There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy breadstick with just the right balance of flavors. That's exactly why I cherish this Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe — it combines that creamy spinach artichoke goodness you love into a fun twist you can pull apart and share.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making these breadsticks ever since I stumbled on the idea of turning classic spinach artichoke dip into a handheld treat. They’re perfect for game days, movie nights, or just when you want a cozy snack that feels homemade but doesn’t take forever to pull together.
- Cheesy, savory filling: The creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheeses makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Easy to make: Using pizza dough keeps this recipe quick and approachable, even if you’re not a expert baker.
- Shareable snack: The twisty breadstick shape is fun to eat and perfect to serve for casual gatherings.
- Customizable flavors: You can tweak herbs, cheeses, or add extras like red pepper flakes to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe relies on classic ingredients that blend beautifully together — the creamy cheeses soften the edges of the tangy artichokes and earthy spinach, while the seasonings add a subtle kick. Here’s why these ingredients make the magic happen:
- Frozen chopped spinach: Defrosted and squeezed dry, it adds that fresh green flavor and maintains moisture balance.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté the onions for a subtle sweetness without overpowering the filling.
- Diced white onions: Provide a gentle bite and savory depth when sautéed properly.
- Minced garlic: Garlic brings that essential aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with spinach and artichokes.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps the filling from tasting too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it layers flavor and enhances the overall richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, binding the filling together.
- Cream cheese: Creates creamy smoothness that envelops every bite.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Chopped finely, they provide that signature tangy chunkiness.
- Kosher salt & paprika: Season well to balance and add subtle warmth.
- Pizza dough: The base for these breadsticks, its light and airy texture complements the rich filling.
- Unsalted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic salt: This buttery drizzle over the finished breadsticks lifts them to irresistible status.
Make It Your Way
I love making these breadsticks my own depending on the occasion. Whether you add some crushed red pepper for heat or swap in some fresh herbs, the filling is flexible and forgiving — making it a breeze to personalize.
- Variation: One time, I added a sprinkle of smoked paprika and some cooked bacon bits, which gave the breadsticks an irresistible smoky twist.
- Make it vegan: Swap out cheeses for plant-based versions and use dairy-free cream cheese to suit vegan diets without losing flavor.
- Use fresh spinach: If you prefer fresh over frozen, just sauté and drain it well before mixing to avoid soggy breadsticks.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Drain the spinach like a pro
After cooking the frozen spinach as instructed, I make sure to press it firmly with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. This step is key because too much liquid will make the breadsticks soggy instead of delightfully chewy. Trust me, this little extra effort makes a huge difference.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatic base
Heat olive oil over medium heat, then stir in the diced onions. I usually keep stirring for about 4-5 minutes until they soften up and turn translucent — this draws out their sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic last and let it sauté for just a minute or two so it doesn’t burn but releases all those lovely garlicky notes.
Step 3: Combine and simmer your filling
Pour in the lemon juice, then add all the cheeses, chopped artichokes, drained spinach, and your seasonings. Stir everything carefully, lowering the heat to medium-low, and let it come up to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld into a creamy, cohesive filling perfect for spreading.
Step 4: Shape and bake the breadsticks
Roll out your pizza dough to a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then slice into strips as instructed. Twisting each strip a few times helps create that inviting texture. Bake these until golden and puffed up — you’ll smell when they’re ready.
Step 5: Butter them up and serve warm!
Right after they come out of the oven, brush with the seasoned butter mixture while they’re still hot. That buttery coating seals in flavor and gives a glossy, irresistible finish. Serve them warm for the best gooey experience.
Top Tip
From my experience, letting the spinach artichoke filling simmer gently helps bring out the flavors more deeply and ensures a creamy texture that sticks nicely to the dough without making it soggy. Here are some other tricks I swear by:
- Proper spinach draining: Press well with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to avoid extra moisture that can weigh the breadsticks down.
- Don’t rush the sauté: Let the onions soften fully to unlock their sweetness before adding garlic to build rich flavor foundations.
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends much easier, making the filling silkier and more consistent.
- Brush butter immediately: Right out of the oven, brushing with melted butter and seasonings gives the breadsticks a beautiful sheen and taste.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley or basil on top right after brushing the butter. It adds color and a fresh, herby zing that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes I add a dash of chili flakes if we want an extra kick.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup to keep things cozy and comforting. For game day, I’ll also serve them alongside chicken wings or a charcuterie platter for variety.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a party, I arranged the breadsticks standing upright in a mason jar, piled high like a bouquet. It made a lovely centerpiece and kept them easy to grab while mingling. You could also serve them with small bowls of marinara or ranch for dipping to add some playful options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover breadsticks store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to reheat them in the oven to keep that crisp exterior, rather than the microwave, which can make them a little chewy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these breadsticks successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven. They keep their flavors well, making them a convenient snack option for busy weeks.
Reheating
To warm them up, I usually preheat the oven to 350°F, place the breadsticks on a baking sheet, and heat for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. This method revives their fresh-baked texture much better than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just make sure to sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, then press out as much moisture as possible. This helps avoid soggy breadsticks.
I recommend assembling and baking soon after making the filling to keep the dough from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.
Yes! You can substitute with a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option, or use ricotta cheese for a slightly lighter texture, though the flavor profile will shift a bit.
Reheating in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes preserves the breadsticks’ crisp texture better than microwaving. Wrap in foil if you want softer breadsticks.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe has become one of my go-to baked treats whenever I want something cozy, cheesy, and shareable. The way the filling melds with the twisted dough just hits all the right spots, and the recipe is easy enough that you can make it on a whim without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and tuck into these warm snacks — your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Artichoke Breadsticks combine the rich flavors of garlic knots and classic spinach artichoke dip into a delicious, shareable appetizer. Made with a creamy mixture of spinach, artichokes, cheeses, and herbs, wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection, these twisted breadsticks are perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Spinach Artichoke Filling
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup diced white onions
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Dough and Topping
- 14 oz. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Cook the spinach according to package instructions. Once cooked, press it in a colander to drain excess liquid, then press with paper towels to absorb remaining moisture. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, chopped artichokes, kosher salt, paprika, and the drained spinach. Mix well, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into an 8”x10” rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the spinach artichoke mixture on top of the rolled-out dough.
- Cut Dough into Strips: Slice the dough lengthwise into two 8”x5” pieces. Then cut each piece widthwise into eight 1-inch wide strips, totaling sixteen strips.
- Twist Breadsticks: Pick up each strip and twist it 2-3 times to form twisted breadsticks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Breadsticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Butter Topping: While baking, whisk together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Brush and Serve: Remove breadsticks from the oven and brush the seasoned butter mixture over the top. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid soggy dough.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing with other ingredients.
- These breadsticks make a perfect appetizer for parties or game days.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 515 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
Leave a Reply