Garlic Herb Cheese Breadsticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Herb Cheese Breadsticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or side dish on hand. And honestly, nothing beats warm, cheesy, garlicky bread, right? I first made these Garlic Herb Cheese Breadsticks when my kids were little, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and the aroma while they bake is just heavenly! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any breadsticks. They’re soft, chewy, bursting with garlic and herbs, and loaded with melty mozzarella. Perfect for a movie night, a party appetizer, or alongside your favorite pasta dish. Plus, they come together pretty quickly – perfect when you’re short on time but craving something delicious. They’re seriously addictive!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing breadsticks:

• 2.5 cups (310g) bread flour
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 teaspoons (6g) minced garlic
• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5g) dried oregano
• 1.75 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons (8g) honey
• 2 tablespoons (28g) salted butter, melted
• 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons (15-22g) grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt (to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Bread Flour: Don’t skip this! Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose, which gives these breadsticks that lovely, chewy texture. It really makes a difference.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. You’ll taste it! I love using an Italian olive oil for extra flavor.
• Oregano: Oregano varieties can differ in flavor. Mediterranean oregano is classic, but you can experiment with Greek or Italian oregano for slightly different notes. I’ve even used a mix before – it’s all good!
• Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If you’re unsure, proof it in the warm water with honey for about 5-10 minutes. It should get nice and frothy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the honey and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and frothy. This means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, minced garlic, and oregano.
3. Bring it Together: Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for 7-8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rest: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the breadsticks even softer.
5. Shape the Breadsticks: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a roughly square shape. Transfer each square to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Add the Cheese: Brush the dough squares with melted butter. Sprinkle mozzarella and a little garlic salt over half of each square.
7. Fold and Finish: Fold the dough over the cheese filling, creating a rectangle. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.
8. Cut and Bake: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each rectangle into strips about 1-inch wide.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
10. Serve: Serve warm with your favorite tomato ketchup or marinara sauce. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-knead the dough! Over-kneading can make the breadsticks tough.
• For extra flavor, brush the baked breadsticks with a little garlic butter.
• Keep a close eye on them while baking – ovens vary!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptations: Use vegan mozzarella and vegan butter to make these breadsticks plant-based. My friend Sarah swears by the Miyoko’s Kitchen vegan butter!
• Gluten-Free Adaptations: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You might need to add a little extra liquid to get the right consistency.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or sprinkle them over the cheese for a little heat. My husband loves this!
• Festival Adaptations: Serve these as part of a larger Italian-themed spread with antipasto, pasta salad, and tiramisu. They’re always a hit at parties.

Serving Suggestions

These breadsticks are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with:

• Pasta dishes (especially marinara or pesto)
• Soups and salads
• Pizza
• A simple cheese and charcuterie board

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of flour is best for these breadsticks? Bread flour is highly recommended for the best chewy texture, but all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Let it rise in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Can I freeze the baked breadsticks? Yes, you can! See storage instructions above.
• What is the best way to reheat the breadsticks? Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but they won’t be as crispy.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano? Yes, you can! Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano.

Enjoy these delicious Garlic Herb Cheese Breadsticks! I hope they become a favorite in your home too. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what you think!