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mozzarella stuffed breadsticks made with pizza dough

School Cafeteria Cheese Breadsticks (Easy Stuffed Breadsticks)

These easy School Cafeteria Cheese Breadsticks bring back all the nostalgia of elementary school lunch with soft pizza dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese, brushed with garlic butter and topped with shredded Parmesan. Serve them warm with pizza sauce for the ultimate nostalgic school lunch recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 breadsticks
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Breadsticks
  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough approximately 13–16 ounces
  • 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • ⅓ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Pizza or marinara sauce for serving
Garlic Butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated onion
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Rolling pin, optional
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
  2. Prepare the pizza dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch or roll into approximately a 10 x 14-inch rectangle.
  3. Cut the dough: Cut the pizza dough into 8 equal rectangles.
  4. Add the cheese: Place one mozzarella string cheese stick lengthwise in the center of each rectangle.
  5. Seal the breadsticks: Bring the long sides of the dough over the mozzarella and firmly pinch the seam closed. Pinch both ends tightly to completely enclose the cheese.
  6. Arrange: Place each stuffed breadstick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Make the garlic butter: Combine melted butter, granulated garlic, granulated onion, Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
  8. Season the breadsticks: Brush approximately half of the garlic butter over the tops of the breadsticks.
  9. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the breadsticks evenly with shredded Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake: Bake at 400°F for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the dough is puffed, cooked through and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking if you want a soft cafeteria-style texture.
  11. Finish: Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  12. Rest: Allow the breadsticks to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. The mozzarella inside will be very hot.
  13. Serve: Serve warm with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Seal them well: Make sure the seam and both ends are completely closed to prevent the mozzarella from leaking during baking.
Don't overbake: For that classic soft school cafeteria texture, bake just until the breadsticks are cooked through and lightly golden.
String cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella string cheese works especially well because it's easy to portion and doesn't release excessive moisture.
Extra cheesy: Add a light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella to the tops before baking.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat at 350°F in the oven or air fryer until the breadsticks are warmed through and the mozzarella has melted.
Freezing: Cool completely before freezing in an airtight freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot throughout.