Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Sourdough cheesy breadsticks are the ultimate way to turn your sourdough discard into something irresistible. These soft, chewy sticks are packed with melted cheese and brushed with garlic butter that soaks right into the warm crust. I’ve been making these for years, and they disappear faster than I can bake them.

There’s something special about pulling warm, gooey breadsticks from the oven and watching the cheese stretch with every bite. I started making sourdough cheesy breadsticks when I got tired of tossing my discard, and now they’re a weekly staple in my kitchen. They’re incredibly easy to make with no long proofing times, which means you can have fresh breadsticks on the table in about 30 minutes. The combination of three cheeses creates layers of flavor, while the garlic butter topping adds that perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them alongside marinara for dipping or pairing them with soup, these breadsticks never disappoint.

What You’ll Need to Make These Cheesy Breadsticks

I always keep sourdough discard in my fridge just for recipes like this. The beauty of these sourdough cheesy breadsticks is that you can use unfed discard straight from the jar, no planning required. Pro tip: room temperature discard mixes more easily into the dough, and older discard (anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks old) adds a nice tangy flavor.

• 1 cup sourdough discard, unfed
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

I prefer using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar because mozzarella gives you that beautiful cheese pull while cheddar adds sharp flavor. Feel free to swap in provolone or even a Mexican blend if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Perfect Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

I recommend working quickly with this dough since it’s slightly sticky. Having your flour ready for dusting makes the process much smoother.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should look rough and uneven at this stage.

Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough comes together and is mostly smooth. The dough should still feel slightly tacky but not stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky to handle, dust with a tablespoon more flour. Don’t over-knead or your sourdough cheesy breadsticks will be tough.

Step 4: Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about ½-inch thick and roughly 12×8 inches. Aim for an even thickness so all breadsticks bake at the same rate.

Step 5: Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough. Gently press the cheese into the dough with your hands so it sticks.

Step 6: Fold the dough in half to enclose the cheese, pinching edges to seal. Then roll it out again into a ½-inch thick rectangle (about 12×8 inches). You’ll see cheese marbling through the dough and some might peek through, which is perfectly fine.

Step 7: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips. A pizza cutter makes this step incredibly quick and gives you clean edges. You should get about 12 breadsticks.

Step 8: Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. They’ll puff slightly as they bake.

Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them during the last few minutes because ovens vary and you want that perfect golden color without burning. The breadsticks should feel firm when gently pressed and cheese should be bubbling at the edges.

Step 10: While the breadsticks are baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This garlic butter is what takes these sourdough cheesy breadsticks from good to amazing.

Step 11: Remove the breadsticks from the oven. Immediately brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the hot breadsticks while they’re still steaming. The heat helps the butter soak into the crust for maximum flavor.

Step 12: Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm for the best cheese pull.

Best Ways to Serve These Cheesy Breadsticks

These sourdough cheesy breadsticks are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes.

Marinara Sauce: The classic pairing that never fails. The tangy tomato sauce cuts through the rich cheese perfectly.

Creamy Tomato Soup: Dip these warm breadsticks into a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination. The textures complement each other beautifully.

Caesar Salad: Serve alongside a fresh Caesar salad for a satisfying lunch. The garlicky flavors tie everything together.

Pasta Night: These breadsticks are perfect next to spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish. They’re excellent for soaking up extra sauce.

Ranch Dip: For a casual appetizer, serve with ranch dressing. Kids especially love this combination.

More Delicious Ways to Use Your Sourdough Discard

These sourdough cheesy breadsticks are just one of many creative ways to transform discard into something delicious. For another crowd-pleasing appetizer, try the savory Quick Sourdough Garlic Knots which feature similar flavors in a fun twisted shape. When hosting game day gatherings, pair these breadsticks with hearty dips like Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Rice for a satisfying spread that keeps guests coming back for more.

For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve these breadsticks alongside comforting soups like Italian Lasagna Soup or One Pot Lasagna Soup. The garlicky, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Looking for more sourdough discard recipes? The flaky Sourdough Discard Naan makes an excellent alternative bread option, while sweet treats like Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls turn breakfast into something special.

Storing These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

These breadsticks are absolutely best served fresh from the oven when the cheese is still gooey. I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, though they’ll lose some of their crispness.

I don’t recommend refrigerating sourdough cheesy breadsticks because they’ll become soft and lose their texture. If you need to make them ahead, freeze the baked breadsticks for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe bag with the air pressed out.

To reheat frozen breadsticks, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Pro tip: brush them with a little extra butter before reheating for maximum flavor.

Common Questions About These Cheesy Breadsticks

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