There’s something seriously comforting about warm, golden bread stuffed with gooey cheese, and that’s exactly what makes this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe so irresistible. It’s a perfect way to get that melty, buttery goodness wrapped in a crisp crust that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe for a game night—my friends couldn’t get enough! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so easily, making it a total winner whenever you want to impress without the fuss.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Gooey melted cheese inside a buttery crust makes every bite downright satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few staples like pizza dough and Monterey Jack cheese come together for big flavor.
- Easy to Customize: You can add herbs, spices, or swap cheeses to make it your own delicious creation.
- Perfect for Sharing: Makes a great appetizer or snack that everyone will happily gather around.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe thrives on simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the soft, stretchy pizza dough to the creamy Monterey Jack that melts to perfection. All these come together to give you that irresistible texture and flavor combo.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Its mild, creamy melt makes it perfect for that stretchy, oozy center you want in stuffed breadsticks.
- Pizza dough: Using fresh or store-bought dough means you get a soft but crisp exterior that wraps the cheese perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with herbs to brush on top, it’s what adds that rich, savory finish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright note to balance all that richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Dried oregano and garlic powder: Classic Italian flavors that elevate the breadsticks to the next level.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy, garlicky dip to accompany these cheesy delights.
Make It Your Way
I like to mix things up depending on the mood and occasion. This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe invites so much creativity—whether you want to sneak in some herbs, swap cheeses, or make it gluten-free, there’s a way to make it truly yours.
- Variation: I once swapped half the Monterey Jack for sharp cheddar and tossed in a little cooked spinach—totally changed things up with a nice tang and some greens.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh basil or rosemary to the butter brush gives it a fragrant, garden-fresh twist.
- Dietary Mod: Try gluten-free dough if you want to keep the flavor but cater to gluten sensitivities.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cheese Just Right
Start by slicing one block of Monterey Jack cheese lengthwise into 8 long pieces. Then cut half of the second block into 4 long pieces. You’ll have 12 long sticks total. Grate the remaining half block, setting both aside. This combo gives you perfect little cheese pockets and some shredded cheese to sprinkle on top for extra gooeyness.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll each ball of pizza dough into a 10x18-inch rectangle. This creates a nice, even layer for the cheese to nestle in. Trust me, rolling the dough evenly makes all the difference when you want evenly baked breadsticks without any doughy spots.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Place one dough rectangle on a large cutting board. Line up all 12 pieces of cheese evenly across the length and sprinkle the shredded cheese over them. Then cover carefully with the second dough rectangle, pressing the edges together to seal in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Cut and Seal the Breadsticks
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice between each piece of cheese, creating 12 long stuffed breadsticks. Pinch and press the dough tightly around each one to ensure none of that melty cheese escapes during baking—this step is key to avoid mess and keep your breadsticks perfectly formed.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the breadsticks on parchment-lined baking sheets. Pop them into your preheated 425°F oven and bake for 16–18 minutes until they’re a light golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye near the end—you want them beautifully colored but not burnt.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks bake, whisk melted butter with chopped parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush this savory garlic butter over the tops to infuse them with that extra buttery-herb flavor. Serve them hot with marinara for dipping—pure heaven.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really make this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe shine.
- Seal the Edges Well: Always pinch the dough around the cheese firmly to avoid leaks and cheese oozing out during baking.
- Even Dough Thickness: Rolling your dough out evenly means your breadsticks cook uniformly, so no soggy or undercooked spots.
- Melted Butter Finish: Don’t skip the garlic butter brush—it adds moisture and flavor that keeps breadsticks irresistible even after cooling slightly.
- Watch the Bake Time: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid over-baking.
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley right on top before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of grated Parmesan also amps up the cheese factor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of hearty soup—think tomato basil or minestrone for classic Italian vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the breadsticks in a circular wreath shape on a large serving platter with a bowl of marinara in the center. It not only looks festive but invites everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftover breadsticks tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these breadsticks after assembling but before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you want them, bake straight from frozen—add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the dough chewy rather than crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a nice mild flavor, you can swap in mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Pinching the dough edges firmly around each cheese stick is the key to preventing leaks. Make sure the dough is pressed tight without gaps. Also, avoid overfilling with cheese to keep them neat.
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed breadsticks, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them before baking and bake directly from frozen when ready.
Reheat leftover breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese inside. Microwaving is faster but may result in a soggy texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly think this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is one of my kitchen staples now. It’s so reliable, delicious, and brings that cozy, uplifting feeling every time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving some seriously good comfort food, these breadsticks won’t disappoint. Give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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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
These Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks are golden brown, buttery, and filled with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are best served hot with marinara sauce for dipping. With a crispy exterior and gooey cheese inside, they bring ultimate comfort and flavor to any occasion.
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
Serving
- 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 block of Monterey Jack lengthwise into 8 long pieces. Cut half of the second block into 4 long pieces, making 12 total strips. Grate the remaining half block. Set aside both the strips and shredded cheese.
- Roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each pizza dough ball into a 10”x18” rectangle.
- Assemble breadsticks: Place one dough rectangle on a large cutting board. Arrange the 12 cheese strips evenly across its length and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Seal breadsticks: Lay the second dough rectangle on top. Press dough tightly together around each cheese strip to seal. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut between each piece of cheese to create 12 stuffed breadsticks. Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Bake: Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 18 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare garlic butter: While baking, whisk melted butter with parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl.
- Finish breadsticks: Remove breadsticks from oven, brush tops generously with garlic butter, and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality Monterey Jack for a creamier cheese melt.
- Dough can be homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
- For a stronger flavor, substitute or mix in some mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to seal dough edges well to prevent cheese from oozing during baking.
- These breadsticks are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Marinara sauce adds a tangy complement; try garlic or ranch dipping sauces for variety.
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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