Name: Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz. Cabot Monterey Jack cheese; 2 1-pound balls of pizza dough; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnishing); ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; marinara sauce (for dipping)

Nothing beats the joy of biting into warm, buttery breadsticks oozing with gooey cheese, especially when paired with a rich marinara dip. This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe brings all that comfort and flavor right to your table — perfect for cozy nights or sharing with friends.

The image shows several golden baked breadsticks with a smooth, slightly browned crust, speckled with small green herb pieces on top. One breadstick in the center is broken open, revealing a soft, cheesy inside with melted white cheese stretching out. The breadsticks rest on light brown parchment paper scattered lightly with green herbs. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce garnished with a few small green herbs. In the background, there are three blurred packages of carrot cheese stacked horizontally. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made cheesy stuffed breadsticks plenty of times, but this recipe stands out because it perfectly balances a crispy outside with an ultra-melty cheesy inside. Plus, dipping them in homemade or store-bought marinara sauce takes it to another level of yum.

Cheesy goodness: You get a double dose of Monterey Jack—both shredded and sliced—to maximize that melty cheese pull.
Simple ingredients: No fancy toppings or prep, just excellent basics that are easy to find and work with.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s game night, a snack, or part of a party spread, these breadsticks always get devoured.
Hands-on but straightforward: You get to play with dough and cheese, which is pretty fun and super rewarding when those golden breadsticks come out of the oven.

The image shows a white marbled surface with a piece of light brown parchment paper scattered with fresh green chopped herbs. On the paper, there are nine golden-baked breadsticks of different sizes and shapes, some long and thin, others short and chunky. Each breadstick has a slightly bubbled, light golden crust with spots of melted cheese and sprinkled green herbs. There is a white square bowl filled with a thick, red tomato sauce garnished with small green herb pieces on the top left corner. The scene captures warm, soft light shining over the breadsticks and sauce, creating a cozy and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating that perfect cheesy stuffed breadstick experience. From stretchy cheese to tender, buttery dough, and savory herbs, you’ll see how they combine effortlessly to make magic happen.

Flat lay of two smooth, pale balls of pizza dough, a small stack of long rectangular slices of pale yellow Monterey Jack cheese, a small pile of finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a few fresh sprigs of bright green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, another small white bowl holding vibrant red marinara sauce, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Monterey Jack cheese: It melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with herbs and marinara without overpowering your palate.
Pizza dough: I like using store-bought for convenience, but fresh homemade dough works wonderfully too—just roll it out evenly for best results.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic-herb seasoning stick on top after baking, giving that irresistible golden crust.
Fresh parsley: Brings a subtle brightness to balance the cheese’s richness; plus, it looks gorgeous sprinkled on top.
Kosher salt, dried oregano & garlic powder: These simple seasonings turn plain butter into an herby, savory topping that elevates every bite.
Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy dip that complements the buttery, cheesy breadsticks—feel free to jazz it up with fresh basil or chili flakes!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the most fun things about this Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. I often switch up the cheese or add extras inside — you can get really creative here!

Variation: Sometimes I swap Monterey Jack for a combo of mozzarella and cheddar for a bit sharper, gooier filling — it’s a family favorite tweak for sure.
Herb boost: Mixing in some fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter adds a kick and fresh aroma that wakes up the dish.
Gluten-free option: Using gluten-free pizza dough lets you enjoy these breadsticks without worry — just be gentle rolling out the dough as it can be more delicate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cheese

First things first, preheat your oven to a hot 425°F. While it warms up, slice one of the Monterey Jack blocks lengthwise into eight long cheese sticks. From the second block, cut only half into four sticks this way — you'll end up with 12 sticks total. Don't forget to shred the remaining half block for an extra cheesy sprinkle later. Keeping these ready makes assembly smooth and quick.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Dough

Lightly flour your workspace to prevent sticking. Roll each ball of pizza dough into a rectangle about 10 by 18 inches. This gives you a nice base to layer cheese on without the dough tearing. I find rolling gently but steadily helps create an even thickness, so your breadsticks cook uniformly.

Step 3: Layer and Seal the Cheese

Place one dough rectangle on a cutting board. Line up your 12 cheese sticks evenly across the length, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top for extra cheesiness inside. Lay the second dough piece over this. Press down firmly to seal around each cheese stick—this keeps the cheese from escaping while baking. When you cut between the sticks, be sure to pinch the dough edges tight to prevent leaks.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cut the sealed dough into 12 individual breadsticks and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until they're light golden brown — listen for that subtle crackling sound when you tap them gently, it’s a sure sign they're done.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve

While baking, mix melted butter with chopped parsley, kosher salt, garlic powder, and oregano. When the breadsticks come out hot, brush this flavorful garlic butter on top immediately for that glistening, aromatic finish. Serve piping hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping — trust me, it’s irresistible!

Top Tip

From my experience making these cheesy stuffed breadsticks, a few little tricks can really elevate the result and ensure you don’t run into common pitfalls.

Don’t overfill with cheese: While more cheese sounds better, overstuffing can cause leaking—aim for a neat line of cheese sticks for easier sealing.
Pinch dough edges tightly: I learned this the hard way—poorly sealed dough will ooze melted cheese in the oven, which makes a mess and wastes that delicious filling.
Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps make clean-up smooth, plus you won't lose any breadstick bits to the pan.
Serve immediately while warm: Cheese texture is best hot and melty; letting breadsticks cool too long can make them less gooey and delightful.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe

cheesy stuffed breadsticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley right before serving—it’s simple but adds freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes, a quick dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top amplifies the cheesy vibe beautifully.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks shine as an appetizer or snack, but I often pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a fuller meal. A bowl of soup—think tomato basil or minestrone—makes a cozy combo that everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the breadsticks in a circular "wreath" shape around a small bowl of marinara, garnished with basil leaves. It makes for a festive table centerpiece that’s fun to share—and eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay surprisingly tasty, but I recommend reheating them for the best cheese pull and flavor.

Freezing

Got extras? You can freeze the breadsticks after baking (completely cooled). Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They keep well for about 2 months, perfect for a quick cheesy snack on a busy day.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This restores the crispy exterior and melty cheese inside better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts wonderfully, mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or a blend all work beautifully depending on your taste. Just pick cheeses that melt well for that perfect stretchy texture.

What’s the best way to prevent cheese from leaking out?

The key is rolling the dough rectangles evenly, placing cheese sticks with space between, and pressing the top dough firmly to seal all edges. Pinching the sides tightly after cutting helps keep the filling inside while baking.

Can I prepare these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This is great for meal prep or parties. Just let them come closer to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

What should I serve with the Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe?

Besides the classic marinara for dipping, they pair wonderfully with salads, soups, or even alongside a hearty pasta dish. Consider a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic tomato soup for a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks with Marinara Recipe has genuinely become one of my go-to comfort snacks because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. It brings together buttery dough, rich cheese, and savory herbs into every perfect bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s just the kind of cozy, tasty treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.