Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks with Homemade Dough
Garlic Bread Sticks
Soft, buttery breadsticks loaded with fresh garlic and gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for dipping!
Nutrition (per serving)
Warm, buttery, and incredibly cheesy—these bread sticks are the ultimate side dish or snack. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of fresh bread out of the oven, especially when it’s brushed with a generous amount of garlic butter and topped with a bubbly blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. They are soft and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of golden-brown crisp on the edges.
Whether you're serving these alongside a big bowl of pasta or just snacking on them with a side of marinara, they are always a crowd favorite. The secret is in using fresh garlic and a touch of herbs that bring out the savory notes. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough for a weekend gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
- Warm water (110°F):1 cup
- Granulated sugar:1 tbsp
- Active dry yeast:2 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil:2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour:2 1/2 cups
- Salt:1 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted:4 tbsp
- Garlic, minced:3 cloves
- Shredded mozzarella cheese:1 1/2 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese:1/4 cup
- Dried parsley:1 tsp
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
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Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until a dough forms, then gradually add the remaining flour as needed while kneading.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick on the baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the dough.
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Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then garnish with dried parsley.
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Slice the dough into 12 strips using a pizza cutter, but don't separate them yet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Re-cut the strips and serve warm.
Tips & Notes
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- Serve these with a side of warm marinara or ranch dressing for the ultimate dipping experience.
- If the dough is too sticky while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it's manageable.
