There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm, cheesy breadsticks infused with a rich spinach and artichoke filling. This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe takes that beloved dip and turns it into a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking straight from the tray.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these breadsticks more times than I can count, especially when friends come over. They’re that kind of recipe that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is comforting — combining creamy, cheesy filling with warm, golden twists of dough.
- Delicious twist on a classic: It combines the familiar flavors of spinach artichoke dip with the fun shape and texture of breadsticks.
- Perfect for sharing: These breadsticks are ideal for parties, game days, or casual dinners where everyone can grab and go.
- Simple but impressive: Using store-bought pizza dough keeps it easy while still looking and tasting gourmet.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the cheese mix or add seasonings to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This combo is all about balance — creamy cheese, tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a hint of garlic and lemon to brighten things up. Picking the right spinach and quality pizza dough can make all the difference.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and drained, it adds moisture without sogginess, locking in that fresh, leafy flavor.
- Olive oil: A subtle base for sautéing onions, giving flavor depth.
- White onions: They sauté nicely for sweetness and texture in the filling.
- Minced garlic: Adds that classic aromatic punch you want in every bite.
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright pop that balances out the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty undertones to the mix.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, luscious texture.
- Cream cheese: The creamy glue that holds everything together.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Drained and chopped to distribute that tender, slightly tangy flavor perfectly.
- Kosher salt and paprika: Seasoning that boosts flavor and adds a subtle smoky note.
- Pizza dough: The perfect canvas — soft enough to twist but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Unsalted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic salt: For brushing over the baked breadsticks, sealing in flavor and adding a shiny finish.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I swap in different cheeses or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous and want a little heat.
- Variation: I’ve tried adding fresh chopped basil or a little sun-dried tomato for an Italian twist — both were delicious and added a fresh dimension.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Drain and Prep the Spinach
After cooking the frozen spinach according to the package, I like to press it with paper towels in a colander to squeeze out any extra moisture. This step is crucial because watery spinach can make your breadsticks soggy — and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Combine Filling
Heat your olive oil on medium, then add diced onions. I stir them often for about 4-5 minutes until they’re translucent and sweet. Toss in the garlic next — just a couple minutes till fragrant. Then, off the heat, mix in your lemon juice, cheeses, artichokes, spices, and that well-drained spinach. Bring it to a gentle simmer so everything melds together nicely.
Step 3: Roll & Fill the Dough
On a floured surface, I roll my pizza dough out to roughly 8” by 10”. Even spread is key here, so I carefully smear the spinach-artichoke mixture all over the top. Then comes the fun part — slicing the dough into strips before twisting each one a couple times to get that beautiful breadstick look.
Step 4: Bake & Finish with Garlic Butter
Pop those breadsticks into a 400°F oven for about 14-16 minutes, until they’re golden and smelling amazing. While baking, whisk melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt — brushing this over once they’ve baked adds an irresistible shine and flavor boost.
Top Tip
I’ve learned that draining your spinach well and not overfilling the dough makes all the difference in achieving those perfect breadsticks — neither soggy nor dry.
- Drain the spinach thoroughly: Press it firmly with paper towels or in a colander to avoid soggy dough.
- Don’t overload the filling: Spread the mixture thinly but evenly — a thick layer can make twisting tricky and lead to uneven baking.
- Twist with confidence: Don't over-twist—the goal is a gentle spiral that holds the filling without breaking the dough.
- Brush immediately after baking: The garlic butter seals in moisture and adds flavor while the breadsticks are hot.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of extra Parmesan on top right after brushing with butter — it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair beautifully with tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even alongside your favorite pasta dish to make a hearty, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter with a small bowl of marinara or ranch for dipping in the center — it instantly makes the breadsticks a charming, shareable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delicious for about 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or late-night cravings.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these breadsticks before, wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven the next day for best texture.
Reheating
To warm them back up, I pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and melty filling, way better than a microwave that can make them a little soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but be sure to cook it down and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the breadsticks soggy. About 10 cups of fresh spinach will roughly equal 10 ounces of frozen once cooked.
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully in this recipe and adds extra flavor, but store-bought dough saves time while still giving great results.
The key is draining the spinach very well and spreading the filling in a thin, even layer. Also, twisting gently helps maintain structure, and baking them at a high enough temperature ensures crispy, golden breadsticks.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with adding cooked bacon, different cheeses like feta or gouda, or herbs like basil and oregano to customize your breadsticks to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe feels like a warm, cheesy hug whether it’s game day, gathering with friends, or just a cozy night in. Once you make them, I bet you’ll have a new go-to appetizer or snack that’s both simple to prepare and downright delicious. I’m excited for you to try them—you’ll enjoy every twist and bite just as much as I do!
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Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks combine the savory flavors of classic spinach artichoke dip with soft, twisted pizza dough to create a perfect appetizer or snack. Baked until golden and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter, these breadsticks are ideal for game day or any gathering.
Ingredients
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 Spinach: Cook the spinach according to package instructions. Press the cooked spinach in a colander to drain as much liquid as possible. Set aside and press with paper towels if needed to remove extra moisture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring often until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Add lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, chopped artichokes, kosher salt, paprika, and drained spinach to the pan. Stir well and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until the mixture starts to simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured cutting board, roll out pizza dough into an 8” by 10” rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the spinach artichoke mixture over the dough surface.
- Slice Dough: Cut the dough lengthwise into two 8” by 5” pieces. Then cut each piece widthwise into eight 1” wide strips, resulting in sixteen 1” by 5” strips total.
- Twist Breadsticks: Pick up each strip and twist it 2-3 times to form twisted breadsticks. Place all breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 16 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Butter Topping: While baking, whisk together melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in a small bowl.
- Brush Breadsticks: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush the garlic butter mixture over them. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispy breadsticks, you can brush some garlic butter on before baking and again after baking.
- Use fresh spinach if preferred, but be sure to sauté and drain it thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Customize the cheese blend with your favorites like asiago or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- These breadsticks make a great party appetizer and pair well with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling.
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
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