Cheesy Bread Stix Recipe

preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Lightly dust a work surface with the 2 tbs flour.

shape dough

On the floured surface, gently stretch or roll the 1 lb dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle (approximately 1/2-inch thick). If dough resists, let it rest 5–10 minutes and continue.

oil edges

Brush the outer 1/2 inch perimeter of the dough lightly with 1 tbs olive oil to help create a slight golden edge and to prevent excessive cheese overflow.

make garlic butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tbs unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbs chopped parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Keep warm. Reserve about 1 tbs of the garlic butter to brush on the finished bread sticks.

brush dough

Brush about three-quarters (roughly 2–3 tbs) of the warm garlic butter evenly over the entire dough surface, avoiding the oiled perimeter if you want a cleaner edge.

assemble cheese

Combine shredded mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and freshly grated Parmesan in a bowl. Evenly sprinkle the four-cheese blend over the garlic-buttered dough, leaving the oiled 1/2-inch border exposed.

add seasoning

Lightly sprinkle the 2 tsp garlic parmesan seasoning evenly over the cheese layer.

bake

Carefully transfer the assembled dough to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Bake in the preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 10–14 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbling, and edges are golden-brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.

finish with butter

Remove from oven and immediately brush the reserved 1 tbs garlic butter over the hot cheese and edges to add shine and extra garlic flavor.

slice

Allow the baked cheesy bread about 1–2 minutes to set so the cheese isn't overly fluid. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 8 to 10 sticks (about 1 to 1-1/4 inch wide).

garnish

Sprinkle optional extra chopped parsley and an extra pinch of garlic parmesan seasoning over the top for presentation.

serve

Transfer the bread sticks to a serving plate and serve hot with 1 cup warmed marinara sauce for dipping.