Name: Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed); ½ Tbsp olive oil; ⅓ cup diced white onions; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp 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 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp paprika; 14 oz. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic salt

There's something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy breadsticks that practically melt in your mouth—and when they're filled with that dreamy spinach and artichoke combo, it’s next-level delicious. This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe is pure joy to bake and share, pairing familiar flavors in a fun, handheld way that’s perfect for any gathering or snack attack.

The image shows several twisted bread sticks on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper. Each bread stick is golden brown on the outside with visible green leafy spinach mixed with melted cheese peeking through the twists. The bread has a soft texture with some darker baked spots and a slight sprinkle of seasoning on top. The baking tray rests on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth towel underneath, adding a homey touch. The arrangement of the bread sticks is neat, filling the tray with three rows of twists 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 Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made my share of spinach artichoke dips, but turning it into a warm breadstick makes all the difference. It’s like your favorite appetizer met a cozy bread hug! Once you try these, you’ll see why they keep showing up at my parties and late-night kitchen raids.

Perfectly Portable: You get all the gooey spinach artichoke goodness wrapped up in easy-to-eat sticks—no spoon required.
Simple Ingredients: Made from ingredients you likely have on hand or can grab easily from any grocery store.
Customizable Flavor: Add or swap cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste and make it your own.
Great for Any Occasion: From game day snacks to casual gatherings or even a cozy solo treat, these breadsticks always hit the spot.

The image shows several twisted breadsticks placed closely together on parchment paper over a tray. Each breadstick has a golden-brown baked crust with visible green herbs and spinach mixed into the dough, creating a marbled texture in dark green and light yellow tones. The twists reveal layers where the herb filling swirls tightly inside the soft bread. The background surface is white marble with hints of light gray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe brings together creamy cheeses, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes to create a filling that's bursting with flavor. The pizza dough acts as the perfect vessel, soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy deliciousness.

Flat lay of fresh vibrant green chopped spinach loosely piled, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy olive oil, finely diced white onions scattered neatly, a few cloves of whole uncracked garlic with papery skins intact, a small white bowl of pale yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with shredded creamy mozzarella cheese, a soft block of cream cheese on a simple white plate, chopped artichoke hearts arranged naturally on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl containing bright red paprika powder, a round portion of smooth pizza dough resting on a white plate, a small white bowl of melted butter glistening, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl holding granular garlic salt, all ingredients evenly spaced in perfect symmetry, 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

Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and well-drained, it’s the classic base that brings vibrant color and tender texture.
Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
White onions: They add a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
Minced garlic: An essential for that unmistakable savory kick.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the whole mix and keeps it fresh.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty undertone that enhances the savory profile.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, gooey effect everyone loves.
Cream cheese: Creamy and thickens the filling, making it luxuriously smooth.
Artichoke hearts: Their tender bite and mild tang are the star ingredients in the classic dip flavor.
Kosher salt and paprika: Simple seasonings that just elevate the whole flavor profile.
Pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s the soft, chewy canvas that holds everything together.
Unsalted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic salt: Melted together and brushed on top for a beautifully golden finish with extra flavor punch.

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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

I love experimenting with different cheeses or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the spinach artichoke filling a little heat. Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or oregano on top after baking for a fresh twist.

Variation: One time, I swapped half the cream cheese for ricotta for an even creamier texture—it was a hit with my family!
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter spin, you can use part-skim cheeses or gluten-free pizza dough to suit your needs.
Seasonal additions: Adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers gives the breadsticks a new dimension.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Spinach

Start by cooking the frozen chopped spinach according to the package instructions—usually just a quick steam or microwave. Then, pressing out as much moisture as possible is crucial so your breadsticks don’t get soggy. I like to press the spinach between several layers of paper towels right in a colander until it feels nearly dry.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté until they soften and turn translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook another minute or two until fragrant—this builds the aromatic base that makes the filling so addictive.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients for the Filling

Add the lemon juice, Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, chopped artichokes, kosher salt, paprika, and the well-drained spinach to the pan. Stir everything together on medium-low heat until the mixture just starts to simmer—about 5 minutes. This step melds all the flavors beautifully and melts the cheeses perfectly.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into roughly an 8 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the spinach artichoke filling evenly across the dough, then slice the dough lengthwise and widthwise into 1-inch-wide strips—totaling 16 pieces. Pick up each strip and give it 2 or 3 twists before setting them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This twisting technique not only looks beautiful but helps the breadsticks bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter

Bake the twisted breadsticks for 14 to 16 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. While baking, whisk together melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt. When the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with this buttery mixture to add shine, flavor, and that irresistible aroma.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few things that can really make or break this recipe, so here’s what’s worked best for me to get perfect, flavorful breadsticks every time.

Drain the Spinach Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—too much moisture will make the bread dough soggy and hard to twist.
Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: Brushing the breadsticks with herbed melted butter right after baking helps keep them moist and adds beautiful flavor and color.
Twist Tightly but Gently: The twists should be snug but not stretched thin to avoid breaking or tearing the dough.
Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it melt smoothly into the filling without lumps.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe

spinach artichoke breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra cheesy goodness. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes for heat, if we’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair perfectly with a simple tomato dipping sauce or even a light soup like tomato basil or minestrone. For a heartier meal, I serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a flavorful pasta dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the breadsticks in a circular pattern on a large platter with a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing in the center. It’s visually inviting and encourages everyone to dig in. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine also makes a cute gift for food-loving friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them great for next-day snacking or quick lunches.

Freezing

If I’m making these well ahead, I freeze the breadsticks unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once firm. You can bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh-tasting breadsticks anytime.

Reheating

To reheat leftover breadsticks, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes—or until warmed through. This helps them keep their crisp edges and melty interior, much better than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan and cook it down until wilted, then drain thoroughly before mixing it into the filling. The key is removing excess moisture no matter which spinach you use.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and adds a lovely freshness. Just make sure your dough is rolled to the specified size and thickness for even baking.

How do I prevent the breadsticks from being soggy?

Draining the spinach thoroughly and making sure not to overload the dough with too much wet filling are key. Pressing moisture out with paper towels and cooking the filling just enough to simmer helps maintain the right texture.

Can these breadsticks be made vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will change. Using dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mozzarella, and skipping butter or replacing it with a plant-based spread works well for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it combines two beloved favorites into one finger-friendly delight. I love how it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether saved for game day, a casual dinner, or a quick snack. Trust me, once you try it, these breadsticks might just become your new go-to treat for easy entertaining and comforting homemade goodness.