How many calories are in three cheesy breadsticks?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

The calorie count for three cheesy breadsticks varies significantly depending on the restaurant and recipe, ranging from approximately 330 to over 500 calories. The type of cheese, amount of butter or oil, and overall portion size are key factors that influence the final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for three cheesy breadsticks depends on preparation, ingredients, and portion size, typically falling in the 330–500 calorie range. The nutritional profile often includes high levels of fat, sodium, and carbohydrates.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Three cheesy breadsticks can contain anywhere from 330 to over 600 calories, with the amount heavily depending on the source.
Fast-Food Differences: The calorie count varies greatly by restaurant, with Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread being around 420 calories per three pieces and Pizza Hut's Garlic Bread with Cheese reaching up to 630 calories for the same serving.
Key Calorie Factors: Ingredients like high-fat cheese, butter, and oil are major contributors to the high caloric density of many commercial cheesy breadsticks.
Control Through DIY: Making cheesy breadsticks at home allows you to control the ingredients and reduce the calorie count significantly through healthier substitutions.
Smart Ingredient Swaps: Using a Greek yogurt-based dough, part-skim cheese, and substituting butter with cooking spray can lower the fat and calorie content without compromising flavor.
Consider the Dipping Sauce: Dipping sauces like marinara or ranch can add a significant number of extra calories, so be mindful of your choice.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Cheesy Breadsticks

Determining the exact calorie content of three cheesy breadsticks is not a simple task because it depends heavily on where they're from. A homemade batch using specific ingredients will differ from a popular fast-food chain's product. Common factors influencing the total calorie count include the type of bread, the amount and variety of cheese used, and the addition of garlic butter, oil, or seasonings.

Calorie Breakdown by Restaurant

Major pizza and fast-food chains offer their own unique versions of cheesy breadsticks, each with a different nutritional profile. Here’s a look at what you can expect from three popular brands, calculating for a three-breadstick serving based on a single serving size reported by nutrition sites:

Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread: One piece of Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread contains 140 calories. Therefore, a serving of three pieces would be approximately 420 calories. This option includes additional calories from being 'stuffed' with cheese.
Pizza Hut Garlic Bread with Cheese: A single piece of Pizza Hut's Garlic Bread with Cheese has 210 calories. This means a three-piece serving amounts to 630 calories. The generous portion of cheese and buttery spread contributes to the higher calorie count compared to simpler versions.
Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread: One piece of Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread is about 130 calories. Consuming three of these breadsticks would total 390 calories. Their nutrition information often reflects a lighter approach, though still containing significant fat and sodium.

It is crucial to remember that calorie information can vary slightly over time and between different geographic locations, so it's always best to check the official nutrition guides on the company's website.

Factors Affecting the Final Calorie Count

Several components contribute to the calorie and nutritional value of cheesy breadsticks:

The Bread: The base of the breadstick, whether it's a simple lean dough or a buttery, rich one, will significantly alter the final count. A leaner yeast dough will have fewer calories and less fat than a brioche-style or puff pastry dough.
The Cheese: The type of cheese is a major factor. Full-fat mozzarella, cheddar, or a three-cheese blend will contain more calories and saturated fat than a part-skim or low-fat mozzarella.
Butter and Oil: The amount of butter or olive oil brushed onto the breadsticks before and after baking adds a substantial number of calories. Garlic butter, a common topping, is particularly calorie-dense.
Toppings and Dips: Add-ons like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or extra Parmesan can increase the calorie count. A single portion of dipping sauce can add anywhere from 50 to over 150 calories.

Comparison Table: Calorie Counts from Popular Restaurants


Restaurant	Calories per Piece	Three-Piece Serving Calories	Notes
Domino's (Stuffed)	~140 kcal	~420 kcal	'Stuffed' with extra cheese.
Pizza Hut (Garlic w/ Cheese)	~210 kcal	~630 kcal	High in fat, uses a butter spread.
Little Caesars (Italian)	~130 kcal	~390 kcal	Typically a simpler recipe.
Marketside (Frozen)	~170 kcal	~510 kcal	A common supermarket frozen option.
Homemade (Lower Calorie)	~90-120 kcal	~270-360 kcal	Dependent on specific ingredients used.

Creating Healthier Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

If you are aiming to enjoy cheesy breadsticks while controlling your calorie intake, making them at home is the best option. You have complete control over the ingredients and can make several simple substitutions to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

Here are some tips for a lighter recipe:

Use a lighter dough base: Opt for a two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt instead of traditional yeast dough with oil and sugar. This significantly reduces fat and calorie content.
Go for low-fat cheese: Switch from full-fat mozzarella to a part-skim or low-fat variety. While the texture may differ slightly, the flavor remains.
Reduce the butter: Instead of slathering butter on top, use a minimal amount or substitute with a butter-flavored cooking spray. For garlic flavor, mix garlic powder directly into the cheese or use fresh, minced garlic.
Add herbs for flavor: Increase the amount of dried or fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley to enhance flavor without adding calories.

Conclusion

The number of calories in three cheesy breadsticks varies widely, but typically falls between 330 and 630 or more, depending on the restaurant and recipe. Fast-food options are generally higher in calories, saturated fat, and sodium compared to homemade versions. By being mindful of ingredient choices and portion sizes, it's possible to enjoy this classic appetizer as a sensible treat. Opting for a homemade, lighter recipe offers the most control over nutritional content and provides a delicious, healthier alternative to commercial options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade cheesy breadsticks generally allow for more control over ingredients, enabling you to reduce calories, fat, and sodium by using low-fat cheese, less butter, and a lighter dough. Store-bought versions, particularly from fast-food chains, often have a higher caloric density.

The main sources of calories in cheesy breadsticks are the refined carbohydrates from the dough and the fat from the cheese and any added butter or oil. The specific ratios depend on the recipe.

Yes, many commercial cheesy breadsticks are high in sodium due to the salt used in the dough and the cheese itself. For example, some products have high sodium levels per serving.

Yes, you can make lower-carb cheesy breadsticks by substituting traditional flour with a low-carb alternative like almond flour or by using a two-ingredient dough recipe based on Greek yogurt and self-rising flour.

Absolutely. Full-fat cheeses, like certain mozzarella or cheddar blends, contain more calories and saturated fat than part-skim or low-fat cheese alternatives.

Generally, yes. A typical marinara sauce is made from tomatoes and herbs, while ranch dressing is creamier and higher in fat and calories. However, a lightened-up ranch recipe or portion control can help.

To reduce calories, you can ask for less cheese, skip any added butter or garlic oil, and use marinara sauce instead of a creamy, high-fat dip like ranch. Additionally, consider splitting a single order with others to control portion size.