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 (plus more for garnishing); ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; marinara sauce (for dipping)

Nothing beats the warm, melty pull of these golden breadsticks fresh out of the oven. My Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is the coziest snack or appetizer you can make when you want comfort food that’s irresistibly cheesy and buttery. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be your new go-to treat.

The image shows several golden-brown breadsticks with a slightly crispy texture, topped with small green parsley flakes. One breadstick is broken open, revealing a creamy, melted white cheese inside. The breadsticks rest on a piece of parchment paper, with a white bowl of rich, red marinara sauce garnished with a few green herbs nearby. In the background, there are stacked blocks of Monterey Jack cheese with green and beige packaging. The whole scene is set 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

These breadsticks are more than just cheese wrapped in dough—they’re a little celebration in every bite. I love sharing these with friends because everyone smiles with that first cheesy stretch. They’re easy, impressive, and just downright delicious.

Loaded with cheese: The combination of long cheese sticks and shredded cheese ensures gooey, melty goodness in every piece.
Simple ingredients: Basic pantry staples come together for big flavor without any fuss.
Perfectly buttery crust: Brushing with garlic-herb butter gives these breadsticks that irresistible golden shine and aroma.
Great for any occasion: From casual movie nights to feeding a hungry crowd, these breadsticks fit right in.

The image shows golden brown cheesy breadsticks with a slightly crispy texture on a sheet of parchment paper. Each breadstick is sprinkled with bright green chopped parsley that adds fresh color. The shapes vary, with some breadsticks longer and straight, while others are shorter and curved. In the top left corner, there is a white square bowl filled with a smooth, bright red marinara sauce, also topped with finely chopped parsley. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients hit that perfect balance of stretchy cheese, soft dough, and flavor-packed butter. I always recommend using high-quality pizza dough and Monterey Jack since they melt beautifully and give you the consistency you want.

Flat lay of two smooth, rounded balls of fresh pizza dough, a large block of creamy Monterey Jack cheese with several long, rectangular slices cut from it plus a small pile of finely shredded cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, a small white bowl of finely chopped bright green fresh parsley, a small white bowl holding coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl containing dried oregano flakes, a small white bowl with pale garlic powder, and a small white bowl of rich red marinara sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Smooth melting cheese that stretches but doesn’t get stringy or oily.
Pizza dough: Buy fresh or homemade dough for the soft, chewy breadstick base.
Unsalted butter: Soften the butter to control the buttery flavor; we add our own salt later in the garlic butter mix.
Fresh parsley: Adds a hit of brightness and color to the butter glaze.
Kosher salt: Enhances all those rich flavors without overpowering.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs beautifully with garlic and cheese.
Garlic powder: For that savory punch without needing fresh garlic’s intensity.
Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy dip to cut through the richness of these stuffed breadsticks.

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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 this recipe as is, but sometimes I like to mix it up with different cheeses or herbs. Don't hesitate to make it your own—this recipe is forgiving and flexible, which makes experimenting fun.

Variation: Swap some Monterey Jack with mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar for a bit of tang—I once made this with mozzarella and it was squeaky, gooey heaven!
Herb twist: Fresh basil or rosemary in the garlic butter really amps up the aroma if you want something seasonal.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter for a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough—just keep an eye on baking time and texture.

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

Step 1: Prep and slice your cheese

I always start by cutting my Monterey Jack lengthwise into long strips—this makes for perfectly sized cheesy centers. You’ll want 12 long pieces total, plus some shredded cheese leftover to sprinkle on top. This combo makes them insanely cheesy and helps bind the layers together.

Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll each 1-pound ball of dough into a roughly 10” by 18” rectangle. I find it helps to turn the dough as you roll to keep the thickness consistent and avoid overworking one spot.

Step 3: Layer cheese and seal

Lay one dough rectangle on a cutting board, then arrange your 12 cheese sticks evenly across it. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over. Lay the second rectangle on top and press around each cheese stick firmly to seal it absolutely tight. This step is crucial to keep the cheese inside and avoid leaks.

Step 4: Cut and prep for baking

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut between each cheese stick to form breadsticks. Pinch the dough edges closed so the cheese is fully enclosed. Place them spaced on parchment-lined baking sheets to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake and add butter glaze

Bake at 425°F for about 16-18 minutes until the breadsticks turn golden and puff up. While they bake, whisk melted butter with parsley, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Right after taking them out, brush the buttery mix on top—this gives that perfect shiny, flavorful crust.

Step 6: Serve with marinara

I like to serve these warm with a bowl of marinara for dipping—a classic combo that never fails. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy pizzeria, and your guests will be impressed.

Top Tip

From my experience, the biggest secret to perfect Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks is sealing the dough well and not rushing the butter glaze step. These little details can make the difference between gooey cheese inside or a messy oven and the difference between dry breadsticks or buttery perfection.

Seal tightly: Press the dough edges firmly around each cheese stick and pinch closed to prevent leaks during baking.
Don’t skip the butter: That garlic herb butter brushed on after baking transforms the crust to golden, soft, and full of flavor.
Keep cheese cold: Cold cheese slices hold shape better and melt evenly when baked.
Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes transfer to baking sheets so much easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

cheesy stuffed breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley on top right after brushing with the garlic butter—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that lightens the richness just perfectly.

Side Dishes

Perfect with a crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. I often pair them with a pepperoni pizza or even some roasted veggies to make a full Italian-style meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange your breadsticks in a circular wreath shape on a platter with marinara in the center for dipping. It’s super festive and gets people chatting—and dipping—right away.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. I usually keep mine in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them gently.

Freezing

These breadsticks freeze wonderfully! After assembling, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Oven is your best friend here to get that crust crispy again. Reheat at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. The cheese inside will re-melt, and the bread will regain its fresh texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, or a mix can work well. Just make sure they melt smoothly and aren’t overly oily.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during baking?

Make sure to press and pinch the dough tightly around each cheese stick to seal it well. Using a pizza cutter to cut and then pinching edges firmly helps keep the cheese enclosed.

Can I prepare these breadsticks in advance?

Yes! You can assemble them, freeze before baking, and then bake when ready. Or bake them fully and reheat later following the reheating instructions.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these breadsticks?

Marinara sauce is classic, but you can also try ranch, garlic butter, or pesto for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe as much as I have. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for family nights, unexpected guests, or just treating yourself because you deserve a little cheesy indulgence. Go ahead, make them your own, and I promise you'll keep coming back for more!