Sometimes, the best creations come from happy accidents. That’s exactly what happened with these cheesy, soft breadsticks. One evening, I had a batch of homemade pizza dough that took nearly two hours to rise.
I didn’t want to waste any of it, so I thought, “Why not give it a try and make something new?” And here we are, with the yummiest, cheesiest breadsticks you’ll ever make.
These breadsticks are everything you want in a side dish: soft, flavorful, and super cheesy—did I mention how cheesy they are? If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), you’re going to be obsessed with these.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough scraps (or you can make a fresh batch using your favorite pizza dough recipe)
- 4 oz stick of unsalted butter
- Onion powder (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste—don’t be shy!)
- Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Items You’ll Need
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum baking sheet (avoid using dark or nonstick baking sheets)
- Cornmeal (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by moving your oven rack to the lowest position. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving the perfect crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Step 2: Clarify Your Butter
Next, melt your butter over low heat in a saucepan. As it melts, you’ll notice foam beginning to form on top. Carefully scoop this foam off, as this will help create a clarified butter. Be cautious, as the butter might splatter during this process. Once clarified, strain the butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Now, take a piece of parchment paper and line your baking sheet with it. Sprinkle some cornmeal over the parchment paper. This will not only prevent sticking but also add a nice texture to the breadsticks. Set it aside for now.
Step 4: Shape Your Dough
Gather your pizza dough scraps on a lightly floured surface. Form them into a ball and then roll out the dough into a small rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Once you have it rolled out, place it on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Slice and Let Rise
Using a pizza slicer or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch apart. Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 20-30 minutes. You want it to puff up a bit, but not double in size.
Step 6: Add Flavor and Cheese
Once the dough has risen, brush it generously with the clarified butter you prepared earlier. Now, season the breadsticks with onion powder and garlic powder—don’t be afraid to add plenty of garlic powder for that rich, savory flavor. Then, generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake the breadsticks for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them—when you start seeing some slight brown spots on the edges of the breadsticks, that’s your cue that they’re ready.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and serve them immediately. They’re best when they’re warm and gooey with cheese, fresh from the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack.
Notes
In the original tutorial, I experimented with baking these breadsticks on a baker’s stone, but honestly, I wasn’t a fan of the result. The bottom got too crunchy for my liking, so I highly recommend sticking with an aluminum baking sheet. The breadsticks come out soft, moist, and perfect every time on this type of sheet.
While parchment paper isn’t typically rated for extremely high temperatures like 450°F, don’t worry—since the breadsticks are in the oven for a relatively short time, the parchment paper will hold up just fine.
The edges of the paper may brown slightly, but that’s about it. If you’d prefer to skip the parchment paper, you can spray your baking sheet with a little cooking spray, sprinkle on some cornmeal, and place the dough directly onto the sheet. Either way, you’ll still get delicious, cheesy breadsticks.
Why You’ll Love These Breadsticks
These breadsticks are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying them with a homemade pizza, serving them as an appetizer, or just snacking on them while watching a movie. The combination of soft, pillowy dough with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan is truly irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make with minimal ingredients and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So next time you find yourself with some leftover pizza dough (or if you’re simply in the mood for cheesy goodness), give this recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Cheesy and Soft Homemade Breadsticks: A Delicious Accident
Ingredients
Pizza dough scraps (or homemade pizza dough)
4 oz stick unsalted butter
Onion powder (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Move rack to the lowest position.
- Melt butter, skim foam, and strain.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper, sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Roll dough scraps into a ¼-inch rectangle, place on baking sheet.
- Cut into strips, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise 20-30 minutes.
- Brush with butter, top with onion powder, garlic powder, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- 1. Use aluminum baking sheet for soft breadsticks. Avoid a baker’s stone for crunchy bottoms.
- 2. Parchment paper can handle the heat for short baking times. Skip it if preferred.