These garlic butter cheese sticks are soft on the inside, crisp on the edges, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. Made with simple pizza dough and baked until golden and bubbly, they are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Using pizza dough keeps things simple, while the garlic butter and cheese combination delivers bold, comforting flavor. These cheese sticks are perfect for sharing, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Place the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet and roll or stretch it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder or minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush the mixture generously over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and brush with additional garlic butter if desired. Sprinkle with parsley or red pepper flakes. Slice into sticks and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12 to 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Variations
You can add sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking for extra flavor. For a sharper taste, mix some shredded cheddar with the mozzarella. To make them extra garlicky, add fresh minced garlic after baking along with melted butter.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough chewy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly and adds great flavor and texture.
What type of mozzarella is best?
Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts well and prevents excess moisture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best fresh, but you can prep the dough and toppings ahead and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze cheese sticks?
You can freeze baked cheese sticks for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
How do I prevent soggy dough?
Use low-moisture cheese and bake at a high temperature to ensure a crisp base.
Can I add sauce on top before baking?
It’s better to use sauces for dipping to keep the dough from becoming soggy.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, they are very kid-friendly and easy to eat.
Can I make them thinner and crispier?
Yes, roll the dough thinner and reduce baking time slightly.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Marinara, garlic butter, creamy white sauce, or a mild ranch-style dip all work well.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
You can replace the butter with additional olive oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
Garlic butter cheese sticks are a simple yet irresistible recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly once they hit the table.
Garlic butter cheese sticks are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Made with pizza dough and brushed with garlic butter, they’re the perfect quick appetizer, snack, or side dish.
