Craving that iconic Philly-style cheesy goodness but want something quick and simple? These Cheesy Breadsticks deliver all the rich, melty cheese and savory flair you love, wrapped in warm, soft bread that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side, they bring the irresistible taste of Philly to your kitchen without the fuss. Made with straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is your shortcut to cheesy satisfaction anytime you need a flavor-packed bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Melted Cheese Pulls: Loaded with gooey, stretchy cheese that oozes with every bite.
Philly Flavor Inspiration: Infused with classic Philly-style seasonings for an authentic taste experience.
Easy & Quick: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it a perfect last-minute crowd-pleaser.
Soft Inside, Crispy Outside: The perfect texture combo that keeps you coming back for more.
Versatile Snack or Side: Great for game days, parties, or just a cheesy treat anytime.
Customizable Toppings: Add garlic, herbs, or your favorite dips to personalize each bite.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—ideal for sharing or solo indulgence.
Get ready to bring the bold flavors of Philly right into your home with these irresistibly cheesy breadsticks!
Ingredients for Cheesy Breadsticks
A generous handful of shredded mozzarella, melting into gooey goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the breadsticks rise, making them light and fluffy.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick that complements the cheese and steak beautifully.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your cheesy breadsticks.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture we all love.
Milk: This helps bind the dough together and keeps it moist.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it irresistible.
Thinly sliced steak: Ribeye or sirloin works best, providing that classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Sliced bell peppers: Any color will do! They add sweetness and a pop of color.
Sliced onions: These bring a savory depth to the filling, balancing the richness of the cheese.
Cream cheese: This creamy addition makes the filling extra luscious and smooth.
Black pepper: A touch of spice to elevate the overall flavor profile.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy depth that enhances the steak’s flavor.
Shredded provolone cheese: For that extra cheesy goodness, it melts beautifully and complements the mozzarella.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or experimenting with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cheesy Breadsticks
Creating these cheesy breadsticks is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cheesy bliss in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed. This mixture forms the base of your dough, giving it the right texture and flavor. The baking powder will help your breadsticks rise beautifully.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour. This will help you achieve the right consistency for rolling out later.
Step 4: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the thinly sliced steak until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for developing rich flavors. Stir in the cream cheese, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin for even thickness. Once rolled out, cut the dough into strips, approximately 2 inches wide. Handling the dough gently will ensure it stays tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Fill and Roll
Take a spoonful of the steak and cheese mixture and place it at one end of each dough strip. Sprinkle some provolone cheese on top. Carefully roll the dough over the filling, sealing the edges as you go. Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to keep the cheesy goodness inside.
Step 7: Bake
Place the filled breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the visual cue of a golden crust means they’re ready to come out!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the breadsticks to cool slightly before serving. This step is important as it lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
Don’t overmix the dough; it should be just combined.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
For extra crunch, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
Let the filling cool slightly to prevent soggy breadsticks.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough. A wine bottle can serve as a fun alternative.
Baking sheet: For baking the breadsticks. A cast-iron skillet can also do the job.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking. Aluminum foil is a good substitute.
Variations
Spicy Cheesy Breadsticks: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious meat-free version.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the dough for an aromatic twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cheesy breadsticks suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cheesy breadsticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Complement with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
FAQs about Cheesy Breadsticks
Can I make these cheesy breadsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, roll them out and fill them up. Freshly baked cheesy breadsticks in no time!
What can I serve with cheesy breadsticks?
These cheesy delights pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or even a hearty soup. They make a great appetizer or side dish!
Can I freeze cheesy breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
No worries! You can substitute ingredients based on what you have. For instance, use different cheeses or veggies. Just keep the basic dough ingredients the same for the best results.
How do I know when my cheesy breadsticks are done baking?
Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on the outside. If they’re firm to the touch and the cheese is bubbling, they’re ready to come out of the oven. Trust your senses!
Final Thoughts
Making cheesy breadsticks filled with Philly cheesesteak goodness is more than just a cooking project; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table. The aroma wafting through your kitchen, the anticipation of that first cheesy bite, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces are what it’s all about. These breadsticks are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game night with friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the cheesy magic unfold. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your home!
Easy Cheesy Breadsticks Filled with Philly Cheesesteak Goodness
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 pound thinly sliced steak (such as ribeye or sirloin)
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1/2 cup sliced onions
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the mozzarella cheese.
Pour in the milk and melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until manageable.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the steak slices until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add the bell peppers and onions, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Remove from heat.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into strips, approximately 2 inches wide.
Place a spoonful of the steak and cheese mixture at one end of each strip, then sprinkle with provolone cheese. Roll the dough over the filling, sealing the edges.
Place the filled breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the steak mixture.
Try using different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.
