How to Make Homemade Breadsticks Filled with Cheese and Herbs

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Breadsticks are a classic snack and side dish, but when you fill them with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs, they become truly irresistible.
Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a cozy evening snack, homemade cheese-filled breadsticks are easier to make than you might think.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to create soft, cheesy, herb-scented breadsticks that everyone will love.

Why Homemade Breadsticks Are Worth It

Homemade breadsticks beat store-bought every time because:

  • You control the ingredients and flavors.
  • They are fresher, softer, and more flavorful.
  • They make your kitchen smell amazing.
  • You can customize them with your favorite cheeses and herbs.

Plus, they’re surprisingly simple once you understand a few key techniques.

Tip:
Breadsticks also freeze beautifully, so you can always have some ready for a quick snack or party.

Essential Ingredients for Cheese-Filled Breadsticks

For the dough:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Instant or active dry yeast
  • Warm water
  • Olive oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt

For the filling:

  • Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend
  • Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, or rosemary
  • Optional: Parmesan for sprinkling

Tip:
Use high-moisture melting cheeses for the best gooey center.

Making the Perfect Breadstick Dough

Step 1: Activate the yeast

  • In a bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with sugar and yeast.
  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Make the dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  • Stir and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 3: First rise

  • Place the dough in a greased bowl.
  • Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Tip:
The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a little extra flour if needed during kneading.

Preparing the Cheese and Herb Filling

While the dough rises:

  • Shred the cheese.
  • Chop fresh herbs finely, or measure out dried herbs.

Optional mixture:

  • Combine cheese with herbs for easy filling.

Tip:
If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.

Assembling the Filled Breadsticks

Step 1: Punch down and divide

  • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–16 even pieces.

Step 2: Roll and fill

  • Roll each piece into a rectangle about 6 inches long.
  • Place a line of cheese and herbs down the center.

Step 3: Seal and shape

  • Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise.
  • Pinch the seam tightly and roll gently into a log.
  • Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Tip:
Seal well to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.

Final Proofing and Baking

Step 1: Second rise

  • Cover the shaped breadsticks and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

  • Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Optional topping

  • Brush breadsticks with olive oil or melted butter.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan, extra herbs, or a touch of sea salt.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.

Tip:
Keep an eye on them — cheese can sometimes ooze out toward the end of baking.

Tips for the Best Cheese-Filled Breadsticks

Use High-Quality Cheese:

  • Better cheese means better melt and flavor.

Seal Tightly:

  • Pinch the dough seams well to keep the filling inside.

Use Minimal Flour on the Surface:

  • Too much flour can make the dough harder to seal.

Keep an Eye on Baking:

  • Baking too long can cause the cheese to harden instead of staying gooey.

Tip:
Rotate the baking tray halfway through for even browning.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the basics, the options are endless:

  • Add pepperoni slices inside for a pizza-style breadstick.
  • Swap mozzarella for blue cheese and walnuts for a gourmet twist.
  • Use pesto along with the cheese for a basil-flavored center.
  • Brush baked breadsticks with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Tip:
Create multiple flavors in one batch to please different tastes.

How to Store and Reheat Breadsticks

Storing:

  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerating:

  • Store in the fridge for up to 5 days if filled with high-moisture cheeses.

Freezing:

  • Freeze baked breadsticks individually wrapped in plastic.
  • Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.

Tip:
Breadsticks are best eaten warm, when the cheese is perfectly melty.

Serving Ideas for Cheese-Filled Breadsticks

Serve your breadsticks with:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Garlic butter
  • Cheese dips
  • Tomato soup

They’re perfect as appetizers, sides for pasta dishes, or party snacks.

Tip:
Arrange them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin to keep them warm during serving.

Homemade Breadsticks That Impress

Homemade cheese and herb-filled breadsticks are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Soft, flavorful, and packed with melty cheese, they bring warmth and joy to any meal.

With just a little practice, you’ll find yourself making batch after batch — for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a special treat just for yourself.

Once you taste your own freshly baked breadsticks, you’ll never look at store-bought versions the same way again.

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