Easy Cheesy Breadsticks
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Today I’m sharing a quick and comforting recipe for Easy Cheesy Breadsticks—a side dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with just about any cozy meal. Whether you’re serving up a pot of soup, a hearty pasta dish, or a simple salad, these breadsticks bring that irresistible combination of soft dough, melted cheese, and garlicky butter that makes every bite feel like a treat.
What makes these breadsticks extra special is the method: instead of shaping individual sticks, the dough is pressed into a rectangle in a 9×13-inch baking pan, which gives them a thick, pillowy texture that’s perfect for tearing and sharing. Once the dough is spread out, it’s generously brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with shredded cheese, and finished with a touch of garlic powder for that classic pizzeria flavor.
I served these alongside my One-Pot Creamy Rigatoni (which I shared yesterday), and the combination was pure comfort food bliss. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, but tasty enough to earn a spot on your holiday table or game day spread. Let’s bake!
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Breadsticks
- YEAST
- SUGAR
- WATER
- MALED MILK POWDER
- SALT
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- BUTTER
- GARLIC POWDER OR JOHNNY’S SEASONING
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- PARMESAN CHEESE
Instructions for Easy Cheesy Breadsticks
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when your dough is assembled. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine active dry yeast, sugar, warm water, malted milk powder, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require kneading or a long rise.
Next, pour half of the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom. This helps create that golden, buttery crust we love. Press the dough directly into the pan, using your fingertips to stretch it gently into the corners.
Once the dough is in place, pour the remaining melted butter over the top and spread it evenly to coat. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the surface—I like a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for melt and flavor. Finish with a dusting of garlic powder or your favorite seasoning blend. I personally love Johnny’s Garlic Seasoning and just sprinkle it freely over the top—no measuring needed!
Let the dough rise for 15 to 30 minutes, uncovered, while the oven finishes preheating. This short rise gives the breadsticks a soft, pillowy texture.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes, then slice into 12 breadsticks using a pizza cutter. Serve warm with soup, pasta, or marinara for dipping—and watch them disappear!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before pressing it into the pan.
Do I need to let the dough rise before baking?
Just a short rise is needed—15 to 30 minutes after pressing the dough into the pan. This helps the breadsticks stay soft and fluffy.
What kind of cheese works best?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives great melt and flavor. Feel free to experiment with Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Colby for variety.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
What should I serve these with?
They’re perfect with soup, pasta, salad, or even as a snack with marinara or ranch for dipping. I served mine with One-Pot Creamy Rigatoni, and it was a match made in comfort food heaven.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Easy Homemade Breadsticks
- 30 Minute Soft Breadsticks
- Easy Cheesy Homemade Breadsticks
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Easy Cheesy Breadsticks
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp yeast
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 Tbsp malted milk powder optional
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 to 3 ½ cups flour
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder or Johnny’s seasoning.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer, add the yeast, sugar, warm water, malted milk powder,’salt, and flour. Mix together until a dough is formed.
- Power half of the melted butter into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread to eavenly coat the bottom of the pan. Press the dough into the pan.
- Pour the remaining butter over the pressed dough. Spread the butter to evenly coat the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the dough. I like to use the Johnny’s Seasoning instead. I don’t measure it. I just sprinkle it over the top. Allow to rise for 15-30 minutes.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. allow to cool for a few minutes and then cut with a pizza cutter into 12 breadsticks.
