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 (plus more for garnishing); ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; marinara sauce (for dipping)

There’s something about the irresistible pull of gooey cheese wrapped in soft, golden bread that makes this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe so special. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of buttery dough and melty Monterey Jack that’ll have you reaching for more—trust me, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen.

The image shows several golden baked breadsticks with a smooth, slightly browned crust, speckled with small green herb pieces on top. One breadstick in the center is broken open, revealing a soft, cheesy inside with melted white cheese stretching out. The breadsticks rest on light brown parchment paper scattered lightly with green herbs. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce garnished with a few small green herbs. In the background, there are three blurred packages of carrot cheese stacked horizontally. The whole setting is 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’ve made this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe so many times I’ve lost count, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s sharing at a party or making a cozy snack for movie night, these breadsticks feel like a warm hug you can eat—and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

Melty, cheesy center: Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, giving you that ooey-gooey surprise in every bite.
Buttery garlic topping: The herb-infused melted butter brushed on top takes these breadsticks from good to irresistible.
Simple prep: Using store-bought pizza dough keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect for sharing: These breadsticks are crowd-pleasers whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a piece of light brown parchment paper scattered with fresh green chopped herbs. On the paper, there are nine golden-baked breadsticks of different sizes and shapes, some long and thin, others short and chunky. Each breadstick has a slightly bubbled, light golden crust with spots of melted cheese and sprinkled green herbs. There is a white square bowl filled with a thick, red tomato sauce garnished with small green herb pieces on the top left corner. The scene captures warm, soft light shining over the breadsticks and sauce, creating a cozy and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The key to this recipe’s magic lies in combining high-quality, simple ingredients. The Monterey Jack offers a creamy melt while the pizza dough provides the soft, pillowy bread base that crisps perfectly when baked. Plus, the garlic and herb butter adds that next-level savory touch that keeps you coming back.

Flat lay of two smooth, pale balls of pizza dough, a small stack of long rectangular slices of pale yellow Monterey Jack cheese, a small pile of finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a few fresh sprigs of bright green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, another small white bowl holding vibrant red marinara sauce, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: Creamy and smooth, it melts evenly, creating the delightful cheesy core that makes these breadsticks addictive.
Pizza dough: Ready-made dough saves time and bakes up soft and fluffy, perfect to wrap around the cheese.
Unsalted butter: Melting it lets you infuse the garlic and herbs, then brush it over the breadsticks for a golden, flavorful finish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness and gives a pop of color.
Kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the buttery, cheesy deliciousness.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that deepens the flavor profile—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Provides a mellow, fragrant garlic kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Marinara sauce: Perfect as a tangy, savory dip complementing the buttery cheese breadsticks.

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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

This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe is a canvas for creativity—I usually stick close to classic flavors, but I love tweaking it depending on my mood or occasion. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: One time, I swapped Monterey Jack for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for an even punchier cheese flavor. It was a hit at game night!
Herb twist: Try adding fresh basil or rosemary to your garlic butter for a fragrant spin.
Spicy kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the butter brush before baking adds a delicious warmth.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter twist, use whole wheat pizza dough and reduce the butter a bit without losing flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Cheese and Dough

Start by cutting your Monterey Jack cheese into long sticks—this shape helps it melt perfectly inside the breadsticks. I usually slice one full block into eight sticks and half of the second block into four, then grate the rest to sprinkle on top. While you’re prepping the cheese, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to roughly 10 by 18 inches. It helps to keep the dough cold and work quickly to prevent it from getting too sticky.

Step 2: Assemble Your Breadsticks

Place one dough rectangle on a large cutting board, then line up the 12 cheese sticks evenly across its length. Sprinkle the grated cheese over these for extra melty goodness. Now carefully lay the second dough piece over the top and press the edges firmly around each cheese stick to seal. This sealing keeps all that wonderful melt inside and prevents leaks during baking.

Step 3: Cut and Bake

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice between each cheese piece, creating 12 individual breadsticks. Pinch the dough edges tightly so no cheese escapes while baking. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets and pop them into your preheated 425°F oven for about 16-18 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and puffed up.

Step 4: Brush With Garlic Butter and Serve

While the breadsticks bake, mix melted butter with parsley, salt, garlic powder, and oregano. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush this fragrant mix liberally over the tops—it adds a shiny glaze and incredible flavor. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping—trust me, it’s a game changer!

Top Tip

Over my many attempts with this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe, I’ve found a few tricks that always help me get that perfect balance of crispy outside and gooey inside.

Dough Handling: Make sure your dough is cold but pliable—warm dough gets sticky, cold dough is easier to roll and seal without tearing.
Sealing Edges: Pinch the dough tightly around each cheese stick; this stops cheese from leaking and keeps the stuffing intact.
Butter Brush: Brush your garlic butter as soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven for a glossy, flavorful crust.
Baking Time: Watch them closely after 15 minutes—oven temperatures vary, and you want just golden tops without overbaking.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe

cheesy stuffed breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top after baking adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and butter. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cheesy breadsticks with a homemade or jarred marinara for dunking, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a hearty bowl of tomato soup—it feels like a warm, comforting Italian meal every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange the breadsticks in a circle on a large platter with a bowl of marinara in the center—it’s inviting and perfect for sharing. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with baker’s twine makes a cute edible gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating them in the oven so they stay crisp instead of getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to meal prep, these breadsticks freeze beautifully before baking. Just assemble them and freeze on the baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

I reheat mine in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to warm through without drying. For that fresh-baked crunch, remove the foil for the last 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts wonderfully, you can swap in mozzarella for a classic taste or try a sharp cheddar for more tang. Mixing cheeses can create some delicious combinations. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

The key is to press the dough edges together tightly around each cheese stick. Pinching the dough firmly along the seams creates a seal that keeps the cheese inside as it melts. Also, avoid overfilling with cheese to prevent leaks. If you have dough tears, patch them up before baking.

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the breadsticks and freeze them before baking. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can prepare and refrigerate them for several hours before baking, but keep them covered to prevent drying out.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover breadsticks?

The best way to reheat leftover Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks is in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, wrapping them loosely in foil to keep moisture in. For a crispier crust, remove the foil for the final few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breadsticks soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks Recipe brings together the comfort of warm bread and melty cheese with a simple, approachable prep that anyone can nail. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a snack that's a little indulgent but made with real, quality ingredients. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress friends or just treat myself without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll love how easily this recipe blends homemade charm with a big flavor payoff.