🧀 Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks (Like in Your Image)

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling/Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes (until foamy).

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil.

3. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Cover and let rise 1 hour (until doubled in size).

Step 2: Shape the Breadsticks

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Roll dough into a rectangle (about ½ inch thick).

3. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over half the dough.

4. Fold the dough over the cheese and press edges to seal.

5. Cut into long strips.

6. Twist each strip gently and place on lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Garlic Butter

1. Mix melted butter + garlic + salt.

2. Brush generously over the breadsticks.

3. Sprinkle oregano and Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving (cheese will be hot!).

🥣 Optional Add-Ons

• Add crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️

• Brush with extra butter after baking

• Serve with marinara sauce

• Add cheddar for stronger flavor

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! It saves time. Just roll, fill, cut, and bake.

Q2: Why didn’t my dough rise?

• Water may have been too hot (kills yeast).

• Yeast may be expired.

• Room too cold — let it rise in a warm place.

Q3: Can I make it without yeast?

Yes, but texture will be different. Use self-rising flour + Greek yogurt (2 cups flour + 1½ cups yogurt).

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Q5: Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze after baking. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Q6: How do I make them extra soft?

• Don’t overbake

• Add 1 tbsp milk powder to dough

• Brush with butter immediately after baking