve:
   Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice into individual breadsticks and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Notes

• Dough Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut for the breadstick dough.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to add a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for more flavor, or even experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
• Garlic Butter Variation: For extra garlicky flavor, you can mix in some minced garlic directly into the melted butter before brushing it over the dough.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
• Dip Options: These cheesy breadsticks go wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic butter dip for extra flavor.

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