There’s something undeniably magical about the golden crunch of Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks—gooey mozzarella encased in a perfectly crisp crust, kissed with garlic butter and herbs. Inspired by the comforting flavors of a global pizza culture, these cheese sticks bring together the best of Italian baking techniques.
Pair these cheesy delights with a smooth Vodka Margarita or a bold Whiskey And Coke Cocktail for a flavor combination that balances rich, salty goodness with a refreshing bite. Just like a well-aged Parmigiano Reggiano pairs beautifully with a robust Italian wine.
With a fast-food soul, making them a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their snack game. Whether you’re perfecting your dough technique or simply craving that nostalgic pizzeria taste, these cheese sticks are endlessly adaptable.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- A Trip Back in Time – The first bite took me straight to childhood pizza nights—warm, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. If you love nostalgic flavors, this one’s for you.
- Restaurant-Level, No Stress – Baking at home means you control the cheese pull, the garlic butter drizzle, and the crisp factor—no delivery delays, just straight-up deliciousness.
- Customizable & Fun – Swap in cheddar for a sharper bite, add red pepper flakes for heat, or even try a smoked cheese twist—this recipe evolves with your taste.
- Unexpected Pairings – Believe it or not, these cheese sticks taste even better dunked in marinara and paired with a Whiskey and Coke—salty, tangy, and smoky in one bite!
- Easy on the Budget, Big on Flavor – Making these at home is way cheaper than ordering out, and honestly? They taste even better when you make them your own.
Would you try these with a cocktail or go for the classic marinara dunk?
Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe
Recreate the cheesy, buttery magic of Pizza Hut’s iconic cheese sticks at home! This recipe features a soft, pillowy dough brushed with melted butter, topped with mozzarella, parmesan, and savory seasonings. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, these breadsticks are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dough
- 1½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp warm water divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter thinly sliced
- 1 egg yolk lightly beaten
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Assembly
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted, divided
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- ¼ tbsp garlic salt
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in half of the warmed water and let it sit until foamy.
- In a separate large bowl, place the butter, sugar, and salt.
- Pour the remaining warm water over the butter mixture and let it sit.
- After five minutes, whisk the butter mixture to combine, even if the butter hasn’t fully melted.
- Add the egg yolk and proofed yeast mixture, whisking to incorporate.
- Stir in the flour until just mixed.
- Grease the baking dish with melted butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated.
- Spread the dough evenly into the pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Uncover the dough and brush the remaining melted butter over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 28-31 minutes, until the edges turn dark golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow the breadsticks to cool for 10 minutes.
- Carefully lift them from the pan and cut into 8 even slices.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the water is at 110°F—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it properly.
- Brushing butter over the dough before and after baking enhances both flavor and texture.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 334kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 86g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use Pre-Made Dough: If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works as a quick alternative.
- Melt Butter in the Microwave: Instead of waiting for it to soften in warm water, melt butter in short bursts in the microwave.
- Use a Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook can save effort when mixing the ingredients.
- Preheat While Dough Rests: Turn on the oven as soon as the dough starts resting to streamline the process.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
