Super Bowl Cheesy Breadsticks

Name: Super Bowl Cheesy Breadsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 breadsticks
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon instant yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Cheesy Breadsticks for game day! There's something magical about the combination of gooey cheese and warm, fluffy bread that takes the experience to another level. As we gather around the screen, these breadsticks are always the first to disappear. With a hint of garlic and herbs, they are super simple to whip up, making them the perfect snack for any football fan. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make them for every occasion, not just the Super Bowl!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:58:21.256Z

When I first made these cheesy breadsticks, it was for a gathering with friends, and they were an instant hit! The bite of a warm breadstick, oozing with melted cheese, paired with the garlic herb butter is a sensory delight. I realized that the key is to not overwork the dough, which keeps them soft and fluffy.

Since then, I've experimented with different cheeses and toppings, finding that a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the best flavor contrast. I also love to serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the experience even further!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness
Quick and easy preparation for the perfect game-day snack
Perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs for a burst of flavor

      

The Secrets to Perfect Breadsticks

Achieving the perfect texture for your cheesy breadsticks hinges on the dough's kneading process. A good 5 minutes of kneading on a floured surface will eliminate any stickiness while developing gluten, resulting in a soft, elastic texture. If you find your dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of warm water; for overly sticky dough, a sprinkle of flour does wonders. Additionally, make sure to check that your yeast is active by dissolving it in warm water and letting it bubble before combining with the other ingredients.

Getting the rise just right is crucial for fluffy breadsticks. When letting your dough rise, try placing it in a slightly warm, draft-free area: atop a preheating oven can work perfectly. Keep an eye on the dough; it should double in size within 20 minutes. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take a bit longer, so patience is key. Remember, a shorter rise usually results in denser breadsticks, so don’t rush!

Customizing Your Breadsticks

While the classic mozzarella and Parmesan topping delivers a fantastic flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For a spicy kick, consider adding pepper jack or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top. If you are a fan of blue cheese, mixing that with mozzarella can give your breadsticks an intriguing twist. For a healthier version, try substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour; just be aware that this may yield a denser texture, so adjust your hydration slightly by including an extra tablespoon of warm water.

You can enhance the flavor of your breadsticks by incorporating fresh herbs, like chopped basil or parsley, into the dough itself. This not only boosts the aroma while baking but also adds fresh notes that complement the cheesy topping wonderfully. Additionally, you can drizzle some pesto over the baked breadsticks for a gourmet touch or serve them alongside a rich marinara or garlic dip to elevate your game-day snack.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful cheesy breadsticks.

For the Breadsticks

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Make sure to assemble and prep everything before you begin baking for an smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cheesy breadsticks.

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Breadsticks

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into 12 equal strips and shape them into breadsticks.

Add Cheese and Topping

Place the breadsticks on a greased baking sheet. Brush them with melted butter, then sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm with marinara sauce if desired.

Enjoy these warm and cheesy breadsticks fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese topping for a spicy twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These breadsticks are a fantastic make-ahead snack! Once your shaped breadsticks are placed on the baking sheet, you can cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven. They may need an additional 5-10 minutes to bake if they are cold from the fridge; just look for that bubbly cheese and golden color as indicators of doneness.

If you've made a big batch and have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the baked breadsticks for up to three months. To reheat, simply toss them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they regain that fresh-baked crispiness. This way, you can enjoy a taste of game day any time!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your breadsticks don't rise as expected, it might be due to inactive yeast. Always check your yeast’s freshness by mixing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to your recipe. If it doesn’t bubble within 5-10 minutes, it’s time to buy a new batch. Also, ensure that your water isn’t too hot, as temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can kill the yeast, leading to a failed rise.

Another common issue is breadsticks coming out too tough—this can happen if you over-knead the dough. Aim for a smooth, cohesive dough; stopping as soon as you reach this point can help maintain the desired lightness. Should you find that they are overcooked by accident, brushing them with a little melted butter immediately after baking can improve moisture and enhance the overall flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the baking.

→ What cheese works best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are recommended for the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with others like cheddar or gouda.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain their crispy texture.