Crispy, cheesy, and wildly addictive baked breadstick snacks—nicknamed “crack sticks” for a reason! Perfect for parties, snacks, or serving alongside soups.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and savory
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Simple ingredients, minimal effort
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Great for sharing—kids and adults devour them
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Versatile with flavor variations
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 (8‑oz) tube refrigerated pizza dough
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4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp salt
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Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
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Unroll dough onto the baking sheet into a roughly 8×12″ rectangle; gently press edges to seal any perforations.
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Brush butter over the dough evenly.
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Sprinkle cheese: Mix cheddar and mozzarella, then scatter evenly over dough.
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Season: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt; sprinkle over cheese.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are golden.
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Slice into 1″ strips immediately, then twist each strip several times.
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Return to oven for 3–5 minutes to crisp; watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Finish: Remove and cool slightly; sprinkle with parsley if using and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Makes: about 12–16 sticks
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~20–25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
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Herby: Mix in 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning before baking
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Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, Parmesan, or a Mexican blend
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Garlic lovers: Brush with garlic butter after baking
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Everything bagel twist: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
What dough works best?
Refrigerated pizza dough is easiest, but homemade bread or biscuit dough works too.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes—prepare sticks, refrigerate unbaked, then bake fresh when ready.
How do I keep them crispy?
Serve fresh—or re-crisp in the oven; avoid microwaving.
Are they vegetarian?
Yes, made without meat.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze after baking in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven.
What dip pairs well?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or cheese sauce all complement nicely.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough and watch cross-contamination.
Why twist after baking?
Twisting while warm gives them that crispy, textured bite and fun visual appeal.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely—scale the ingredients and bake on multiple sheets or in two batches.
Are they kid-friendly?
Yes—cheesy, fun, and perfect for little hands or snack time.
Conclusion
Crack Sticks are cheesy, crunchy, and downright addictive—the ultimate snack or appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you go classic, spicy, or herby, these twisty bites are sure to fly off the platter!
