Cottage Cheese Breadsticks (3 Ingredient Cheesy Breadsticks)

These cottage cheese breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and made with just a few simple ingredients. The dough comes together quickly with no yeast and no rising time, so they’re an easy option when you want homemade breadsticks without the extra work. Cottage cheese keeps them tender, the shredded cheese make them taste like cheesy bread, and both add protein to give each one of these breadsticks 16 grams of protein.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

These cheesy breadsticks are worth making for one big reason: they’re incredibly easy, but they don’t taste like a shortcut. The dough mixes up fast in one bowl, there’s no waiting around for it to rise, and the finished breadsticks come out soft inside with a lightly golden outside.

I like making these when dinner needs something extra but I don’t want to start a whole bread project. They’re good with pasta, soup, salad, or just eaten warm on their own, and they come together fast enough to make on a weeknight without thinking twice about it.

The cottage cheese is what makes this recipe work so well. It gives the dough moisture and tenderness without making the breadsticks taste strongly like cottage cheese. Once they’re baked, what you really notice is the soft texture and the cheesy, savory flavor in every bite.

They’re also easy to change up depending on what you want. Mozzarella gives them a classic cheesy breadstick flavor, cheddar makes them a little sharper, and pepper jack adds some heat. Garlic powder or Italian seasoning works well too if you want more of a garlic breadstick vibe.

Ingredients

This cottage cheese breadstick recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, and self-rising flour keeps the dough quick and easy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• ¾ cup shredded cheese of choice

How To Make Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment keeps the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy, especially once the cheese starts melting and browning around the edges.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the cottage cheese and self-rising flour to a mixing bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together but still feel slightly sticky. That’s normal, and it’s part of what keeps the breadsticks tender after baking.

Step 3: Add the Shredded Cheese

Add the shredded cheese to the bowl and gently knead or fold it into the dough until evenly incorporated. Try not to overwork the dough. Mix just until the cheese is distributed throughout. If the dough is sticking too much to your hands, lightly flour your hands before shaping.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions.

Roll each portion into a breadstick shape. Keep them similar in size so they bake evenly. If you want softer breadsticks, make them a little thicker. If you want more golden edges, roll them slightly thinner.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the outside is golden and the breadsticks are cooked through. The exact time will depend on how thick you shape them and how much moisture is in your cottage cheese.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving. They’re best warm, when the inside is soft and the cheese is still melty. Serve them plain, with marinara, garlic butter, ranch, soup, pasta, or salad. I love serving them with this Whataburger creamy pepper sauce for dipping.

My Tested Expert Tips For The Best Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

• Use self-rising flour. It already has the leavening and salt needed to help the breadsticks rise and bake up properly.
• Keep the cottage cheese moist. Don’t drain it unless there’s a lot of extra liquid sitting on top. The moisture helps form a soft dough.
• Blend the cottage cheese if you want a smoother dough. This is optional, but it helps if you don’t want visible curds in the finished breadsticks.
• Expect the dough to be a little sticky. That’s normal. If you add too much extra flour, the breadsticks can turn dry.
• Flour your hands, not the dough. If it’s sticky while shaping, lightly flour your hands or work surface instead of kneading in a lot of extra flour.
• Use freshly shredded cheese if you can. It melts more smoothly and gives the breadsticks a better texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together so the breadsticks stay soft instead of turning chewy.
• Shape them evenly. Similar-sized breadsticks bake more evenly and help you avoid underbaked centers.
• Check the center before pulling them out. The outside should be golden, and the middle should feel baked through, not wet or gummy.
• Brush with garlic butter after baking if you want more flavor. It’s an easy way to make them taste more like cheesy garlic breadsticks.
• Serve them warm. That’s when the cheese is melty and the inside is at its softest.

How to Store and Reheat Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cottage cheese breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer at 325°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back some of the golden edges. The microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but it will make the breadsticks softer. Heat them in short intervals so they don’t get rubbery.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the baked breadsticks. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Cottage Cheese Breadsticks FAQs

Can you make breadsticks with cottage cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese works really well in breadsticks because it adds moisture, tenderness, and extra protein to the dough. When mixed with self-rising flour, it creates a simple dough that bakes into soft, cheesy breadsticks without yeast.

Do these cottage cheese breadsticks taste like cottage cheese?

Not really. The cottage cheese adds a slight tang and helps keep the breadsticks soft, but once it’s mixed with flour and shredded cheese, the flavor is mild. If you blend the cottage cheese first, the texture becomes even smoother and less noticeable.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to replace the self-rising flour. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well before adding the cottage cheese.

What kind of cottage cheese should I use?

Small curd or blended cottage cheese works best. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the breadsticks a richer, softer texture, while low-fat cottage cheese works too. If your cottage cheese is very watery, stir it well or spoon off a little extra liquid before mixing.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is great for a classic soft, stretchy breadstick. Cheddar gives a sharper flavor, Monterey Jack melts beautifully, and pepper jack adds a little spice. You can also use an Italian cheese blend for a more pizza-style flavor.

Why is my dough too sticky?

The dough is supposed to be slightly sticky, but it should still be manageable. If it’s too sticky to shape, lightly flour your hands and work surface. Try not to add too much extra flour to the dough itself, or the breadsticks can turn dry.

Why are my breadsticks doughy in the middle?

They may be too thick or underbaked. Shape the breadsticks evenly and bake until the outside is golden and the center feels cooked through. If they’re browning too quickly but still doughy inside, lower the oven temperature slightly and bake a few extra minutes.

Can I make these cottage cheese breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake them ahead and store them in the fridge, then reheat before serving. They taste best warm, so I recommend reheating them in the oven or air fryer instead of serving them cold.

Can I air fry cottage cheese breadsticks?

Yes, you can air fry them. Place the shaped breadsticks in a single layer in a parchment-lined air fryer basket and cook at 350°F until golden and cooked through. The time will vary depending on thickness, so check them early the first time.

Are cottage cheese breadsticks high in protein?

Yes, they have more protein than many traditional breadsticks because cottage cheese and shredded cheese both add protein. Each one of these cottage cheese breadsticks have 16 grams of protein!

Cottage Cheese Recipes To Make Next

• Cottage cheese banana pancakes
• Cottage cheese ranch dip
• Cottage cheese egg bites