Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe
If you crave cheesy, garlicky perfection fresh from the oven, you’ll absolutely fall in love with these Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever. Imagine warm, pillowy pizza dough slathered with buttery garlic, crowned by a generous layer of gooey mozzarella, and sprinkled with herbs until golden and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, making game night special, or simply treating yourself, these cheesy breadsticks are destined to vanish within minutes of hitting the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever is how just a handful of kitchen staples combine into something magical. Grab these ingredients, each playing a specific role in the flavor, melt, and crunch of your finished appetizer.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The soft, chewy base that makes every bite substantial—store-bought or homemade works equally well.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Brings rich flavor and helps that dreamy, garlicky goodness soak right in.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The star of the show, infusing every finger with punchy aroma and taste.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into bubbly, stretchy bliss—absolute must for that classic cheese pull.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds nutty sharpness and helps the cheese brown beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of earthy, herby flavor that compliments the cheese so well.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): A pop of green for freshness and color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor and ties them all together.
- Marinara or donair sauce: The dipping sidekick that makes each finger utterly irresistible.
How to Make Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease your favorite pizza pan to prevent sticking. Roll out your pizza dough into a 10- to 12-inch circle or rectangle, depending on your pan and your mood. Keep the dough about 1/4 inch thick for that ideal soft, chewy bite. This is your blank, beautiful canvas!
Step 2: Make Garlicky Butter Magic
In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter and minced garlic until well combined. There’s something utterly satisfying about the smell of fresh garlic meeting warm butter! Use a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon in a pinch) to brush this mixture evenly all over the surface of your dough—right up to the edges for extra flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Pile on the Cheese and Herbs
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the garlicky dough, making sure to reach every corner. Next, dust on the Parmesan cheese for extra richness and a gorgeous golden finish. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and parsley on top, then finish with a pinch of salt to heighten all those savory notes. If you’re looking for a little heat, add a light dusting of red pepper flakes now!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan onto the center rack and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are golden and slightly crisp while the cheese is bubbling and bronzed in beautiful spots. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen. Let them cool just a minute or two before slicing—this helps the cheese set up for perfect fingers.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice your creation into strips or “fingers.” Serve them warm, piled on a platter with a dish of marinara or tangy donair sauce for glorious dipping. This is when the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever shine—watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of fresh chopped parsley right before serving. For a subtle kick, dust with crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with a touch of garlic-infused oil. This final touch adds more color and explosion of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are right at home with chunky marinara, creamy donair sauce, or even a homemade ranch dip. They also pair beautifully with a simple green salad, a steaming bowl of tomato soup, or alongside your favorite pasta dish for a bistro-style meal at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these stacked in a breadbasket lined with parchment, or fan them out around a bowl of dipping sauce for a party platter that always steals the show. For a fun twist at get-togethers, cut the fingers thinner and skewer them with toothpicks, turning them into the best bite-sized appetizers ever.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extra, wrap cooled garlic cheese fingers in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying flavorful and ready for snacking.
Freezing
Want to prep Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever ahead? Simply freeze baked (and cooled) fingers in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you crave them, just pop them directly into the oven—no thawing needed!
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) for 5–7 minutes. This brings back that irresistibly crispy edge and makes the cheese melt again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a little of that classic texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works beautifully for Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever, making this recipe quick and easy—no kneading required. Just bring it to room temperature so it rolls out smoothly.
What’s the difference between these and regular cheesy breadsticks?
While similar, Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are usually richer in garlic and feature a unique blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, plus those all-important herbs. They’re designed to be dip-friendly and pack extra flavor into every bite.
What is donair sauce, and where do I find it?
Donair sauce is a creamy, sweet-and-garlicky Canadian dipping sauce, often served with garlic fingers in Atlantic Canada. Many grocery stores carry it, or you can whip up a homemade version with condensed milk, vinegar, and plenty of garlic.
Can I add toppings or mix up the cheeses?
Definitely! Personalize your Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever with extras like thinly sliced pepperoni, crumbled bacon, or even swap in sharp cheddar for a tangy twist. Just keep the toppings sparse so the cheese still bubbles beautifully.
How do I keep the crust soft and chewy?
Don’t roll your dough too thin, and avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the color of the crust—it should be golden but not dry and crunchy. For an even softer edge, brush the crust with a bit of melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a few straight from the pan, the Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever are pure comfort, pure joy, and pure deliciousness. Once you try these, you’ll keep coming back to them again and again—so don’t be surprised when they become your new go-to appetizer!
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Best Garlic Cheese Fingers Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Cheese Fingers are a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or snack made with savory garlic butter, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese baked on a golden crust. Easy to make and perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic Butter:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Blend:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving:
Marinara or donair sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a pizza pan.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 10- to 12-inch circle or rectangle on the prepared pan.
- Make Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter and minced garlic in a bowl, then brush it over the dough.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, parsley, and salt over the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice into strips and serve warm with marinara or donair sauce.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with red pepper flakes or garlic butter.
- Best served fresh; reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 fingers
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
