Easy Homemade Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks: The Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Night Snack
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these incredible Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks! This recipe is a guaranteed family favorite that disappears from the plate in mere minutes. Imagine warm, golden-brown breadsticks, generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter, and hiding a molten, gooey mozzarella core. Each bite delivers that irresistible pull of stretchy cheese, reminiscent of your favorite pizza shop’s best creations. They are an absolute delight, perfect for sharing and incredibly fun to make. My daughters, especially, adore pulling these apart and marveling at the long, satisfying cheese stretches.
👉 Craving more cheesy goodness? You’ll definitely want to try my Pizza Crescent Pockets or my classic Cheesy Garlic Bread (with Crescent Dough) for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.

These Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks are a brilliant, easy appetizer or side dish crafted from convenient crescent roll dough and classic string cheese. Each breadstick is meticulously wrapped, then slathered with a flavorful garlic butter mixture, and finally baked to a perfect golden brown. They represent the trifecta of great home cooking: budget-friendly, enthusiastically kid-approved, and the ideal complement to any pizza night or casual get-together. Beyond just being delicious, they offer a customizable canvas for various flavors and a quick solution for satisfying those pizza cravings.
Watch the Easy Recipe Video!
Before you even think about preheating your oven, take a moment to watch this concise 1-2 minute video! It provides a clear, visual guide, showing you exactly how effortlessly this recipe comes together. Seeing each step in action is the simplest way to master it before you start cooking, ensuring perfect, cheesy results every time.

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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe…

I honestly can’t count the number of times I’ve whipped up these incredible breadsticks when my family and I are hit with a pizza craving, but prefer a homemade treat over takeout. They truly are the simplest way to recreate that beloved restaurant-style snack right in your own kitchen, using ingredients I almost always have on hand in the fridge. This makes them a perfect last-minute option for hungry families.
What I love most about these Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks is their incredible versatility. You can serve them as a fantastic appetizer with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, making them a hit at any party or gathering. They also make an excellent side dish to complement a pasta dinner, adding an extra layer of garlicky, cheesy deliciousness. Or, simply enjoy them on their own as a satisfying and cheesy afternoon snack. They’re quick enough for a school day treat and special enough for a weekend indulgence. Plus, my daughters get such a kick out of helping me wrap the crescent dough around the cheese sticks, turning this into a fun and memorable family cooking activity.
⏰ Total Time: A mere 20 minutes from start to delicious finish!
🍂 Perfect For: Game day gatherings, after-school hunger pangs, cozy pizza nights, or any time you need a quick, cheesy fix.
🛒 Key Ingredients: Just a few essentials – mozzarella sticks, a sheet of crescent roll dough, and a homemade garlic butter mixture.
🍽️ Servings: This recipe yields 9 perfectly portioned, irresistible breadsticks.
🥄 Skill Level: Effortlessly Easy! Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
🧊 Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days, and they are even freezer-friendly for up to a month, making meal prep a breeze.
👉 If you adored these cheesy delights, you might also enjoy my comforting Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole or the creative Bacon Chicken Alfredo Crescent Ring for more crescent dough magic.
Made With Love,

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks
Crafting these delectable garlic breadsticks requires just a few simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Mozzarella sticks: These pre-packaged cheese sticks are absolutely perfect for our recipe. Their cylindrical shape makes them incredibly easy to wrap, and they melt beautifully, ensuring those irresistibly gooey, stretchy cheese centers that everyone loves. Avoid shredded mozzarella here, as it won’t give you the same fantastic cheese pull.
- Crescent roll dough sheet: The convenience of pre-made crescent roll dough is a game-changer. When pressed flat and cut into strips, it creates the ideal buttery, flaky crust to encase the mozzarella. You can use a full sheet or unroll individual crescent rolls and press the seams together to form a sheet.
- Butter: Melted butter isn’t just for flavor; it’s essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown exterior and a rich, savory taste. It also helps the seasonings adhere perfectly to the dough, enhancing every bite.
- Garlic + fresh parsley: These two are the flavor powerhouses that transform simple cheese sticks into true garlic breadsticks. Freshly minced garlic provides a robust, aromatic punch, while chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic if you can help it!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds that quintessential pizzeria-style flavor that perfectly complements the cheese and garlic, elevating the overall taste profile.
👉 For an even quicker and equally cheesy side, you might also like my traditional Cheesy Garlic Bread (with Crescent Dough).
Detailed Ingredients List (with Exact Amounts)
Here’s the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements to ensure your Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks turn out perfectly every time:
- 9 mozzarella cheese sticks (standard size)
- 1 (8 oz) sheet crescent dough (or 1 can of crescent roll dough, unrolled and pressed firmly into a single sheet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves, depending on size)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🔒 Remember, the printable recipe card located further down includes this full ingredient list with exact amounts and is perfect for saving or printing for your convenience.
How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these cheesy garlic breadsticks is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for super easy cleanup later. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet instead.

Step 2: Slice the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll your crescent dough sheet onto a clean surface or cutting board. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 9 even, thin strips. If you’re using individual crescent rolls, unroll them completely and press any perforations firmly together to form a single sheet before cutting into strips.
Step 3: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks
Take one mozzarella cheese stick and wrap a single strip of crescent dough around it, starting from one end and spiraling towards the other. Make sure the dough completely covers the cheese stick. Crucially, pinch the seams of the dough tightly together to seal them. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking, ensuring a perfectly contained, gooey center.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. This aromatic mixture is what gives our breadsticks their signature “garlic bread” flavor and beautiful golden crust.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
Arrange the wrapped breadsticks onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of each breadstick with the prepared garlic butter mixture. Don’t be shy – this step is key for flavor and a beautiful golden finish!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are beautifully golden brown and the crescent dough is fully cooked through. The cheese inside will be perfectly melted and gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, carefully remove the breadsticks from the oven. For the best gooey cheese pull and ultimate flavor, serve them immediately while they are still warm. They are absolutely fantastic on their own, but truly shine when paired with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
🔒 These detailed step-by-step instructions are also conveniently available in the printable recipe card below – a perfect resource to save for your next cooking adventure!
Exciting Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks Variations
While these breadsticks are perfect as is, they’re also incredibly adaptable! Feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking:
- Add a slice of pepperoni: For an authentic mini-pizza flavor, simply wrap a thin slice of pepperoni around each mozzarella stick before encasing it in the crescent dough. The pepperoni will crisp up slightly and add a savory, spicy kick.
- Parmesan crust: Elevate the cheesy factor by sprinkling a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breadsticks after brushing them with garlic butter, just before baking. This will create a delicious, crispy, and savory crust.
- Spicy kick: For those who love a bit of heat, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture, or sprinkle them directly onto the breadsticks before baking.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Instead of or in addition to parsley, try chopped chives, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs in your garlic butter.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: For a unique twist, sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning over the garlic-buttered breadsticks before baking. It adds a fantastic texture and a burst of savory flavor.
- Different cheeses: While mozzarella is classic for its stretch, you could experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack, cut into stick form.
👉 If you loved these personalized variations, you absolutely must try my Pizza Crescent Pockets for another fun, customizable crescent dough creation!
My Pro TipS
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Breadsticks
Achieving perfectly gooey, golden, and flavorful Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks is easy with these insider tips:
- Pinch dough seams tightly: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Ensure you firmly pinch all the seams of the crescent dough together after wrapping the mozzarella stick. Any gaps or loose edges will allow the delicious melted cheese to ooze out during baking, resulting in a less-than-perfect cheese pull and a mess on your baking sheet.
- Don’t skip brushing with garlic butter: This step makes all the difference, transforming plain dough into irresistible garlic bread. The butter ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust, while the garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning infuse every bite with savory, aromatic flavor. Be generous!
- Serve immediately for the best cheese pull: While still warm from the oven, the mozzarella inside will be at its peak meltiness, offering that spectacular, Instagram-worthy cheese pull. As they cool, the cheese will firm up, so enjoy them hot!
- Rewarm in the oven, not the microwave: If you have leftovers, resist the urge to microwave them. Microwaving will make the dough soft and chewy, and the cheese less pleasant. Instead, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help maintain their crispiness and re-melt the cheese beautifully.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a simple trick that guarantees non-stick results and makes cleanup incredibly easy. No sticky cheese to scrub off!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give each breadstick a little breathing room on the baking sheet. This ensures even heat circulation, allowing them to bake uniformly and achieve that perfect golden color without becoming soggy.
- Fresh garlic vs. garlic powder: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic delivers a far superior, more vibrant flavor. If you use garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon for the recipe, but trust me, fresh is best here!
Recipe FAQs – Your Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks Questions Answered!
Not really, and I highly recommend against it for this particular recipe. Mozzarella sticks are specifically chosen because they hold their shape perfectly within the dough and melt into that iconic, stretchy cheese pull. Shredded mozzarella tends to spread more, potentially oozing out of the seams and not giving you the desired gooey center or satisfying stretch.
The classic choice is always warm marinara sauce or pizza sauce – their tangy tomato base perfectly complements the cheesy garlic breadsticks. However, don’t limit yourself! Ranch dressing offers a creamy, savory alternative, while Alfredo sauce can provide a rich and decadent pairing. Even a spicy arrabiata sauce could be a delicious option for those who like heat!
Absolutely! You can prepare these breadsticks up to a day in advance. Simply wrap the mozzarella sticks with the crescent dough, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with garlic butter and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra minute or two to the baking time since they’ll be cold.
Yes, these breadsticks freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap the cheese sticks with dough as instructed but do NOT brush with garlic butter or bake them. Place the unbaked breadsticks in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply brush with garlic butter (it’s okay to do this while frozen) and bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding about 3–4 minutes to the baking time (totaling around 15-18 minutes).
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Ensure you firmly pinch all seams together when wrapping the mozzarella. If some cheese still leaks, don’t worry, it’ll still taste amazing! Just be careful when removing them from the baking sheet.
Yes, if you can find a gluten-free crescent roll dough sheet, you can absolutely make these gluten-free! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels for any hidden gluten.
👉 For another incredibly fun and easy snack, you may also like my savory Hawaiian Sliders.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Breadsticks
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some perfect pairing ideas:
- Dipping Sauces: The absolute classic is a warm marinara or pizza sauce. But don’t hesitate to experiment with creamy ranch, a zesty garlic aioli, or even a spicy buffalo dip for an extra kick.
- Main Course Companions: Pair these cheesy breadsticks with a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo, or lasagna. They also make a fantastic side for a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. For a truly comforting dinner, serve them alongside my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole.
- Game Day Appetizer Spread: They are a guaranteed touchdown at any game day party! Include them in a spread with other crowd-pleasers like my Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake, mini quiches, and veggie platters.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: Kids adore these! Serve them with their favorite dipping sauce alongside chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, or simple buttered noodles for a fun and easy dinner.
- Dessert Pairings: After enjoying these savory delights, satisfy your sweet tooth with my Apple Crescent Donuts or delightful Mini Cheesecake Pies for a complete meal experience.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions
Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers is simple with these easy-to-follow guidelines:
- Make-Ahead: As mentioned in the FAQs, you can prepare the breadsticks (wrap the cheese in dough) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and brush with garlic butter right before baking.
- Refrigerator Storage: Any leftover baked breadsticks should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked breadsticks. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
- Reheating Baked Breadsticks: To bring baked leftovers back to life, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This method ensures they become crispy again and the cheese melts perfectly. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soft and soggy.
- Baking from Frozen: If baking from frozen, there’s no need to thaw! Simply brush the frozen breadsticks with garlic butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
👉 Looking for more quick, family-friendly meal ideas? Browse my extensive collection of delicious Snack Recipes for inspiration!
More Irresistible Crescent Roll Recipes to Try
Crescent roll dough is a true kitchen hero, and these recipes prove just how versatile and delicious it can be. If you loved these Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic creations:
Chicken
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Crescent Roll Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring flaky crescent rolls, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce – a complete meal in one dish!
Appetizers
Pizza Crescent Pockets
These individual pizza pockets are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or a quick dinner. Filled with your favorite pizza toppings and baked in a crescent roll crust.
Dessert
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Craving cinnamon rolls but short on time? These easy crescent roll cinnamon rolls come together in a flash, offering all the sweet, gooey satisfaction with less effort.
Dessert
Apple Crescent Donuts
A delightful dessert featuring tender apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent dough, baked until golden, and dusted with cinnamon sugar – a comforting treat for any season.
I absolutely love seeing your kitchen triumphs! If you make these incredible Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks, don’t forget to tag me @julia.pacheco.cooking on Instagram so I can share in your delicious wins!

Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks
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Ingredients
- 9 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 8 oz sheet crescent dough (or crescent roll dough, unrolled and pressed into a sheet)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Unroll crescent dough and cut into 9 strips. Wrap each mozzarella stick in a strip of dough, carefully pinching and sealing all seams to prevent cheese from leaking.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Arrange the wrapped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush them with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are beautifully golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best gooey cheese pull, ideally with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- Pinch dough seams tightly to prevent cheese leaks during baking.
- For the most satisfying cheese pull, these breadsticks are best served warm straight from the oven.
- You can freeze unbaked breadsticks for up to 1 month. Brush with garlic butter and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat any leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness, rather than using a microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
