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Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks are the gooey, pull-apart appetizer that disappears off the pan before dinner even starts, and they became our go-to after the girls asked for the Bosco-style sticks from school pizza day one busy weeknight. They start with store-bought pizza dough and whole sticks of string cheese, so they come together fast and pair perfectly with a bowl of our homemade pizza sauce for dipping.
With melty cheese tucked inside and garlic butter brushed on top, these taste just like the cheesy breadsticks from your favorite pizza place.
Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks Quick Look
- 🕐 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🍴 Cook Time: 14 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 34 minutes
- 🍽 Serving: 16 breadsticks
- ⚡ Calories: 262kcal
- 🌶 Flavor Profile: Cheesy, garlicky, and buttery with a soft, pull-apart center
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, as simple as our sheet pan pizza
Quick Answer
Roll one package of pizza dough into a thin rectangle, lay whole sticks of string cheese in rows on top, then roll out a second piece of dough and lay it over the cheese. Press firmly between each cheese stick to seal, cut into individual breadsticks with a pizza cutter, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes, then brush with garlic butter and top with parsley.
Jump to:
- Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks Quick Look
- Quick Answer
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Make Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Serving Ideas and Suggestions
- Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks FAQs
- Other Recommended Appetizer Recipes
- Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Store-bought dough is a shortcut. Starting with two packages of pizza dough means no proofing or kneading, so these come together in a fraction of the time.
- String cheese melts perfectly. Whole sticks of low-moisture string cheese hold their shape while baking, then turn into stretchy, gooey centers.
- Sealing the seams keeps cheese in. Pressing firmly between each stick and pinching the ends traps the cheese so it stays inside instead of leaking out.
- A double sheet of cheese on top. Sprinkling shredded Italian cheese over the breadsticks before baking gives them that golden, bubbly pizzeria top.
- Garlic butter is brushed on after. Brushing the melted garlic butter on once they come out of the oven keeps the tops glossy and full of flavor instead of greasy.
- They bake hot and fast. A 425 degree oven cooks the dough through and melts the cheese in about 12 to 14 minutes for soft, fresh breadsticks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They use just a handful of easy ingredients and store-bought pizza dough, so anyone can make them.
- The gooey string cheese center makes them an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
- They are perfect for game day, movie night, or alongside our buffalo chicken pizza for a fun pizza-night spread.
Key Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: Two packages of store-bought dough form the soft top and bottom layers; let it come to room temperature so it stretches easily.
- String Cheese: Whole sticks of low-moisture mozzarella string cheese are the gooey filling that melts without leaking.
- Italian Blend Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded Italian cheese or mozzarella on top gives the breadsticks their golden, bubbly crust.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter brushed on after baking carries the garlic flavor and keeps the tops soft.
- Garlic Powder: Stirred into the melted butter for that classic garlicky pizzeria breadstick flavor.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make them spicy: add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or pickled jalapenos before sealing the dough.
- Switch the cheese: use pepper jack or cheddar string cheese for a different melty center.
- Add pepperoni: tuck a few mini pepperoni next to the cheese for stuffed pizza sticks.
- Try different herbs: stir Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan into the garlic butter.
- Serve with more dips: these are great with ranch, marinara, or a warm spinach artichoke dip.
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Stretch and roll one package of pizza dough into a flat rectangle about a quarter inch thick.
- Place the string cheese in two rows, spacing them one to two inches apart on top of the dough.
- Roll out the second package of dough to the same size, lay it over the cheese, and press firmly between each stick to seal the seams.
- Cut between each piece with a pizza cutter, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake 12 to 14 minutes, then brush with garlic butter and top with parsley.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Let the dough rest. Room-temperature pizza dough stretches without snapping back, making it easy to shape.
- Seal firmly. Press hard between each cheese stick and pinch the ends so the melted cheese stays inside.
- Use a pizza cutter. It slices cleanly between the breadsticks without dragging the cheese.
- Do not overbake. Pull them at 12 to 14 minutes so the dough stays soft and the cheese is just melted.
- Brush butter after baking. Adding the garlic butter once they come out keeps the tops glossy, not greasy.
- Serve warm. These are best fresh and gooey straight from the oven with a dipping sauce.
- Reheat gently. Warm leftovers in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges and melty centers.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
These cheesy breadsticks are made for dipping, so serve them with a bowl of warm pizza sauce or marinara on the side. They are the perfect starter before a homemade sheet pan pizza or a big bowl of pasta.
For game day or a party spread, set them out alongside our spinach artichoke dip and a platter of buffalo chicken pizza so everyone can graze. They hold up well on a buffet table and reheat beautifully.
They also make a fun side for soup night, dunked into a bowl of tomato soup or chili. However you serve them, do not forget extra dipping sauce because these pull-apart breadsticks go fast.
Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks FAQs
Whole sticks of low-moisture mozzarella string cheese work best because they melt into a gooey center without leaking out. A sprinkle of shredded Italian blend cheese on top gives the Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks their golden crust.
Yes. You can assemble and cut the Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bake them fresh when you are ready to serve for the best melty center.
The cheese leaks when the seams are not sealed tightly. Press firmly between each string cheese stick and pinch the ends closed so the Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks hold the cheese inside while baking.
Yes. Freeze the baked and cooled Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks in an airtight container for up to two months. Reheat them in a 350 degree oven or air fryer until warm and the cheese is melty again.
Refrigerated crescent dough or homemade pizza dough both work in place of store-bought pizza dough. Just roll it thin so the Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks bake through evenly.
Marinara or pizza sauce is the classic dip, but ranch, garlic butter, and warm cheese sauce are all delicious. Set out a few options so everyone can pick their favorite for the Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks.
Add our sharp cheddar homemade Cheez-Its to your next snack board.
These breadsticks were born to mop up the marinara in our sausage tortellini bake.
More cheesy pull apart magic: our pepperoni rolls recipe takes 40 minutes flat.
For another bakery-style favorite, try our focaccia bread finished with toasted garlic oil.
Serve these alongside our golden spanakopita triangles for a crowd.
Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 2 16 oz. packages pizza dough
- 16 individual string cheese
- 3/4 cup italian blend cheese or mozzarella
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Stretch and roll one package of pizza dough into a flat rectangle shape, making sure it is about ¼ inch thick across.2 16 oz. packages pizza dough
- Place the string cheese in two rows, about 1-2 inches apart from each other on top of the dough.16 individual string cheese
- Stretch and roll the second pizza dough to the same size and shape as the first dough. Then carefully lay the second dough directly on top of the first dough and string cheese.
- Press down firmly between each cheese stick to close the seams between each piece. Pinch the ends of each piece to secure the cheese.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut each breadstick out and separate the pieces from each other.
- Place the breadsticks 2-3 inches apart from each other on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.3/4 cup italian blend cheese
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until fully cooked.
- While the breadsticks are cooking, mix together the melted butter and garlic powder.4 tablespoons salted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Remove breadsticks from the oven, and brush garlic butter over the tops. And top with parsley.Parsley
Notes
- We use the fresh pizza dough that comes in baggies, you can usually get this at your local grocery store.
- You can use any other pizza dough as long as it is the same amount or you could use your own.
- If you wan’t to skip the string cheese, place fresh sliced mozzarella down the center instead.
- Make sure to seal your dough edges well so that the cheese doesn’t melt and seep out of the dough.
- Top with finely grated parmesan and serve with marinara sauce, if desired.
- Easily double this batch if making for a larger crowd.
Nutrition
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Serve these pull-apart breadsticks with a homemade sheet pan pizza for the ultimate cozy pizza night at home.
