Description
Delight in these homemade cheese breadsticks, easy to make, cheesy, and perfect for snacking or dipping! Quick recipe for a tasty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pizza dough: This forms the base of your breadsticks. You can use store-bought or homemade dough. The texture will determine how fluffy and chewy your breadsticks turn out, so quality matters.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: This adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior. You can replace this with olive oil if you prefer a healthier version.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for flavor, it gives the breadsticks that classic garlic taste without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient! Mozzarella is gooey when melted and plays beautifully with the other flavors, giving your breadsticks that melty, stringy texture.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nutty, sharp flavor that complements the mozzarella. You can substitute with a dairy-free alternative if you’re following a dairy-free diet.
- ½ tsp dried basil: This herb brings a warm, aromatic quality to the breadsticks. Fresh basil could also be used if you have it on hand.
- ¼ tsp dried oregano: Another herb that enhances the Italian flavor profile, oregano pairs well with basil to create a herb-infused taste.
- ¼ tsp salt (optional): Adding salt enhances the overall flavor. However, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can adjust this or omit it completely.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C): This is important for getting a crispy finish on your cheese breadsticks. While the oven heats, take a moment to prepare your baking surface by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or using parchment paper.
- Roll and stretch the pizza dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch your dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×10 inches. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Brush with melted butter: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the surface of the dough with the 2 tbsp of melted butter, ensuring it covers every corner. This will give the breadsticks a lovely flavor and color.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder: Evenly distribute the 1 tsp of garlic powder over the buttered dough, ensuring that each bite will be flavorful.
- Add the mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the dough. Be sure to cover it fully for that gooey, cheesy experience.
- Top with Parmesan cheese: Add the ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle dried herbs: Evenly distribute the ½ tsp of dried basil, ¼ tsp of dried oregano, and ¼ tsp of salt (if using) on top of the cheese layer. This brings the classic Italian taste to your breadsticks.
- Cutting the breadsticks: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. You can make them thinner or thicker based on your preference.
- Baking the breadsticks: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Be sure to keep an eye on them as baking times can vary.
- Cool and serve: Once they are done, remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.