Name: Twisted Cheese Breadsticks
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Homemade twisted breadsticks topped with melted cheddar cheese and herbs on a wooden board | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered these twisted cheese breadsticks at a friend's dinner party and immediately had to have the recipe. The beautiful golden twists with melted cheddar caught my eye across the room, and after just one bite, I was hooked. The outside has this perfect light crispness while the inside stays soft and chewy. What I love most is how the cheese melts into all the nooks and crannies of the twisted dough, ensuring you get that savory flavor in every bite. The herbs add just the right amount of aromatic quality that elevates these from simple breadsticks to something special. After making them countless times, I've perfected my own version that always gets rave reviews. The twisting technique might seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite simple once you try it.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this twisted cheese breadstick recipe for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly forgiving - even beginners can achieve impressive results. There's something almost therapeutic about twisting each breadstick by hand, making this recipe as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is simply divine - that combination of yeasty bread, melting cheese, and herbs is enough to make anyone's mouth water. I love how versatile they are; they work equally well for casual family dinners or more elegant gatherings. But most of all, I love the way people's eyes light up when I bring these to the table. That moment when someone takes their first bite and gives that look of pure satisfaction - that's what makes cooking worthwhile. These breadsticks have become my signature dish, the one friends and family specifically request when we get together.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our breadstick dough, providing structure and texture
Active dry yeast: Creates the rise and airy texture in the breadsticks
Cheddar cheese: Adds rich flavor and creates those beautiful golden brown spots
Olive oil: Enriches the dough and helps create a tender texture
Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory flavor throughout
Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herb flavor to complement the cheese

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the dough: Mix your dry ingredients first, then add the olive oil and warm water. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Knead until it's smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for the perfect texture.
Rest and shape: Let the dough rest briefly before dividing and shaping. This short rest makes the dough more pliable and easier to work with. When twisting, try to create even strands for the most attractive presentation.
Cheese application: The butter helps the cheese stick to the breadsticks while adding richness. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Perfect baking: Watch your breadsticks carefully during the last few minutes of baking. You want them golden brown with spots of caramelized cheese, but not overly dark. Every oven is different, so adjust timing as needed.
Serving suggestion: These breadsticks are best served warm when the cheese is still slightly gooey. If making ahead, slightly underbake them, then finish baking just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Recipe picture — Freshly baked cheesy garlic breadsticks arranged in neat rows with perfect golden crust | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made these twisted cheese breadsticks, I was planning to serve them with lasagna for a family dinner. I was running short on time, so I decided to try a shortcut by twisting the dough right after mixing instead of letting it rise first. To my surprise, they turned out even better - chewier with a more interesting texture! Now I always make them this way. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese for a subtle kick that complements Italian dishes beautifully.

Perfect Pairings

These Twisted Cheese Breadsticks are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of tomato basil soup for dipping, or with your favorite pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine alfredo. They make an excellent accompaniment to salads, turning a light meal into something more substantial. For entertaining, serve them with a selection of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. They're also perfect with chili or as part of an antipasto platter.

Golden brown braided breadsticks with gooey cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Alternatively, you can fully bake the breadsticks, cool completely, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?: Absolutely! While cheddar provides great flavor and color, you can substitute or combine with mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, or any melting cheese you prefer. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile and melting characteristic.
→ How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?: The dough should be smooth and elastic. If you press your finger into it, it should spring back. Another test is the "windowpane test" - stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers; if it stretches thin enough to see light through without tearing, it's ready.
→ My breadsticks didn't rise much. What went wrong?: This could be due to old/inactive yeast, water that was too hot (which kills yeast), or not enough resting time. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm (105-115°F) but not hot. Even though this recipe uses a quick rest rather than a full rise, the yeast still needs to be active.
→ Can I make these without garlic for a milder flavor?: Yes, you can omit the garlic powder for a milder flavor. You might want to add a bit more salt or herbs to ensure the breadsticks still have good flavor. Alternatively, you could reduce the amount of garlic powder rather than eliminating it completely.
→ How do I store leftover breadsticks?: Store completely cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.

Conclusion

These Twisted Cheese Breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cheesy goodness, they're guaranteed to disappear quickly from your table. The beautiful twisted shape not only looks impressive but creates the perfect texture - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Make a double batch because everyone will be reaching for seconds!