There's something utterly irresistible about warm, golden breadsticks loaded with creamy spinach and artichoke goodness. This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe combines the best of cozy comfort food and shareable finger food, making it a total winner for any gathering or casual meal.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a warm hug that’s easy to share. Whether it’s game day, a cozy night in, or you just need a quick crowd-pleaser, these breadsticks deliver an unbeatable combo of cheesy, garlicky, and fresh bite-sized delight.
- Melty, creamy filling: The mix of spinach, artichoke, and cheeses creates a rich, dreamy center that's just mouthwatering.
- Twisted presentation: Twisting each breadstick adds a fun texture and makes them incredibly easy to grab and dip.
- Simple to make: With just a few straightforward steps and easily sourced ingredients, it’s a recipe anyone can nail.
- Perfect for any occasion: From kid-friendly snacks to a classy appetizer, these breadsticks fit right in.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe lies in the balance between creamy, fresh, and savory flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to turn simple pizza dough into a cheesy, irresistible breadstick.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and pressed dry, it gives the dish that authentic spinach dip flavor without watering down the dough.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing the aromatics, bringing out the flavors.
- Diced white onions: Provide a mild sweetness and depth when softened.
- Minced garlic: Essential for the signature garlicky flavor that ties everything together.
- Lemon juice: A tiny splash brightens the whole filling, cutting through the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory sharpness and helps thicken the spread.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that gooey texture we all crave in breadsticks.
- Cream cheese: Makes the filling extra creamy and luscious.
- Canned artichoke hearts: The star veggie with a mild, tangy bite that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Kosher salt & paprika: Season and add a little smoky warmth.
- Pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, this is your canvas to hold all that delicious filling.
- Unsalted butter: Mixed with herbs and garlic salt to brush on top for a golden, fragrant finish.
- Italian seasoning & garlic salt: The final flavors that punch up the breadsticks' taste.
Make It Your Way
I love adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to these breadsticks when I want just a hint of heat—but you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes!
- Variation: I once swapped the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese—giving the breadsticks a spicy twist that my friends adored.
- Gluten-free option: Try a gluten-free pizza dough if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities; just be sure to adjust baking time slightly.
- Herb upgrade: Fresh basil or oregano mixed into the filling can bump up the freshness dramatically.
- Dairy-free adjustment: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free mozzarella to make these plant-based friendly and just as tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Spinach
Start by cooking your spinach according to the package instructions—it’s important to get as much moisture out as you can. I usually press it in a colander and then pat it dry with paper towels. This keeps the breadsticks from getting soggy, which is a game changer for texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mix Filling
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add diced onions. Sauté until translucent—usually 4 to 5 minutes—then toss in garlic, cooking for another minute or two. Add lemon juice, cheeses, cream cheese, artichokes, salt, paprika, and that well-drained spinach. Stir everything gently, letting the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Breadsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly flour your board and roll out the pizza dough into an 8" by 10" rectangle. Spread the spinach artichoke filling evenly over the dough. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough lengthwise into two 8"x5" pieces, then cut each into eight 1" strips. Twist each strip a couple of times and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This twisting step is fun and helps create those inviting nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Bake and Butter
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the breadsticks turn golden on top. While they're baking, whisk together melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Once the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush this buttery mixture on top right away for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve these warm—the way they're best enjoyed!
Top Tip
Having made this recipe countless times, the key to amazing spinach artichoke breadsticks is controlling moisture and seasoning balance. Dry spinach and properly seasoned filling make a world of difference!
- Drain Well: Always press out as much liquid as possible from the spinach—wet filling means soggy dough, which we don’t want.
- Balance the salt: Cheese and artichokes bring saltiness, so taste the filling before adding extra salt to keep it from being too salty.
- Twist gently: When twisting your breadsticks, be firm but careful not to tear the dough, so your filling stays inside and bakes evenly.
- Butter brush: Brush the melted butter mixture right out of the oven while breadsticks are hot—that’s when it soaks in best and adds that signature shine and flavor.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish these breadsticks with a light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and a little fresh brightness that complements the richness perfectly. Sometimes a pinch of extra Parmesan on top right after baking is a nice touch, too.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair amazingly with a crisp green salad or even a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. When I'm hosting, I often set out a few dips—like a tangy tomato sauce and some creamy ranch—so everyone can enjoy a mix of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I serve spinach artichoke breadsticks standing upright in a tall glass or rustic jar—kind of like a savory bouquet. It’s both pretty and practical, making grabbing a breadstick easy and fun. For holidays, I’ve even arranged them in a circle to mimic a cheesy wreath with a bowl of dip in the center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover breadsticks keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When I reheat, I like to pop them in the oven instead of the microwave to keep the crust crisp rather than soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked twisted breadsticks on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—super handy for quick entertaining.
Reheating
For reheating, I preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the breadsticks for about 8-10 minutes. To bring back some buttery shine, I brush them lightly with melted butter before serving. This little step revives their fresh-baked charm beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can absolutely use fresh spinach. You’ll want to wilt it down in a pan until most of its moisture evaporates, then squeeze out all excess liquid just like with frozen spinach to avoid soggy breadsticks.
This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe isn’t spicy by default. However, you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the filling or butter brush to give it a little kick if you like some heat.
Yes! You can prepare the breadsticks ahead by twisting them and placing them on a baking sheet covered tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked as described above.
Reheating in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes is best to maintain the crisp crust and melty filling. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make the breadsticks soggy.
Final Thoughts
I keep coming back to this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe because it’s a guaranteed way to impress with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for when you want that warm, cheesy comfort but also crave a bit of fresh, savory veggie goodness. I can't wait for you to try it out—you might find it becoming your go-to appetizer or snack just like I have!
Print
Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously savory Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of spinach artichoke dip with the satisfying texture of twisted breadsticks. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack for game day or gatherings, these golden-baked twists are brushed with a garlic herb butter for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Spinach Artichoke Filling
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup diced white onions
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Dough and Topping
- 14 oz. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Cook the spinach according to package instructions, then press it in a colander to remove excess liquid. For best results, use paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, chopped artichokes, kosher salt, paprika, and the drained spinach. Mix well and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the mixture until it starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking.
- Shape Dough: Lightly flour a cutting board and roll the pizza dough out into an 8 by 10 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the spinach artichoke mixture over the dough rectangle.
- Cut Breadsticks: Slice the dough lengthwise into two 8 by 5 inch pieces. Then cut each piece widthwise into eight 1-inch wide strips, resulting in 16 strips total.
- Twist Breadsticks: Pick up each strip and twist it 2-3 times to form twisted breadsticks. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: While baking, whisk together melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Once baked, remove breadsticks from the oven and brush the butter mixture over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach to avoid soggy breadsticks.
- The artichoke hearts used are approximately half of a standard 14-ounce can, drained and chopped.
- You can substitute store-bought pizza dough with homemade dough for a fresher taste.
- These breadsticks make an excellent appetizer or snack for game day or parties.
- If you prefer, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a cheesier crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 515 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
Leave a Reply