Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks with Homemade Dough

Mattoo Rossi
Mattoo Rossi
Published: May 17, 2026
Categories: Vegetables, Bread
Tags: Baking, Comfort Food, Appetizer, Garlic, Cheesy

Garlic Bread Sticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks loaded with fresh garlic and gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for dipping!

Prep Time:75 minCook Time:15 minTotal Time:90 minServings:12Difficulty:Medium

Warm, buttery, and incredibly cheesy—these bread sticks are the ultimate side dish or snack. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of fresh bread out of the oven, especially when it’s brushed with a generous amount of garlic butter and topped with a bubbly blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. They are soft and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of golden-brown crisp on the edges.

Whether you're serving these alongside a big bowl of pasta or just snacking on them with a side of marinara, they are always a crowd favorite. The secret is in using fresh garlic and a touch of herbs that bring out the savory notes. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough for a weekend gathering with friends and family.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:210 kcal
Protein:7 g
Carbs:24 g
Fat:9 g

Directions

  1. 1
    Foamy yeast mixture blooming in warm water with sugar in a glass bowl

    In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

  2. 2
    Shaggy bread dough forming as flour is stirred into the yeast mixture

    Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until a dough forms, then gradually add the remaining flour as needed while kneading.

  3. 3
    Smooth elastic bread dough ball on a lightly floured counter after kneading

    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 4
    Bread dough resting in a greased bowl under a clean kitchen towel to rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  5. 5
    Large baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready for breadstick dough

    Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  6. 6
    Breadstick dough rolled into a large rectangle on a parchment-lined baking sheet

    Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick on the baking sheet.

  7. 7
    Garlic butter brushed generously over the rolled breadstick dough

    In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the dough.

  8. 8
    Mozzarella Parmesan and parsley sprinkled evenly over garlic-buttered dough

    Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then garnish with dried parsley.

  9. 9
    Cheese-topped dough sliced into long breadstick strips with a pizza cutter

    Slice the dough into 12 strips using a pizza cutter, but don't separate them yet.

  10. 10
    Baked cheesy garlic bread sticks with bubbly cheese and golden edges served warm

    Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Re-cut the strips and serve warm.

Ingredients

  • Warm water (110°F):1 cup
  • Granulated sugar:1 tbsp
  • Active dry yeast:2 1/4 tsp
  • Olive oil:2 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour:2 1/2 cups
  • Salt:1 tsp
  • Unsalted butter, melted:4 tbsp
  • Garlic, minced:3 cloves
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese:1 1/2 cups
  • Grated Parmesan cheese:1/4 cup
  • Dried parsley:1 tsp

Tips & Notes

  • Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
  • Serve these with a side of warm marinara or ranch dressing for the ultimate dipping experience.
  • If the dough is too sticky while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it's manageable.