There's something incredibly satisfying about warm, gooey cheese tucked inside golden, buttery bread. This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is just that—and it’s easy enough to whip up for a cozy night in or even for sharing with friends at a casual get-together.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m all about recipes that feel fancy but are honestly so simple to pull off at home. These breadsticks have that perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender dough that holds a melty, flavorful cheesy center. I always find myself craving them whenever I make them!
- Loaded with Cheese: Plenty of Monterey Jack inside means every bite is ooey, gooey, and utterly satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items—just a few basics that come together magically.
- Fun to Make: Rolling, filling, and cutting these breadsticks is a little hands-on craft that’s actually quite relaxing.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family snack or a party appetizer, these breadsticks disappear fast!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing good quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference here. I like using fresh pizza dough from my local grocery or bakery—it rolls out nicely and has a great chew. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully to form that stretchy center we all want.
- Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts evenly and has a mild, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with herbs.
- Pizza dough: Use fresh or store-bought—just make sure it’s soft and pliable for easy rolling and sealing.
- Unsalted butter: Melting and mixing it with herbs gives your breadsticks that irresistible buttery finish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby brightness to cut through the richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming anything.
- Dried oregano & garlic powder: Classic Italian-seasoning staples that add depth and aroma.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy dip to balance the buttery cheese flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love switching up the cheese sometimes—mozzarella or provolone work great if you want a slightly different flavor or texture. You could also add a bit of cooked spinach or finely chopped pepperoni inside for a fun twist. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Variation: Once, I tossed in some red pepper flakes for a little heat, and wow, that kick paired wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cheese Like a Pro
Start by slicing your Monterey Jack into long strips—this helps each breadstick have a generous cheesy center. I find it easiest to cut a couple of blocks lengthwise first, then shred the remaining portion for an extra cheesy sprinkle. Keep these ready before you roll out the dough—trust me, it simplifies the process.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll each pizza dough ball into a rectangle roughly 10 by 18 inches. Don’t worry about perfect edges—rustic is charming here. This shape makes it easier to line up the cheese pieces evenly.
Step 3: Layer, Press, and Cut
Lay one dough rectangle on a cutting board then arrange your cheese strips evenly across the length, sprinkle on shredded cheese, then top with the second dough piece. Press firmly around each cheese strip to seal tightly—this stops any cheese from oozing out. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice between the cheese pieces into 12 individual breadsticks. Pinch the seams firmly where you cut.
Step 4: Bake and Butter ‘Em Up
Pop your breadsticks on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 425°F for about 16 to 18 minutes until they’re lightly golden. Meanwhile, mix melted butter with parsley, salt, oregano, and garlic powder. The second they come out of the oven, brush the garlic butter on top while they’re hot—it’s the secret to that irresistible golden shine and flavor boost.
Top Tip
After making this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really make a difference in getting those breadsticks just right—melty, buttery, and perfectly sealed.
- Seal Tightly: Pinch the dough edges firmly around each cheese piece to prevent leakage during baking.
- Roll Evenly: Even thickness means the breadsticks bake at the same rate — avoid overly thin spots or thick lumps.
- Brush Immediately: Apply garlic butter right after baking while the breadsticks are hot to maximize flavor absorption and shine.
- Don’t Skip Parchment: It keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking, which is a relief after working so hard on these treats!
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a tiny shower of grated Parmesan ups the cheesy factor beautifully too.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are fantastic alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of hearty soup like tomato basil. And don’t forget the marinara sauce—the dipping makes every bite even more delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve arranged these breadsticks in a circular wreath shape on a large platter with a bowl of marinara in the center—super cute and everyone loves grabbing one from the “ring.” You could also serve them stacked like logs for a rustic feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delicious for up to 3 days, and I’m always surprised how well they keep their texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these freeze beautifully before baking. Just wrap the stuffed breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to refresh the bread and melt the cheese again. You avoid sogginess that way—and get that fresh-baked crispness back.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar can be swapped in depending on your flavor preferences. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
The key is to seal the dough edges tightly around each cheese strip. Pinch and press firmly so there are no gaps where cheese can ooze out as it melts.
Classic marinara sauce is my go-to because its tanginess pairs perfectly with the buttery, cheesy breadsticks. But ranch or garlic butter can also be delicious options.
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed breadsticks ahead and freeze them before baking. Then bake them from frozen when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe holds a special place for me because it blends simplicity with so much deliciousness. I hope you have as much fun making and eating these as I do—and that they become your go-to for cozy nights, snack attacks, or any time you want a warm, cheesy hug from the oven.
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Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously golden and buttery Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks filled with melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect as a comforting appetizer or snack served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 16 oz. Cabot Monterey Jack cheese
Dough
- 2 1-pound balls of pizza dough
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnishing)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Dipping Sauce
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
- Prepare Cheese: Cut one full 16 oz block of Monterey Jack cheese lengthwise into 8 long pieces. Cut half of the second 16 oz block in the same way to create 4 more long pieces, totaling 12 pieces. Grate the remaining half block of cheese and set both the long pieces and shredded cheese aside.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each 1-pound ball of pizza dough into a 10”x18” rectangle.
- Assemble Breadsticks: Lay one rolled dough piece on a cutting board. Arrange the 12 long cheese pieces evenly across the length of the dough and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top.
- Top and Seal: Place the second rolled dough rectangle over the cheese. Press the dough edges tightly together around each cheese piece.
- Cut Breadsticks: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice between each cheese piece to create 12 stuffed breadsticks. Pinch dough edges tightly to seal each one well.
- Bake: Place breadsticks on prepared baking sheets and bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While baking, whisk melted butter with chopped parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a small bowl.
- Brush and Serve: Remove breadsticks from oven and brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure to pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; breadsticks are best warm.
- Use fresh parsley for a brighter herb flavor in the garlic butter.
- Marinara sauce can be warmed slightly before serving for a better dipping experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 871 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
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