There's something utterly irresistible about warm, cheesy breadsticks oozing with flavorful spinach and tangy artichokes. This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe combines the cozy comfort of garlic knots with the creamy goodness of spinach artichoke dip — trust me, it’s a snack you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
When you make these breadsticks, you're capturing all the rich flavors of a classic spinach artichoke dip but in a handheld form that’s perfect for sharing. I fell in love with this recipe the first time I made it because of how simple yet indulgent it feels.
- Comfort Food Meets Convenience: It’s the perfect combination of soft bread and creamy filling that feels like a warm hug.
- Game Day Ready: These breadsticks are crowd-pleasers at parties and easy to snack on without the mess.
- Customizable and Fun: You can tweak the filling or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Boost of Greens: Sneak in some spinach and artichokes without sacrificing flavor — perfect for getting some veggies in a delicious way.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe is all in the mixture. You’ve got creamy cheeses, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes all wrapped up in soft pizza dough. Each ingredient plays its part to balance creaminess, flavor, and that perfect texture.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and cooked to remove excess moisture, it adds that fresh, earthy note without watery sogginess.
- Olive oil: A little healthy fat to sauté your onions and garlic, bringing out their sweetness.
- Diced white onions: They add mild sharpness and texture once sautéed.
- Minced garlic: The backbone of flavor — never skip the garlic in this recipe!
- Lemon juice: Just a splash for brightness, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty complexity.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy — the glue that makes these breadsticks extra gooey.
- Cream cheese: Soft and creamy, it ties the filling together into a luscious spread.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Chop them finely so you get tender bites of that unique tangy flavor throughout.
- Kosher salt and paprika: Essential seasonings that round out the taste with a bit of warmth and balance.
- Pizza dough: Either homemade or store-bought works here, just make sure it's soft and not too thick for easy twisting.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on after baking for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Italian seasoning and garlic salt: Classic herb and garlicky notes that elevate the breadsticks’ aroma and taste.
Make It Your Way
I really enjoy experimenting with this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe. Sometimes I swap out the mozzarella for pepper jack to get a little kick, or add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Feel free to make this your own!
- Variation: Adding cooked bacon bits is a personal favorite — it brings a smoky crunch that pairs amazingly with the creamy filling.
- Vegan Option: You can substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based ones and swap butter for olive oil to make this vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Try using a gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread to keep the breadsticks just as delicious without gluten.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Spinach and Sauté Aromatics
First things first, cook the frozen chopped spinach according to the package, then press it in a colander to remove every bit of moisture. I like to pat it dry with paper towels for extra assurance—this step helps prevent soggy breadsticks later. Next, in a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and gently cook the diced onions until they're soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook just a couple more minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. The sweet aroma here is a real mood-setter and always gets me excited about the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
Now, add the lemon juice, Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, chopped artichokes, kosher salt, paprika, and the well-drained spinach into the pan. Stir everything together until well combined, reducing the heat to medium-low. Let it gently simmer for about five minutes—that’s when the flavors meld beautifully and the cream cheese softens into that luscious spread you’re aiming for. I usually taste a small spoonful here to check seasoning and adjust if needed.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Breadsticks
Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an 8x10-inch rectangle. Spread your spinach artichoke mixture evenly across the dough, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough lengthwise into two 8x5-inch pieces, then cut each piece widthwise into eight 1-inch strips. Each strip gets a gentle twist 2-3 times before you place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This twisting not only looks pretty but also creates lovely ridges to hold onto that buttery glaze we'll add next.
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the breadsticks turn golden brown. When they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Serve them warm because, honestly, nothing beats the gooey, savory goodness right out of the oven.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned these little tricks that make a huge difference when making this recipe. They’ll help you get the best texture and flavor every time.
- Dry Spinach Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy breadsticks — always squeeze and pat your spinach dry before mixing.
- Don't Overfill the Dough: Spread the filling thinly and evenly to ensure the breadsticks bake through and don’t get soggy.
- Twist Gently: You want a good shape without tearing the dough; two or three twists per strip do the trick.
- Brush Butter While Hot: The butter glaze seals in moisture and adds flavor — brush immediately after baking for the best finish.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the warm breadsticks and sometimes add a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. A few torn basil leaves or chopped parsley tossed on top add a lovely fresh touch and a pop of color that always impresses guests.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are versatile but pair especially well with a crisp green salad or a bowl of homemade tomato soup. I often serve them alongside a heaping platter of grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange the breadsticks in a spiral on a round serving tray and put small bowls of marinara and ranch dips in the center. It makes for a stunning and inviting display that gets everyone reaching for a snack. I’ve also wrapped each breadstick with a thin strip of prosciutto for an elegant appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to cool the breadsticks completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for 3-4 days. To keep that just-baked texture, I always reheat them rather than eating cold.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the twisted breadsticks on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to bake them, just pop them in a preheated oven a few minutes longer than fresh ones—no thawing needed.
Reheating
For reheating, I find that a quick 5-7 minute toaster oven or conventional oven warm-up at 350°F brings back that crisp exterior and melty filling much better than a microwave. If you’re in a hurry, microwave for 30 seconds but finish in the oven to revive crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! If using fresh spinach, you’ll want to wilt it in a pan until just cooked and then squeeze out all the moisture before mixing it in. This keeps the breadsticks from becoming soggy.
I recommend pizza dough that’s soft and pliable, either homemade or store-bought. A dough that’s too thick will overpower the filling, so aim for an even thin layer about ⅛ inch thick when rolling out.
Absolutely! Just substitute the regular dough for a gluten-free pizza crust. You might need to handle the dough a bit more gently, but they’ll still come out delicious and satisfying.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness and melty filling, avoiding the microwave if possible to keep that fresh-baked quality.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe has genuinely become one of my go-to comfort snacks and party starters. The blend of creamy, cheesy filling with tender, golden bread is a crowd-pleaser you can count on. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—there’s a real joy in sharing these little twisted pockets of yum with family and friends. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Print
Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously cheesy and savory Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks combine the flavors of spinach artichoke dip with soft, twisted pizza dough breadsticks. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, these golden-baked breadsticks are brushed with a garlic herb butter for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup diced white onions
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Dough and Topping
- 14 oz. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Prepare spinach: Cook the spinach according to package instructions. Press it in a colander to drain as much liquid as possible, then use paper towels to soak up extra moisture. Set aside.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine filling ingredients: Add lemon juice, Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, kosher salt, paprika, and drained spinach to the pan. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F to prepare for baking.
- Roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll pizza dough into an 8”x10” rectangle.
- Spread filling: Evenly spread the spinach artichoke mixture over the dough rectangle.
- Slice dough: Cut the dough lengthwise into two 8”x5” pieces. Then cut each piece widthwise into eight 1” wide strips, creating a total of sixteen 1”x5” strips.
- Twist breadsticks: Pick up each strip and twist it 2-3 times to form twisted breadsticks. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake breadsticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare butter topping: While baking, whisk melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic salt.
- Brush and serve: Remove breadsticks from oven and brush with the seasoned butter mixture. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Pressing the spinach well is crucial to avoid soggy breadsticks.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Twist the dough strips evenly for uniform breadsticks that bake consistently.
- These breadsticks make a fantastic game day appetizer or party snack.
- You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred; just cook and drain thoroughly before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 515 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg

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