Name: Cheesy Breadsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional marinara sauce (for dipping)

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I bake this when I need a quick side for dinner. I make it on weeknights or when friends drop in. The food comes together fast and it fits into a small plan. I keep the parts on hand so I can start at a moment’s notice.

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It started as a way to use yogurt and cheese from my fridge. Now I use it for snacks, small meals, and sides. I call it cheesy breadsticks when I tell friends what I made. The bake time is short. The work feels easy and steady.

This recipe is a simple baked breadstick made with flour, yogurt, and cheese. It tastes mild, garlicky, and cheesy. People make it as an appetizer, snack, or side for pasta, soup, or salad. The outside gets a light crisp. The inside stays soft and chewy. It works well for weeknight meals and small gatherings. For another easy cheese side, try this cheesy hashbrown potato casserole that also uses common fridge items.

Why make this recipe

This recipe saves time and uses few tools. It needs one bowl and a baking sheet. The dough mixes fast and bakes in about 12–15 minutes. The flavor is simple, so most people like it. You can change the cheese or herbs to match what you have. It fills in when dinner plans change. It also makes a good snack for kids and adults. The low prep and short bake make this dish useful on busy nights or when you want a warm, quick side.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional marinara sauce (for dipping)

Flour and baking powder make the base and lift the bread. Garlic powder gives a mild garlic flavor without fresh garlic. Salt brings out the taste. Mozzarella makes the soft, gooey inside. Greek yogurt adds moisture and a light tang and also helps bind the dough. Olive oil helps the top brown and adds a bit of flavor. Parmesan adds a sharp, salty finish. A jar of marinara works well for dipping if you want a sauce.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. Stir in the Greek yogurt and olive oil, using a wooden spoon or your hands, until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut the dough into strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer. Transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each stick. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with marinara sauce on the side if desired!

Notes: Preheating gives an even rise and a crisp top. Mixing the cheese into the dry mix helps it spread in each bite. A slightly sticky dough is normal — dust with flour as needed. Space the sticks so they brown on all sides. Let them cool a few minutes so the cheese firms up.

How to serve this recipe

Serve warm with a bowl of sauce for dipping. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables go well with this meal. For a party, place the sticks in a cup of sauce for easy grabbing. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped herbs or red pepper flakes on top. For a fun twist, serve with other cheesy bites like the football-shaped cheesy stuffed garlic bread to make a spread of small hot snacks.

How to store this recipe

Cool the breadsticks fully before you store them. Put leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes so they crisp up. For longer storage, freeze the cool sticks on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot, about 10–12 minutes. Avoid storing while still warm to stop sogginess.

Tips to make this recipe

Use cold yogurt for a firmer dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry, add a teaspoon of yogurt. Roll to about ½ inch for a soft center. Make strips thin if you want quick, crisp bites. Watch the oven near the end so they do not overbrown. If cheese spills out, just scrape it up and press the stick down a bit before baking. For an easy meat option, serve with a simple ground beef garlic penne like the cheesy penne with garlic butter and beef.

Variation

Add herbs like rosemary or dried oregano to the dough for more flavor. Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a mix of cheeses for a sharper taste. Use plain yogurt if Greek is not on hand, but expect a slightly looser dough. For a garlic butter top, brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic after baking. To make them cheesy and spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or on top before baking. If you need gluten-free, try a tested 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix, but texture will change.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular yogurt?

A: Yes. Regular plain yogurt works. The dough may be a bit looser.

Q: Can I make these ahead?

A: Yes. Bake, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven.

Q: Can I add herbs to the dough?

A: Yes. Add about 1 teaspoon dried herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh.

Q: Are these good for kids?

A: Yes. They are mild and easy to hold for small hands.

Q: Can I freeze before baking?

A: You can freeze shaped sticks, but bake from frozen and add a few minutes.

Conclusion

These breadsticks work well for quick meals and small gatherings. They use simple pantry items and take little time to mix and bake. The result is a warm, cheesy stick that fits into weeknight plans and snacks. For another home-style take, see Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks – Valerie’s Kitchen for ideas. If you want a version made from pizza dough, check Cheesy Breadsticks Made from Pizza Dough – Sally’s Baking Addiction.