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- 1 package (about 16 oz) of refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese These main ingredients form the base of your cheesy breadsticks. The pizza dough gives the breadsticks their fluffy texture. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while the Parmesan adds a rich flavor. - 2 tablespoons garlic powder - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish) Garlic powder brings a warm, savory taste. The melted butter helps achieve a golden finish and enhances flavor. Chopped parsley adds a fresh pop of color, making the dish more inviting. - Salt and pepper to taste - Marinara sauce for dipping Salt and pepper elevate the taste of the breadsticks. Marinara sauce serves as a delicious dip, adding another layer of flavor. You can dip each breadstick for a gooey experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness helps achieve a crispy texture. - Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips. Each strip should be about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. This size makes for easy handling. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir these ingredients until they mix well. - Take one dough strip and place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture down its center. Make sure to leave space at the edges. - Fold the dough over the cheese filling. Press the edges to seal tightly. Pinch the seams to lock in all that cheesy goodness. - Arrange the filled strips upright in a greased baking dish. Push them together gently to create that fun “pull-apart” effect. - Brush the tops of the dough sticks with melted butter. This step gives them a lovely golden finish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and bubbling cheese. - Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. - Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy delight! For the best pull-apart breadsticks, the dough needs to be just right. Roll your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness gives you a crispy outside while keeping the inside fluffy. When you slice the dough into strips, make them about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. This size makes it easy to fill and fold. When sealing the dough strips, make sure to press the edges well. Pinch them tightly to keep the cheese from leaking out during baking. If any cheese escapes, it can make a mess and reduce the cheesy goodness. Cheese is key to great flavor. While mozzarella is classic, try using different cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while gouda brings a rich, smoky taste. Mix and match your favorites to find the perfect combo. Herbs and spices can take your breadsticks to the next level. Add garlic powder to the cheese mix for a savory kick. You can also sprinkle in some dried oregano or rosemary for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up the dish, making it even more inviting. These cheesy breadsticks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce. The rich sauce balances the cheesy flavor and adds a nice dip. Serve the breadsticks warm for the best taste. You can also get creative with serving. Try stacking them in a tall dish for a fun presentation. Or, place them on a large platter with a small bowl of marinara in the center. Fun shapes and colors make serving more exciting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh mozzarella and high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and texture of your breadsticks. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheesy goodness. Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the breadsticks to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to pull apart. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough strips and filling in advance. Just assemble them and store in the fridge until you're ready to bake for an easy appetizer! {{image_4}} You can make your cheesy breadsticks even more exciting with some fun flavors. - For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mix. This gives a nice kick. - Try mixing in herbs like rosemary or oregano for a fresh taste. Herbs add depth and aroma. If you need to follow a special diet, don’t worry! There are options for you. - Use gluten-free pizza dough to make these breadsticks. Many brands taste just as good. - For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. It melts well and tastes great. Tailor your breadsticks to the season for even more fun. - During the holidays, add cranberries and sage for a festive touch. These flavors bring warmth. - In summer, include basil and sun-dried tomatoes. They add a fresh and bright taste that shines. These variations show that you can customize your breadsticks to match your mood and taste! To keep your cheesy breadsticks fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. They taste best within 2-3 days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is the way to go. Wrap each breadstick tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating your cheesy breadsticks is easy. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave. However, it may make them a bit soft. Heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you have time, the oven gives better texture. Can I use homemade pizza dough? Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough for these cheesy breadsticks. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness gives you that desired crispy texture. You can also control the flavors with your own herbs and spices. How do I know when the breadsticks are done? The breadsticks are done when they turn golden brown. You should see the cheese bubbling up, too. If you tap the sides, they should sound hollow. This means they are perfectly baked! Why did my cheese leak out? Cheese may leak out if you don't seal the edges tightly. Make sure to pinch the seams well. If you overfill the strips with cheese, it can also cause leaks. Less is more when it comes to filling! What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To reheat, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crunch. What dips pair well with cheesy breadsticks? Marinara sauce is a classic dip for cheesy breadsticks. You can also try ranch dressing or garlic butter. For a twist, pesto or spicy salsa can add new flavors. Can I prepare these breadsticks in advance? Yes, you can prepare the breadsticks ahead of time. Just fill and seal the dough strips, then cover and refrigerate them. Bake them fresh right before serving for the best taste! This guide covers all you need to know about making delicious cheesy breadsticks. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, preparation steps, and baking instructions. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements. Variations cater to different tastes and dietary needs, and I included storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and creating your own perfect cheesy breadsticks!

Melty Pull Apart Cheesy Breadsticks

Delicious cheesy breadsticks that pull apart easily, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle, ensuring it's about 1/4 inch thick for a crispy texture.
  • Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long for easy handling.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Take one strip of dough and place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture down the center, ensuring you leave enough space at the edges.
  • Carefully fold the dough over the cheese filling, pressing to seal the edges tightly. Pinch the seams together well to keep the cheesy goodness from leaking out during baking.
  • Arrange the filled and sealed dough strips upright in a greased baking dish, gently pushing them together to encourage the 'pull-apart' effect.
  • Brush the tops of the dough sticks with the melted butter for a golden finish, then sprinkle any remaining cheese mixture evenly over them for extra flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling happily.
  • After baking, remove the breadsticks from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping, inviting everyone to savor the gooey, cheesy delight.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword cheesy breadsticks, pull apart, snack