Imagine pulling a tray of hot, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy garlic breadsticks out of your oven in just 20 minutes. This is your new weeknight superhero recipe—perfect for a frantic family dinner, a last-minute appetizer, or when a craving for warm, savory comfort food hits. By using a simple shortcut, you can have restaurant-quality breadsticks on your table faster than you can preheat the oven.
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED
For the Breadstick Base:
One 13.8 ounce can of refrigerated pizza crust dough
Two tablespoons of unsalted butter melted
One tablespoon of olive oil
Three cloves of garlic finely minced
One and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
One third cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
For the Flavorful Finish:
One tablespoon of fresh parsley finely chopped
A pinch of flaky sea salt optional
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- PREPARING THE OVEN AND PAN
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit(200 degrees Celsius). Take a standard-sized baking sheet and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. - SHAPING THE DOUGH
Open the can of pizza dough and unroll it onto the prepared baking sheet.Using your fingers or a rolling pin, gently press and stretch the dough to fit the entire pan, creating a uniform rectangle. - CREATING THE GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING
In a small microwave-safe bowl,combine the melted butter, olive oil, and finely minced garlic. Stir this mixture well to ensure the garlic flavor infuses throughout the fats. - ASSEMBLING THE BREADSTICKS
Using a pastry brush,generously coat the entire surface of the dough with the garlic butter mixture, reserving about one tablespoon for later. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, dust the top with the Italian seasoning. - BAKING TO PERFECTION
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.The breadsticks are done when the edges are a deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has a few delightful golden spots. - FINISHING TOUCHES
Remove the pan from the oven.Immediately brush the reserved garlic butter over the top of the hot, cheesy breadsticks. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. - CUTTING AND SERVING
Allow the breadsticks to cool for just a minute or two on the pan before using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice them into even strips.Serve them warm alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST BREADSTICKS
Do not skip the final brush of garlic butter after baking. It makes a significant difference in the flavor profile.
For a crispier bottom,you can preheat the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the dough.
Feel free to customize your toppings.Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
Using freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is highly recommended,as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these breadsticks from scratch with homemade dough?
Absolutely.If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe, you can use about one pound of homemade dough. Just roll it out to fit your baking sheet and note that the baking time might need a slight adjustment.
How should I store and reheat leftover breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave.
Can I freeze these cheesy garlic breadsticks?
Yes,you can freeze them after they have cooled completely. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.
What is the best way to get clean cuts through the melted cheese?
Using a pizza wheel or a very sharp chef knife and using a quick,confident slicing motion will give you the cleanest cuts.
NUTRITION FACTS PER SERVING
This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one breadstick, assuming the recipe is cut into 8 equal pieces.
Calories:220
Total Fat:11g
Saturated Fat:6g
Cholesterol:20mg
Sodium:480mg
Total Carbohydrates:21g
Dietary Fiber:1g
Sugar:3g
Protein:9g