Pizzeria Style Cheesy Breadsticks

These Pizzeria Style Cheesy Breadsticks deliver everything you crave from a classic pizza shop—the golden chewy dough, the gooey cheese pull, the buttery edges—right from your own kitchen Not only are they crowd-pleasers but they fill your home with a toasty garlicky aroma that is pure comfort

I first made these breadsticks for a neighborhood game night and they were gone before the first half was even over Now any time we have friends over this is the most requested snack

Ingredients

• Warm water: helps activate the yeast and jumpstarts the fluffiness Aim for water just warm to the touch not hot
• Active dry yeast: is the secret to that pizzeria style rise Choose a fresh packet for best results
• Honey: feeds the yeast and gives just a hint of sweetness that makes the crust more flavorful Raw honey or any mild honey works well
• All purpose flour: forms the structure of the dough Look for unbleached for better flavor and texture
• Sea salt: brightens and balances all the flavors Use a fine grain so it blends evenly
• Olive oil: gives the dough tenderness and flavor Extra virgin is my top pick
• Garlic: fresh cloves are essential for that signature garlic kick Choose firm plump cloves for the most robust flavor
• Butter: in the dough and on the pan gives richness and a golden crust Use real butter for the classic flavor and opt for unsalted to control the seasoning
• Cheddar cheese: adds a sharp tang that melts into the dough Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
• Mozzarella cheese: is what brings the stringy melty factor Look for block whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for the best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the yeast:

In a mixer bowl combine warm water active dry yeast and honey Stir just until dissolved Let this sit uncovered for five to ten minutes until the top is foamy and smells bready You want to see bubbles form as a sign that the yeast is alive

Make the dough:

Add flour sea salt and olive oil to the bowl Begin mixing on medium speed using a dough hook Knead the dough for seven to eight minutes It should be soft and smooth not sticky If needed add a spoonful or two of extra flour until it cleans the sides of the bowl and can be gently poked without sticking to your finger

First rise:

Grease a medium bowl with a little butter Place the dough inside turning once to coat Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel Let the dough rise in a warm spot for one and a half to two hours until it doubles in size Gently press a finger into the dough and if it springs back slowly it is perfectly risen

Shape and rest:

Punch down the dough to release extra air Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a smooth ball Let it rest under a towel for twenty minutes This relaxes the gluten for easier rolling

Preheat and prep the pan:

Heat your oven to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Grease a large baking sheet generously with softened butter Place the dough on the sheet rolling or stretching it gently to fit the pan with even thickness

Top with garlic butter:

Mix softened butter and minced garlic in a small bowl Spread this mixture evenly over the dough making sure the edges get coated for extra flavor

Partial bake:

Place the pan in the oven and bake the dough for seven minutes This gives the crust a head start so it holds up under all the cheese

Cheese and finish:

Remove from the oven Evenly sprinkle with both cheddar and mozzarella Return to the oven and bake for about five more minutes until the cheese is melty bubbly and starting to brown at the edges

Slice and serve:

Let the sheet cool for three to five minutes then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice down the middle and across into breadstick strips

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Perfect as a party snack easy appetizer or cozy side for soup or salad The use of freshly grated cheddar with mozzarella makes these breadsticks robust and melty Cheddar is my go-to for extra tang and a golden top and my kids always argue over who gets the cheesiest piece

How To Store Leftovers

Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place them on a baking sheet in a hot oven just until the cheese melts again Microwaving works but will not keep them as crisp For longer storage freeze individual breadsticks in a zip top bag and toast them straight from the freezer when you need a quick snack

Best Ingredient Substitutions

Out of mozzarella Try Monterey Jack or even a combo of fontina and provolone for that pull Apart from honey feel free to swap in granulated sugar in a pinch To make this recipe vegan use plant based butter and cheeses plus an egg free dough

Serving Suggestions

These breadsticks are perfect as is but a side of warm marinara or ranch for dunking takes them over the top I love serving them with chili or creamy tomato soup For pizza night let everyone dip their breadsticks into their favorite sauces and pair with sparkling drinks

A Little Cheesy History

Breadsticks originated in Italy but these American style cheesy breadsticks are inspired by the ones you find at pizza chains across the US The addition of two cheeses and garlic butter creates that over the top flavor that is quintessentially "pizza parlor" They remind me of Friday night takeout growing up only now homemade and even better

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Always shred your cheese fresh from the block for creamier smoother melting I learned to never skip greasing the pan with softened butter It gives the breadsticks that golden crisp bottom that takes them from homemade to pizzeria worthy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the dough soft and chewy?

Letting the dough rise until doubled and properly kneading it helps achieve a soft, chewy texture typical of pizzeria breadsticks.

→ Can I use only one type of cheese?

Yes, using just mozzarella or cheddar works, but combining both creates richer flavor and meltiness.

→ How can I make the breadsticks extra garlicky?

Increase the amount of minced garlic in the butter spread, or add garlic powder to the dough for extra punch.

→ Is this suitable for freezing?

Baked breadsticks can be cooled, frozen, and reheated; just wrap them well to prevent dryness.

→ What dipping sauces go well?

Classic choices include marinara, ranch, or garlic butter, pairing perfectly with cheesy, golden breadsticks.