Name: Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz. Cabot Monterey Jack cheese; 2 1-pound balls of pizza dough; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; Marinara sauce (for dipping)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a golden, buttery exterior that hides a molten, cheesy center — that’s exactly what this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe delivers. Whether you're winding down a busy day or hosting friends, these breadsticks always steal the show!

The image shows several golden-brown breadsticks with a slightly crispy texture, topped with small green parsley flakes. One breadstick is broken open, revealing a creamy, melted white cheese inside. The breadsticks rest on a piece of parchment paper, with a white bowl of rich, red marinara sauce garnished with a few green herbs nearby. In the background, there are stacked blocks of Monterey Jack cheese with green and beige packaging. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these stuffed breadsticks. The way the cheese oozed out with every bite was pure delight — they quickly became a family favorite. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you because it’s both fun to make and impossible not to love.

Render gooey, melty cheese: The Monterey Jack melts beautifully, giving every breadstick that irresistible cheese pull you want.
Simple prep, big payoff: With just a handful of ingredients, you get an impressive, crowd-pleasing snack.
Buttery garlic topping: Brushing the breadsticks with herbed butter right after baking takes them from tasty to downright heavenly.
Perfect pairing: Serve these with marinara and you’ve got the ultimate combo for dipping and devouring.

The image shows golden brown cheesy breadsticks with a slightly crispy texture on a sheet of parchment paper. Each breadstick is sprinkled with bright green chopped parsley that adds fresh color. The shapes vary, with some breadsticks longer and straight, while others are shorter and curved. In the top left corner, there is a white square bowl filled with a smooth, bright red marinara sauce, also topped with finely chopped parsley. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Choosing good quality pizza dough and cheese really makes a difference in texture and flavor — so here's why each ingredient counts.

Flat lay of two smooth, rounded balls of fresh pizza dough, a large block of creamy Monterey Jack cheese with several long, rectangular slices cut from it plus a small pile of finely shredded cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, a small white bowl of finely chopped bright green fresh parsley, a small white bowl holding coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl containing dried oregano flakes, a small white bowl with pale garlic powder, and a small white bowl of rich red marinara sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Monterey Jack cheese: Its mild flavor and excellent melting quality create that luscious cheese pull and gooey bite everyone loves.
Pizza dough: Provides a soft, chewy bread that crisps up around the cheese, acting as the perfect vessel for all that gooey goodness.
Unsalted butter: When melted and mixed with herbs, it adds buttery richness and a subtle garlic kick on top.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant note that balances out all the cheesy richness.
Kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder: These seasonings bring depth and classic Italian herb flavors that make the finish irresistible.
Marinara sauce: A tangy dip that rounds out the flavors with acidic brightness and herbs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste. Over time, I’ve found a few fun twists that keep it interesting, and I encourage you to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap some of the Monterey Jack for shredded mozzarella or even spicy pepper jack for a little kick. It’s a simple swap that adds a new flavor dimension without changing the method.
Gluten-free option: I’ve tried using gluten-free pizza dough once, and while the texture changes slightly, it still satisfies those cheesy cravings.
Herb upgrades: Throw in some fresh basil or rosemary with the butter mixture for a fragrant twist that’s perfect for special occasions.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the cheese pieces for that perfect melt

Start by slicing one full block of Monterey Jack cheese lengthwise into 8 long sticks. Then, from your second block, cut only half into 4 long pieces — giving you 12 cheese sticks in total. Don’t toss the remaining half of that second block! Grate it finely to sprinkle over the dough later. This combo ensures each breadstick has a solid, melty center with extra cheesy fluff on top.

Step 2: Rolling out dough rectangles

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 10 by 18-inch rectangle. I like to keep the dough cool while working because it’s easier to handle that way. Try not to press too hard — you want that airy texture after baking.

Step 3: Layering the cheese and sealing

Place one rolled dough piece on a large cutting board and line your 12 cheese sticks evenly across its length. Then sprinkle the grated cheese over the top for pockets of extra stringiness. Gently place your second dough piece over everything, pressing firmly but carefully around each cheese stick to seal it. You don’t want any cheese escaping during baking, so really pinch those edges tight.

Step 4: Cutting and arranging the breadsticks

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice between each cheese stick, creating 12 stuffed breadsticks. Make sure to pinch the dough together once more around each to fully enclose the cheese. Place them spaced on parchment-lined baking sheets to encourage even baking.

Step 5: Baking and finishing with garlic butter

Bake your breadsticks at 425°F for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed. While they bake, whisk melted butter with parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Once out of the oven, brush this fragrant butter over the tops generously while they’re hot. This final step really lifts the flavor and adds that irresistible shine.

Step 6: Serve and dip

Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Watching that cheese stretch with every bite makes the wait totally worth it!

Top Tip

I’ve tried a bunch of breadstick recipes, and here’s what I’ve learned: sealing the dough tightly and brushing that buttery garlic mixture immediately after baking are game changers. These two steps saved me lots of mess and guaranteed cheesy, flavorful bites every single time.

Seal well: Don’t rush this step — if dough isn’t sealed properly, cheese will leak and create a sticky baking mess.
Warm dough works best: When dough is too cold, it can be hard to stretch evenly; if too warm, it’s sticky. Let it rest briefly after refrigeration.
Brush immediately: The butter topping soaks in better while the breadsticks are hot, giving a glossy finish and bursting flavor.
Avoid overbaking: Take them out as soon as they’re light golden; overbaking dries the dough and toughens the crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley right after brushing the garlic butter — it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I also dust them with a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the mild cheese.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair wonderfully with classic Italian fare — a crisp Caesar salad or a hearty bowl of marinara-based pasta make the meal complete. I’ve even served them alongside homemade soup for a cozy night in.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged them in a circular “wreath” on a platter with bowls of marinara in the center — it’s such a crowd-pleaser and looks super festive. Adding skewers to a few breadsticks makes for easy grab-and-go finger food at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to 3 days, though I highly recommend reheating to bring back their crispiness and melty cheese feel.

Freezing

Before baking, I’ve frozen pre-cut, sealed breadsticks on a baking sheet, then transferred them to a freezer bag. This way, I can bake fresh breadsticks straight from the freezer — just add a few extra minutes to the bake time, and you’re set.

Reheating

To revive leftover breadsticks, I pop them in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crust—microwaves tend to make them soggy and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend to create different flavor profiles. Just make sure the cheese melts well to avoid dryness.

What’s the best way to seal the dough around the cheese?

To prevent cheese from leaking out, press the edges of the top and bottom dough layers firmly together, pinching around each cheese stick. Lightly flouring your fingers can help prevent sticking while sealing.

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and cut the breadsticks, then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. When ready, bake from chilled or frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time to ensure they cook through.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

Classic marinara is perfect, providing bright tomato flavor and herbs that complement the cheesy breadsticks. You can also try ranch, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy marinara twist to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is a little slice of comfort heaven. I never get tired of the mix of melty cheese, soft dough, and garlic butter goodness. Give it a go — I promise it’s one of those recipes where you’ll want to keep the ingredients stocked and ready for whenever hunger hits. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!