If you have a soft spot for gooey cheese and perfectly golden bread, then you are in for a real treat with this recipe for Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe. These cheese sticks capture the magic of that famous chain’s beloved appetizer but are made in your kitchen with simple ingredients you probably already have. Crispy on the outside, stretchy and cheesy in the middle, they are just waiting to be dipped in rich marinara and devoured. Trust me, once you try making these yourself, you’ll never want to buy frozen again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, melt, and flavor — from the tender dough to the gooey cheese topping and buttery finish.
- Active dry yeast: This is the secret to light, fluffy dough that rises just right.
- Unsalted butter (thinly sliced + melted): Used both in the dough and for brushing, it adds richness and helps crisp the breadsticks beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and give a gentle sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavor and enhances every ingredient’s taste.
- Warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together perfectly.
- Egg yolk (lightly beaten): Adds structure and a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, giving it that perfect chew.
- Shredded mozzarella: The star cheese that melts into stretchy, gooey goodness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory contrast on top.
- Garlic salt: Infuses every bite with savory garlic flavor.
- Dried oregano: A hint of herbaceous pizzazz that ties everything together.
- Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping and adding extra zest.
How to Make Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare wet ingredients
Start by combining your active dry yeast with half of the warm water, letting it sit until it becomes foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to do its magic. Meanwhile, mix the remaining warm water with thinly sliced unsalted butter, sugar, and salt, giving it a whisk; the butter may not fully melt here, but that’s absolutely fine.
Step 2: Mix the dough
Next, whisk the egg yolk into your butter mixture, then add the foamy yeast mixture. Stir in the flour just until everything comes together into a sticky dough, the kind that promises soft, tender breadsticks when baked.
Step 3: Prepare the baking dish
Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter all over a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. Then, spread your dough evenly across the bottom of the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes so it can puff up slightly before baking.
Step 4: Add toppings and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and brush the remaining melted butter evenly over the dough. Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously on top, followed by a dusting of grated parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano. Bake for about 28 to 31 minutes, watching for golden edges and bubbly, slightly browned cheese on top.
Step 5: Cool and slice
Once baked, pull the cheese sticks from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps the cheese set so it doesn’t run everywhere. Carefully remove the cheesy bread from the dish and slice into 8 even pieces. Get ready to dip and devour!
How to Serve Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe
Garnishes
While the Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe shines on its own, sprinkling a little extra parmesan or chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a nice pop of color that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheese sticks with your favorite pizza or a fresh green salad for a wonderfully balanced meal. A bowl of warm marinara sauce or even a homemade ranch dressing makes for a perfect dip, amplifying the cozy vibes of this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cheese sticks alongside a variety of dipping sauces like garlic butter, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy pesto. Arrange them in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look or serve on a wooden board with a sprinkle of herbs for a more elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheese sticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They remain quite tasty but are best enjoyed fresh for optimum gooeyness and crust crispiness.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, wrap cooled cheese sticks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re craving that cheesy goodness again, just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or warm gently in a toaster oven. This way, you get that crispy crust and melty cheese sensation all over again without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and parmesan are key for that classic flavor and stretch, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend to suit your taste buds.
Is there a way to make this recipe quicker?
The resting time is important for dough development, but if you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just add the cheese and toppings as directed and bake—it won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, with some substitutions! Use a dairy-free butter and a plant-based mozzarella alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ but it’s still a tasty option for dairy-free diets.
What’s the best way to cut the cheese sticks?
Wait until after they’ve cooled slightly to let the cheese firm up a bit. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them evenly into sticks, usually 8 pieces from a 9×13 pan works great.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two pans. Make sure to keep an eye on baking time, as it might vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, comforting snack that tastes just like the ones from your favorite pizza place, this Homemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe is a must-try. They bring cheesy joy and buttery crispness to your table with every bite, and best of all, you made them yourself. So gather your ingredients and get ready for some serious cheesy happiness!
PrintHomemade Cheese Sticks Inspired by Pizza Hut Recipe
These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are a delicious homemade copycat recipe featuring soft, buttery dough topped with gooey melted mozzarella and parmesan, seasoned with garlic and oregano, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish with your favorite meals, these cheese sticks come with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 31 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F), divided
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 1 ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Assembly:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, add the active dry yeast. Warm half of the water (about ½ cup) to 110°F and pour it into the yeast bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is activated.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Pour the remaining warm water (2 tablespoons) into this butter mixture and let it sit while the yeast is activating.
- Combine wet ingredients: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until combined; the butter may not fully melt, which is normal. Add the beaten egg yolk and the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl, whisking to blend all wet ingredients evenly.
- Make the dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Prepare baking dish: Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and brush 2 tablespoons of the melted unsalted butter evenly over the bottom.
- Spread the dough: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the dough to rise slightly.
- Preheat oven and prepare dough for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Brush the remaining melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the buttered dough, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Then evenly sprinkle garlic salt and dried oregano over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28-31 minutes until the edges of the dough are dark golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and browned on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheese sticks cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove the cheese sticks from the pan and cut into 8 even slices. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use fresh yeast and butter for optimal flavor and texture.
- Allow the dough to rest covered to promote proper rising before baking.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you want softer or more crispy edges.
- Serve immediately after cutting to enjoy the gooey melted cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be warmed for a better dipping experience.
