If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two of your ultimate comfort foods, these Mac and Cheese Breadsticks are pure happiness in every bite. Chewy pizza dough hugs creamy macaroni and cheese, all sealed up with generous amounts of melty cheese, baked to golden perfection, and topped with garlic butter and a sprinkle of herbs. Whether you’re hosting a game night, searching for a fun family dinner, or simply craving a truly satisfying snack, Mac and Cheese Breadsticks deliver big on both nostalgia and flavor—plus, they practically beg to be dipped in your favorite sauces!

Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here brings something special—richness, stretch, tang, and color—all building up to the gooey goodness of Mac and Cheese Breadsticks. Stick to these basics for guaranteed flavor, or throw in your favorite twists!

Pizza dough: Provides the pillowy, chewy base that wraps everything together—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Prepared macaroni and cheese: The heart of the filling, so use your favorite recipe or a good-quality boxed version (just let it cool before assembling).
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, melty goodness for that classic cheese pull in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, savory depth and an irresistible finish on top.
Garlic powder: Infuses the butter with warm, aromatic garlic flavor that makes the crust simply crave-worthy.
Melted butter: Helps achieve that golden, glossy exterior and carries the garlic flavor across the top.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving.
Marinara or ranch for dipping: Choose your favorite sauce for dunking—these are practically made for dipping!

How to Make Mac and Cheese Breadsticks

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour your countertop, then roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10×14 inches. This gives you a perfect base for layering all the cheesy goodness, and helps the finished breadsticks bake up evenly crisp and chewy.

Step 2: Add the Mac and Cheese Filling

Spread your cooled macaroni and cheese evenly over one half of the dough, making sure to leave a little border along the edges (to prevent leaks). This step is all about getting that creamy, nostalgic center in every stick—so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Load on the Cheese

Now, shower the macaroni-covered half with shredded mozzarella and a good sprinkling of Parmesan. This combo guarantees those glorious cheese pulls and rich, savory notes that elevate Mac and Cheese Breadsticks from simple snack to showstopper.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Gently fold the empty half of dough over the mac and cheese layer to enclose the filling. Firmly press the edges to seal—use your fingers or a fork for extra security. Transfer the assembled loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet to get ready for the finishing touches.

Step 5: Butter and Score

Brush the entire top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with garlic powder. Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to score the top into breadstick-sized strips, but don’t cut all the way through. This helps you portion out perfect pieces after baking, and lets that butter seep into every groove.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your breadsticks into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of melted cheese and garlic will fill your kitchen—resist the temptation to dive in right away!

Step 7: Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Let your Mac and Cheese Breadsticks cool just enough to handle, then slice along the scored lines to create perfect sticks. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herby brightness before serving with plenty of dipping sauce.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Breadsticks

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley is always welcome here, bringing a touch of color and freshness to offset all that glorious cheese. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of additional Parmesan or even a few flakes of red pepper elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Mac and Cheese Breadsticks pair effortlessly with crisp, simple salads or roasted veggies to balance out their rich, gooey center. Or go all-out comfort and serve them alongside tomato soup or a plate of crunchy pickles for a full-on childhood throwback.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the breadsticks high on a big wooden board with tiny bowls of marinara, ranch, or even sriracha mayo for dipping—a guaranteed party pleaser. If you’re packing lunchboxes, wrap a couple in parchment with a side of sauce for a surprise treat. For a fun twist, serve them cut into bite-sized pieces as cheesy party poppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac and Cheese Breadsticks can be cooled completely, then tucked into an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pop a layer of parchment or wax paper between breadsticks to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual breadsticks (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, so the texture stays closest to fresh-baked.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked texture, reheat Mac and Cheese Breadsticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, until warmed through and crisp. The microwave works too, but you’ll miss out on that golden crust.

FAQs

Can I use homemade mac and cheese for the filling?

Absolutely! Homemade mac and cheese makes these breadsticks even more special. Just be sure it’s cooled slightly so it won’t make your dough soggy or hard to work with.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Mac and Cheese Breadsticks?

Classic marinara is always a hit, but ranch, garlic butter, sriracha mayo, or even barbecue sauce bring fun twists and bigger flavor if you want to shake things up.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the breadsticks earlier in the day, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if they start from cold.

Is there a way to make them gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free macaroni, plus check all your cheese and sauce labels. The steps stay exactly the same, so everyone can get in on this indulgence.

How can I add more flavor or spice?

Mix in cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, a swirl of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika inside the breadsticks before baking. It’s the perfect way to personalize your batch!

Final Thoughts

If classic comfort is your love language, Mac and Cheese Breadsticks are about to become your favorite recipe. Gather your ingredients, call your friends, and get ready to bake up the ultimate cheesy, gooey snack you’ll want to make again and again!

Mac and Cheese Breadsticks Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mac and Cheese Breadsticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional breadsticks. Filled with creamy macaroni and cheese and gooey cheese, they are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Macaroni and Cheese Filling:

2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (cooled)

Cheese Blend:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For Serving:

Marinara or ranch for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Add Fillings: Spread macaroni and cheese on one half of the dough. Top with cheeses and fold the dough over.
Seal and Bake: Seal the edges, brush with butter, sprinkle garlic powder, score the top, and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm with dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits or hot sauce to the mac and cheese filling.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American