If you are craving a warm, cheesy snack that instantly brings comfort and joy, this Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine creamy, gooey mac and cheese tucked inside golden, crispy breadsticks that are perfect for sharing or diving into solo. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a fun party appetizer, these breadsticks blend the best of two beloved classics into one irresistible treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a big role, from creating the creamy cheese filling to achieving the perfect crispy breadstick exterior.
- 2 cups cooked macaroni: The star pasta that holds all that cheesy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps form the roux for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfectly coat the pasta.
- 3/4 cup milk: Creates that creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that sharp, melty cheese flavor we all adore.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A slight kick to keep things lively.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll sheet: The soft, golden wrapper that holds it all.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a crispy, savory finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish.
- Marinara or ranch for dipping: Perfect companions that elevate every bite.
How to Make Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Create the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a smooth roux and cook it just for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, whisk in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s now time to add your shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper — stir until everything melts together into a luscious, creamy mixture. Finally, fold the cooked macaroni into this cheesy sauce so every piece is well coated and ready to fill your breadsticks.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and gently stretch it into a rectangle shape. This elegant base will wrap around your mac and cheese perfectly, giving you a soft, golden crust that crisps up beautifully when baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Breadsticks
Spread the mac and cheese evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border to help seal everything tightly. Fold the other half of the dough over the cheesy filling and firmly press the edges together to avoid any delicious leaks during baking.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the dough into strips about one inch wide – shape them however you like: straight or gently twisted for a fun twist. Place the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle them with that fragrant Parmesan, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. When they come out, you’ll have perfectly golden, crispy, and ooey-gooey breadsticks.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe warm with your choice of marinara or ranch, ready for dipping.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pretty touch and light herbal note that balances the richness perfectly. You could also try a delicate dusting of smoked paprika or shredded mozzarella for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these breadsticks with a crisp garden salad for a refreshing contrast or a warm bowl of tomato soup that complements the cheesy flavors wonderfully. They also work beautifully alongside classic comfort foods like grilled chicken or a simple roasted veggie medley.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe as finger food at parties, placing them upright in a jar with your favorite dips. Or arrange them alongside a charcuterie board for a playful, crowd-pleasing twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Mac and Cheese Breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to reheat without losing their irresistible texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the breadsticks before baking. Place them on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake frozen breadsticks at 400°F for a few extra minutes until golden and hot throughout.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the breadstick exterior while warming the cheesy center perfectly, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic flavor, you can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness, gouda for smokiness, or even pepper jack to add a spicy kick. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Is it okay to add extra mix-ins to the mac and cheese?
Yes! Bacon bits, chopped jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms all make brilliant additions for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them into the cheese sauce before filling the breadsticks.
Can I make these breadsticks vegan or dairy-free?
With some swaps like vegan cheese, non-dairy milk, and plant-based dough, you can definitely adapt this recipe to be vegan or dairy-free. The key is choosing melting vegan cheese brands for that gooey, satisfying texture.
What if I don’t have pizza dough or crescent rolls?
You can make your own simple bread dough at home or use puff pastry in a pinch. Just keep in mind puff pastry will be flakier and less chewy than pizza dough.
How long do these breadsticks keep good for after baking?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly in the fridge, they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Reheating helps revive their crispiness and cheesy melt wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe and experience how it combines two comfort favorites into one easy, crowd-pleasing snack. It’s the perfect answer when you want something cheesy, warm, and utterly satisfying. Give it a go and watch these breadsticks become your new go-to for family nights, parties, or anytime cravings strike!
Print
Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mac and Cheese Breadsticks are a deliciously cheesy twist on classic breadsticks, combining creamy macaroni and cheese encased in golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect as a fun appetizer or snack for parties and family gatherings, they are easy to prepare and can be served with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Filling
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breadstick Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll sheet
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Marinara or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Macaroni: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated. Allow this mixture to cool slightly to make spreading easier.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough and stretch it into a rectangle shape on a clean surface. Spread the mac and cheese filling evenly over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the mac and cheese, pressing the edges firmly to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the folded dough into strips about 1 inch wide to form breadsticks. You may twist the strips slightly for a decorative look or leave them straight. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet with some space between each.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadsticks with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the hot breadsticks for color and freshness. Serve warm alongside marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in bacon bits or chopped jalapeños into the mac and cheese filling before assembling.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Ensure the mac and cheese filling is not too hot when spreading on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
