These incredible cheese stuffed breadsticks will transform your dinner table in just over 30 minutes! Warm, gooey cheese wrapped in soft, pillowy pizza dough and brushed with garlic butter – these breadsticks are impossibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying alongside your meal or as an irresistible appetizer when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously Simple: Just a handful of ingredients transform into the most addictive breadsticks you’ve ever tasted.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these – there’s something magical about pulling apart a breadstick and watching the cheese stretch.
  • Versatile: Serve them with pasta, soup, salad, or just on their own with marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses or seasonings to match your meal or mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Pizza Dough: The foundation of our breadsticks – fresh pizza dough creates that perfect chewy texture. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
  • String Cheese: The secret to perfect cheese pulls! Each stick creates a perfect portion of melty goodness inside the breadstick.
  • Italian Blend Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and that beautiful golden crust. The combination of cheeses adds wonderful depth.
  • Butter: Creates that irresistible glossy finish and carries the garlic flavor across every bite.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter with that classic garlic bread flavor we all crave.
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herb flavor that balances the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Love these breadsticks but want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

  • Pepperoni Stuffed: Add a slice of pepperoni alongside each cheese stick for pizza-inspired breadsticks.
  • Herb Infused: Mix Italian herbs into your dough or add dried oregano and basil to your garlic butter.
  • Spicy Version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top or add some diced jalapeños inside for heat lovers.
  • Sweet Dessert Sticks: Use cinnamon sugar instead of garlic butter and stuff with chocolate chips instead of cheese.

How to Make Quick Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take one package of pizza dough and stretch it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Try to make it as even as possible for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Arrange your string cheese sticks in two neat rows on the dough, keeping them 1-2 inches apart. This spacing ensures each breadstick will have well-defined edges.

Step 3: Cover with Second Dough

Roll out the second package of dough to match the size and shape of the first. Carefully place it over the cheese sticks, lining up the edges as best you can.

Step 4: Seal the Edges

Press down firmly between each cheese stick to create seams. Make sure to pinch the ends of each breadstick really well – this is crucial to keeping the cheese inside while baking!

Step 5: Cut and Arrange

Using a pizza cutter, slice along the pressed seams to separate each breadstick. Place them on a baking sheet with 2-3 inches between each one, then sprinkle with the Italian blend cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-14 minutes until the breadsticks are puffed up and golden brown. While they’re baking, mix your melted butter with garlic powder.

Step 7: Finish with Garlic Butter

Remove from the oven, immediately brush with the garlic butter mixture, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm for maximum cheese-pulling enjoyment!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Even Thickness: Roll your dough to an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
  • Seal Thoroughly: Double-check your seams – any gaps will allow cheese to escape during baking.
  • Cold Cheese: Keep your string cheese refrigerated until the last minute so it melts in the oven rather than while you’re assembling.
  • Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Watch Closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark to avoid over-browning.

How to Serve

These breadsticks are versatile sidekicks to many meals:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna for an Italian-inspired feast.

Dipping Options:

Offer warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto for dunking.

Party Presentation:

Arrange in a spiral on a round platter with a dipping sauce in the center for an impressive appetizer display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They won’t be quite as gooey as fresh, but still delicious!

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then place in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch (30-45 seconds) but may make them slightly chewy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure you have approximately 32 oz total (the equivalent of the two store-bought packages). Divide your dough in half and proceed with the recipe as written. Many home bakers actually prefer the flavor and texture of homemade dough.

My cheese is leaking out during baking. What am I doing wrong?
The most common culprit is inadequate sealing. Really press and pinch those edges firmly before baking. Another tip is to make sure your dough isn’t too thin in spots. Also, try chilling the assembled but uncut breadsticks for 15 minutes before cutting and baking – this helps the dough hold its shape better.

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You have two options: either prepare them completely up to the point of baking, refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours and then bake fresh before serving, OR bake them ahead, cool completely, and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes just before serving. The first option gives the freshest result.

What other cheeses can I use instead of string cheese?
While string cheese creates that perfect pull, you can substitute mozzarella sticks cut into appropriate lengths, or even sticks of other semi-soft cheeses like fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack. For an extra flavor boost, try using pepper jack or a cheese with herbs already mixed in.

These Quick Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks are the definition of comfort food made simple. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The crispy outside, soft inside, and that moment when you pull them apart to reveal the melty cheese center – pure magic! Give them a try tonight, and watch how quickly they become a requested favorite in your household.

Print
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Quick Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 16 breadsticks 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Soft, pillowy breadsticks stuffed with gooey string cheese and topped with garlic butter and herbs. These homemade cheesy breadsticks are perfect for parties, game day, or alongside your favorite pasta dish!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 16 oz. packages pizza dough
  • 16 individual string cheese
  • 3/4 cup Italian blend cheese or mozzarella
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Base Dough: Stretch and roll one package of pizza dough into a flat rectangle shape on a floured surface. Ensure it is about ¼ inch thick across with an even thickness throughout to ensure consistent cooking.
  3. Add the Cheese Filling: Place the string cheese in two rows, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart from each other on top of the dough. Position them so they’re evenly distributed across the dough surface.
  4. Add the Top Layer: Stretch and roll the second pizza dough to the same size and shape as the first dough. Carefully lay this second layer directly on top of the first dough and string cheese, creating a sandwich with the cheese in between.
  5. Seal the Edges: Press down firmly between each cheese stick to close the seams between each piece. Pinch the ends of each breadstick to secure the cheese inside, ensuring there are no gaps where cheese might leak during baking.
  6. Cut the Breadsticks: Using a pizza cutter, cut along the pressed areas to create individual breadsticks. Separate the pieces from each other to ensure even cooking.
  7. Arrange for Baking: Place the breadsticks 2-3 inches apart from each other on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining Italian blend cheese or mozzarella.
  8. Bake the Breadsticks: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown and fully cooked through.
  9. Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks are cooking, mix together the melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl until well combined.
  10. Finish and Garnish: Remove breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and added flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh pizza dough that comes in baggies from your local grocery store for best results.
  • Any pizza dough can be substituted as long as it equals the same amount, or you can use homemade dough.
  • For a variation, substitute string cheese with fresh sliced mozzarella placed down the center.
  • Ensure dough edges are well sealed to prevent cheese from seeping out during baking.
  • Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and top with grated parmesan for extra flavor.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick
  • Calories: 220kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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