Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Get Ready to Savor the Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, cheesy, and garlicky breadsticks. This recipe takes the classic breadstick to the next level with a delicious blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, infused with aromatic garlic and herbs. These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are perfect as a side for pasta dishes, soups, or as a satisfying snack all on their own.

Ingredients:

For the Breadsticks:

• 1 pound (about 16 ounces) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the package instructions for bringing it to room temperature. If making homemade dough, ensure it’s properly risen and ready for use.

2. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, approximately 10×14 inches in size. The thickness should be about 1/2 inch.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the flavorful garlic butter.

5. Add the Cheeses:

1. Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with half of the garlic butter mixture.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
3. Roll up the dough from the long side to create a log, sealing the seam by pinching the edges together.
4. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.

6. Bake the Breadsticks:

1. Brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick.
2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the breadsticks.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

7. Garnish and Serve:

1. If desired, garnish the hot and cheesy garlic breadsticks with finely chopped fresh parsley.

8. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (optional):

1. In a small saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over low heat and stir in the dried Italian seasoning. Serve alongside the breadsticks for dipping.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize your cheesy garlic breadsticks by adding other favorite toppings like cooked bacon bits, sliced black olives, or sautéed mushrooms.
• For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the breadsticks before baking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the breadsticks with aluminum foil during the first half of baking and uncover them for the remaining time.

Variation:

To make these breadsticks even cheesier, you can add a layer of sliced provolone or cheddar cheese on top of the mozzarella before rolling up the dough.

Cook’s Note:

These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks are best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the bread is at its crispiest. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Italian dishes.