Jul 13 2026
Restaurants›Smitty's Pancake & Steak House›Cheesy Bread Sticks Recipe

Cheesy Bread Sticks Recipe

Inspired by Smitty's Pancake & Steak House
Time1h
Serves4

Freshly baked bread sticks topped with melted cheese and served with marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Topping

Marinara Sauce

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

  3. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well of the flour mixture along with olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    Let Dough Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Baking

  1. 6

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 7

    Shape Breadsticks

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into strips.

  3. 8

    Prepare Baking Sheet

    Place the breadsticks on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each stick.

  4. 9

    Add Toppings

    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over each breadstick. Then, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley if using.

  5. 10

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Marinara Sauce Preparation

  1. 11

    Sauté Garlic

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. 12

    Combine Sauce Ingredients

    Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

  3. 13

    Simmer Sauce

    Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil if desired.

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