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
Scale
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.
