These soft breadsticks combine melted mozzarella and cream cheese with almond flour for a chewy texture. Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, they bake to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. Perfect alongside soups, salads, or as a keto-friendly appetizer.
Last winter I was recipe testing for a Super Bowl party and my keto-loving friend Sarah looked so disappointed staring at the regular garlic bread everyone else was devouring. I went into experimental mode that afternoon and emerged with these breadsticks about an hour later. She took one skeptical bite and literally moaned, then asked if I was hiding real dough somewhere in my kitchen.
My teenage son walked through the door while these were baking and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. He grabbed one thinking it was regular breadsticks and didnt even notice the difference until I told him. Now he actually requests these over the flour version.
Ingredients
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This forms the stretchy base of your dough so shred it yourself if possible for better melting
- Cream cheese: Adds the essential fat content and helps create a dough-like texture instead of just a cheese crisp
- Almond flour: Provides structure without the carbs while keeping that tender bread-like mouthfeel
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the breadsticks their golden color when baked
- Baking powder: Just enough to give the dough a slight lift so they are not completely dense
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the rich cheese
- Unsalted butter: Melting it with fresh garlic creates that restaurant-style finish that makes these addictive
- Fresh garlic: Do not substitute garlic powder here because fresh gives that authentic garlic bread punch
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a bright herbal note that cuts through all the rich cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Totally optional but adds a salty umami crust on top that feels extra indulgent
Instructions
- Melt the cheeses together:
- Combine mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals stirring between each until completely smooth and incorporated
- Form the dough:
- Mix almond flour baking powder and salt into the melted cheese then add the egg mixing until a sticky but cohesive dough forms
- Roll it out:
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment and roll to about 1/4 inch thickness then transfer the bottom sheet with dough to your baking sheet
- Add the first layer of flavor:
- Whisk together melted butter garlic and parsley then brush half generously over the dough before baking
- Bake to golden perfection:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden and the surface feels set then immediately brush with remaining garlic butter and slice into sticks
These have become my go-to dinner party addition because nobody believes they are keto until I show them the empty plate and mention the ingredient list. Watching peoples faces when they realize they just indulged guilt-free never gets old.
Making Ahead
I have learned through trial and error that the dough rolls out much more easily when the cheese mixture is still warm so do not let it sit too long before shaping. You can mix and roll the dough ahead of time though just keep it between parchment and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Flavor Variations
Sometimes I will mix Italian herbs or everything bagel seasoning directly into the dough for automatic flavor in every bite. A sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning on top instead of Parmesan creates this incredible savory crunch that everyone fights over.
Serving Suggestions
These disappear fastest when served alongside a rich low-carb marinara or melted aioli for dipping. I have also started cutting them into smaller bites for cocktail hour and they are always the first thing to vanish from the appetizer spread.
- Make a double batch because these reheat beautifully in the oven for about 5 minutes
- Try wrapping a strip of cooked bacon around each stick before baking for extra indulgence
- Leftovers (if you somehow have any) freeze well and reheat surprisingly well
There is something deeply satisfying about watching skeptics become converts after one bite of these cheesy garlicky sticks. Hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Are these breadsticks gluten-free?
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Yes, they use almond flour instead of wheat flour, making them completely gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- → Can I freeze the dough?
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Shape the dough into breadsticks, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
- → What makes the dough sticky?
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The melted cheese combination creates a sticky texture. Use parchment paper when rolling and lightly oil your hands for easier handling.
- → Can I use coconut flour?
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Substitute 1/3 cup coconut flour for the almond flour. The texture will be slightly denser and more crumbly, but still delicious.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
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Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as they may become soggy.
- → What dipping sauces work well?
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Low-carb marinara, Alfredo sauce, or garlic aioli make excellent pairings. Each adds complementary flavors without adding excessive carbs.