Cheesy Bread Twists

Growing up, my mom used to make these Cheesy Bread Twists for family dinners, and let me tell you—they disappeared faster than dessert. Gooey mozzarella tucked into buttery, garlicky dough that’s baked until golden and brushed with more butter (because… obviously). These twists are warm, cheesy, and the ultimate family-favorite side. Full disclosure: I still haven’t mastered keeping the dough twisted while it rises (they tend to relax into funny little squiggles), but hey, that’s part of the charm. And believe me, twist or no twist, they’re still devoured every single time.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Cheese. Bread. Butter. The holy trinity of carbs.
• Simple ingredients. Nothing fancy here—just everyday basics that turn into something amazing.
• Kid and crowd approved. They’re snackable, dunkable, and always the first thing gone at the table.
• Customizable. Add more garlic, swap in cheddar, or sprinkle parmesan on top.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing

Ingredients

• In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Set aside.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the bread dough into an 8” x 14” rectangle. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½” around the edges. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella.
• Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise (like you’re folding a letter). Using a sharp knife, cut into ½” thick strips.
• Twist each strip, pinch the ends to seal, and place on a greased baking sheet about 2” apart.
• Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30–60 minutes. (This is where my twists sometimes turn into squiggles—still delicious.)
• Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter straight out of the oven.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temp dough. Cold dough is harder to twist and will fight you back.
• Cheese control. Don’t overstuff, or you’ll end up with cheesy blowouts in the oven.
• Make ahead. You can make them ahead of time and freeze. Just reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes.
• Double the batch. Trust me—you’ll wish you had.

Pairing Suggestions

• Spaghetti or Lasagna night – they make the perfect pasta sidekick.
• Italian-style salad – to balance out all that buttery goodness.
• Soup – especially tomato or minestrone for cozy comfort food vibes.

Favorite Tools Used

• Rolling pin – to get that dough stretched just right.
• Sharp chef’s knife or pizza cutter – for clean slices of dough.
• Pastry brush – to slather on that glorious butter.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Bread Twists are one of those recipes that bring me right back to my mom’s kitchen table. They’re buttery, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible—even if your twists don’t hold up perfectly (join the club). Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or as a stand-alone snack, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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Cheesy Bread Twists

Buttery, garlicky bread twists stuffed with gooey mozzarella and baked until golden brown. These Cheesy Bread Twists are a family favorite side dish that’s perfect with pasta, soup, or on their own straight from the pan.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 168 kcal

Equipment

• Rolling Pin – to get that dough stretchedjust right.
• Sharp chef’s knife or pizza cutter – forclean slices of dough.
• Pastry brush – to slather on thatglorious butter.

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ¼ cup butter softened
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 loaf frozen bread dough thawed
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Set aside.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the bread dough into an 8” x 14” rectangle. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½” around the edges. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella.
• Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise (like you’re folding a letter). Using a sharp knife, cut into ½” thick strips.
• Twist each strip, pinch the ends to seal, and place on a greased baking sheet about 2” apart.
• Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30–60 minutes. (This is where my twists sometimes turn into squiggles—still delicious.)
• Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter straight out of the oven.

Notes

Pro Tips

• Use room-temp dough. Cold dough is harder to twist and will fight you back.
• Cheese control. Don’t overstuff, or you’ll end up with cheesy blowouts in the oven.
• Make ahead. You can make them ahead of time and freeze. Just reheat in the oven wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes.
• Double the batch. Trust me—you’ll wish you had.

 

Pairing Suggestions

• Spaghetti or Lasagna night – they make the perfect pasta sidekick.
• Italian-style salad – to balance out all that buttery goodness.
• Soup – especially tomato or minestrone for cozy comfort food vibes.

Nutrition

Serving: 12 ServingsCalories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 266mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 225IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword bread twists, garlic bread, Monkey Bread

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