Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Name: Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz. Cabot Monterey Jack cheese; 2 1-pound balls of pizza dough; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; Marinara sauce (for dipping)

There's something irresistibly cozy about warm bread loaded with gooey cheese, right? This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is all about that perfect combo—crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy inside, and a touch of buttery garlic on top. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to for game nights or just casual snacking.

The image shows several golden baked breadsticks with a smooth, slightly browned crust, speckled with small green herb pieces on top. One breadstick in the center is broken open, revealing a soft, cheesy inside with melted white cheese stretching out. The breadsticks rest on light brown parchment paper scattered lightly with green herbs. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce garnished with a few small green herbs. In the background, there are three blurred packages of carrot cheese stacked horizontally. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, the first time I made this recipe, the house smelled like the coziest pizzeria ever, and the crispy-cheesy combo was a real hit with my family. These breadsticks are more than just a snack—they’re a little celebration of comfort food done right.

Ultimate comfort food: The blend of melted Monterey Jack cheese inside soft, buttery dough creates a mouthwatering bite every time.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the herbs or cheese varieties so it suits your tastes perfectly.
Perfect for gatherings: These breadsticks are shareable, easy to serve, and pair wonderfully with dipping sauces.
Quick to make: From dough rolling to baking, you can whip these up in under 40 minutes—ideal for busy days.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a piece of light brown parchment paper scattered with fresh green chopped herbs. On the paper, there are nine golden-baked breadsticks of different sizes and shapes, some long and thin, others short and chunky. Each breadstick has a slightly bubbled, light golden crust with spots of melted cheese and sprinkled green herbs. There is a white square bowl filled with a thick, red tomato sauce garnished with small green herb pieces on the top left corner. The scene captures warm, soft light shining over the breadsticks and sauce, creating a cozy and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe lies in simple, high-quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Fresh dough and a good melting cheese are key, and a flavorful garlic butter finish takes it over the top.

Flat lay of two smooth, pale balls of pizza dough, a small stack of long rectangular slices of pale yellow Monterey Jack cheese, a small pile of finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a few fresh sprigs of bright green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, another small white bowl holding vibrant red marinara sauce, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Monterey Jack cheese: I love this cheese for its meltability and mild flavor—it’s gooey without overpowering the breadsticks.
Pizza dough: Two 1-pound balls of ready-made dough keep things simple; just make sure it’s fresh and pliable for easy rolling.
Unsalted butter: Melting it with herbs adds that rich, savory finish without making it greasy.
Fresh parsley: This adds a fresh, green note that brightens the overall flavor.
Kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder: The trifecta of seasoning that enhances both the dough and cheese layers.
Marinara sauce: For dipping, because yes, these breadsticks taste even better dunked.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I stick to the classic Monterey Jack and simple herbs, I encourage you to make this recipe your own. I've found that changing up the cheese or adding spices can turn these breadsticks into something uniquely yours.

Variation: One time, I swapped half the Monterey Jack for mozzarella and added a sprinkle of fresh basil before topping with the second dough layer—deliciously fresh twist!
Dietary tip: For a lighter version, use part-skim cheese and whole wheat dough to add more texture and fiber.
Flavor boost: Adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix gives a nice little kick if you enjoy some heat.
Stuffing extras: Think sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives mixed into the shredded cheese for complexity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. This high heat is perfect for getting the breadsticks golden and crisp. While that’s warming up, cut the Monterey Jack cheese into long slices—about the length you'd want your breadsticks. Grate the leftover cheese for sprinkling later. I find cutting the cheese into equal pieces makes it easier to roll and seal the dough evenly.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll each pizza dough ball into a 10” by 18” rectangle. It might stretch back a little, but that's okay. If it shrinks too much, just let it rest a few minutes and roll again. This size gives you enough room to line up the cheese without overcrowding.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Seal

Place one dough rectangle on a large cutting board. Line up your 12 pieces of cheese evenly along the length, then sprinkle the grated cheese over everything for extra melty goodness. Now, gently lay the second dough rectangle on top. Press down firmly around each cheese stick to seal tightly—this step is key to keeping the cheese inside while baking.

Step 4: Slice and Prep for Baking

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut between each cheese piece, making 12 stuffed breadsticks. Pinch the edges well so that no cheese escapes during baking—trust me, you don’t want melted cheese pooling and sticking to your pan!

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Place your breadsticks on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 16-18 minutes. Watch for a light golden brown color on top—that’s your cue they’re done. I usually check at 16 minutes to prevent over-browning, since ovens can vary.

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve

While the breadsticks bake, mix melted butter with fresh parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl. Once out of the oven, brush this herby, buttery mixture over the hot breadsticks while they're still warm. Serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for dunking. You’re in for a treat!

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve made this, a few tips really helped me perfect these cheesy breadsticks and kept me coming back for more.

Dough Warm-Up: Let your dough come to room temperature if it’s been refrigerated; cold dough can tear more easily when rolling.
Seal, Seal, Seal: Press the dough seams tightly around each cheese stick to prevent leaks—this is the biggest game-changer.
Even Cutting: Use a sharp pizza cutter for clean cuts to avoid squishing and uneven breadsticks.
Butter Brush Timing: Brush the garlic butter right after baking while the breadsticks are hot to lock in flavor and richness.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley on top after brushing with garlic butter—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes I like a sprinkle of Parmesan or even a dash of red pepper flakes if I’m feeling bold.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair beautifully with classic marinara sauce for dipping, but I also love serving them alongside a fresh Caesar salad or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the breadsticks in a circle on a platter with bowls of different dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, and olive tapenade. It makes for an inviting display that encourages everyone to dig in. You could also wrap a bundle of 3-4 breadsticks with a colorful napkin for individual servings at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 2 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

You can freeze baked breadsticks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up—freezing works great for batch prep.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to revive that crisp exterior and melty center. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the dough rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cheeses instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses work great—just choose ones that melt nicely to keep that gooey texture.

Can I make this with pre-made frozen pizza dough?

Yes, frozen dough works wonderfully. Just thaw it completely and let it rest at room temperature before rolling to make it easier to handle.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to press the edges of the dough firmly around each cheese piece to seal them well. Using a bit of water to dampen the edges before sealing can also help create a tight bond.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the breadsticks, refrigerate them covered for a few hours, and then bake just before serving—but I recommend baking fresh if possible for best texture. Alternatively, bake and freeze for later use.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen rituals, especially when I want something satisfying but fuss-free. I hope you’ll enjoy the crispy crust, that luxurious cheese pull, and the burst of garlic butter with every bite as much as I do. Go ahead and make a batch—you might just find it’s the best homemade snack around!