Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks straight from the oven! These golden, crispy, and cheese-loaded delights are perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite meals. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just looking for a new way to use your sourdough starter, this Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks recipe is a must-try.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Made with real sourdough: A delicious way to use up extra sourdough starter.
- Crispy on the outside, soft inside: The perfect balance of texture.
- Loaded with cheesy goodness: A mix of melty cheese takes these breadsticks to the next level.
- Great for dipping: Pair with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for an unbeatable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (unfed or discard works great!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions For The Best Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, flour, warm water, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 1-2 hours at room temperature, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4-inch thick.
- Move the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Toppings
- Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter.
- Spread an even layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the bread into thin breadstick strips.
- Enjoy them warm, paired with your favorite dips like marinara sauce, creamy garlic butter, or ranch dressing.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Use an active sourdough starter for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough – kneading just enough will keep the breadsticks light and chewy.
- Experiment with cheeses – try cheddar, gouda, or a mix of different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for an enhanced sourdough taste.
Variations & Customizations
- Garlic Butter Sourdough Breadsticks: Increase the garlic powder and brush extra garlic butter after baking.
- Spicy Cheesy Breadsticks: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Herb & Cheese Breadsticks: Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme over the cheese before baking.
- Extra Cheesy Breadsticks: Double the cheese for an ultra-gooey texture.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sourdough discard for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly with sourdough discard, making it a great way to reduce waste.
Can I make this recipe without sourdough?
If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of yeast and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
What’s the best way to get crispy breadsticks?
Baking on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet will help achieve an extra crispy texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free sourdough starter and gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you love cheesy, crispy, and flavorful snacks, these Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a must-try! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re dipping them in marinara or enjoying them on their own, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
PrintSourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a perfect combination of tangy, flavorful sourdough dough with melty cheese. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a fantastic snack or side dish for any meal. These breadsticks are easy to make and will impress everyone with their cheesy goodness and delightful texture.
- Cook Time: 2 ½ to 3 hours (including rising time)
- Total Time: 18 minute
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (to help activate the yeast)
For the Filling:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Topping:
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If necessary, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Shape the Breadsticks:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape about 12×8 inches on a floured surface.
Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it into 8 equal pieces.
Twist each dough piece into a breadstick shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Bake:
Brush the breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese filling.
If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use a basic pizza dough or bread dough for a quicker alternative.
These breadsticks are best served warm, but they can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend for a unique flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220KCL
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks