If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer that will make everyone around you do a double-take, then these Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine warm, golden-brown breadsticks, soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, drenched in garlicky, buttery goodness and topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. The smell alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen, and the taste? Well, it’s downright addictive. Trust me, these cheesy, garlicky wonders are impossible to resist, and once you make them, they’ll be a permanent fixture at your table!
Why You’ll Love Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever
This recipe is a total game-changer. Here’s why these garlic cheese fingers are everything you’ve been craving:
Quick and Easy
You don’t need to be a chef to make these. With just a few simple ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll have a tray of these golden, cheesy delights in no time. Plus, no special equipment required—just a baking sheet and a few basic kitchen tools!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re having a cozy night in, feeding a crowd at a party, or looking for the perfect side to your pasta dinner, these garlic cheese fingers are always a win. They’re just as great for a movie night as they are for a fancy dinner!
Totally Customizable
Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or mix in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Feel free to get creative with the cheese too—mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or even a combination of your favorites!
Crowd-Pleasing
These cheese fingers are loved by both kids and adults alike. Seriously, they’re one of those rare recipes that please everyone. They’re cheesy, they’re garlicky, and they’re totally delicious—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
These garlic cheese fingers are so simple, but the flavors come together in the best way. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pizza Dough
This is your base. You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch.
Unsalted Butter
Butter makes everything better, especially when it’s melted and brushed over bread. It gives these cheese fingers that rich, decadent flavor.
Garlic
Fresh garlic, minced to perfection, is what brings the savory, aromatic kick that makes these so irresistible.
Mozzarella Cheese
The melt factor! Mozzarella gives you that perfect gooey, stretchy cheese that’s a must for this recipe. You could also mix in some cheddar for extra flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of parmesan adds that salty, nutty finish that takes the flavor of these garlic cheese fingers to the next level.
Parsley
Fresh parsley gives the dish a burst of color and freshness, plus it adds a lovely herbaceous note to balance out the richness of the cheese and butter.
Salt and Pepper
For seasoning, to taste. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper bring out all the flavors in this cheesy creation.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these cheesy, garlicky bites of heaven:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the cheese fingers bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle shape. If you’re using homemade dough, follow the recipe instructions for rolling it out. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.
Make the Garlic Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Brush the Dough
Brush the garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the pizza dough. Make sure to coat every corner and edge to infuse it with that garlic flavor.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Make sure to spread the cheese all the way to the edges, so every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Season and Cut
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the top, and then cut the dough into strips, about 1 to 2 inches wide. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this.
Bake the Garlic Cheese Fingers
Place the cut dough strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve
Once your garlic cheese fingers are out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost. Serve immediately while they’re hot and cheesy!
Nutrition Facts
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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Fat: [Fat per serving]
Carbohydrates: [Carb per serving]
Protein: [Protein per serving]
Sodium: [Sodium per serving]
Fiber: [Fiber per serving]
Sugar: [Sugar per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever
These garlic cheese fingers can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with other dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
Marinara Sauce
Serve these cheesy sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce complements the rich cheese and garlic perfectly.
Pasta
Pair these cheese fingers with your favorite pasta dish, like spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo. They’re the perfect bread companion to mop up any sauce!
Fresh Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the garlic cheese fingers. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Soup
These cheese fingers are the perfect dunkers for a warm bowl of soup. Tomato soup, creamy potato soup, or even a hearty vegetable soup are all great pairings.
Charcuterie Board
Serve them as part of a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a more sophisticated snack platter.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic gives these cheese fingers the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but the taste won’t be quite as intense.
Try Different Cheeses
Mozzarella is a must for that gooey texture, but feel free to mix in some cheddar, gouda, or even a bit of feta for a unique twist on the flavor.
Add Some Heat
If you like things spicy, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before baking. It adds a nice heat that balances out the richness of the butter and cheese.
Make it Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pizza dough. You can find pre-made options at most grocery stores, or make your own!
Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut, and it works perfectly for these garlic cheese fingers.
Q2: How do I make the dough from scratch?
A2: You can use any pizza dough recipe you like, or look for an easy no-rise recipe if you’re short on time.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the dough and garlic butter in advance. Assemble the garlic cheese fingers and store them in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.
Q4: What kind of cheese can I use?
A4: Mozzarella is a classic, but you can get creative! Try adding cheddar, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
Q5: How can I add more flavor to the garlic butter?
A5: For extra depth, add a pinch of dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic butter. You can also try a splash of olive oil for added richness.
Q6: Can I freeze the garlic cheese fingers?
A6: Yes! Assemble them, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q7: How can I make these spicier?
A7: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
Q8: Can I use a different type of bread?
A8: While pizza dough is ideal, you can also use a baguette or ciabatta for a different twist on these cheese fingers.
Q9: How do I know when the cheese fingers are done?
A9: They’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Q10: Can I make these without cheese?
A10: You can make garlic bread without cheese if you prefer! Just skip the cheese and stick with the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Conclusion
These Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are the perfect combination of garlicky, buttery, cheesy goodness—and they’re ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a snack for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit every time. The only problem? You won’t be able to stop eating them! Enjoy!
PrintBest Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are the perfect cheesy, garlicky appetizer or snack! Soft, fluffy, and topped with a generous amount of garlic butter and melted cheese, they’re irresistible and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet to form a rectangular or square shape, depending on your preference. Pinch the edges to create a crust if desired.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Using a brush or spoon, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the dough.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
- Bake: Place the dough in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Cut into fingers or strips and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or a cheese blend, for different variations.
- For an extra kick, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for a few extra minutes but keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 garlic cheese fingers
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg