Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks deliver the perfect blend of soft, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese topped with flavorful seasonings. They’re an irresistible appetizer or snack, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Making them at home is simpler than you might think!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
• Marinara sauce for dipping
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with half of the warmed water (heated to 110°F) and set it aside for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, place the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt.
3. Step 3: Pour the remaining warm water into the butter mixture and allow it to sit while the yeast activates.
4. Step 4: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until somewhat combined.
5. Step 5: Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture to the bowl, then stir in the flour until just incorporated.
6. Step 6: Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by brushing it with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
7. Step 7: Spread the dough evenly in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
9. Step 9: Remove the plastic wrap from the dough, brush the top with the remaining melted butter, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano.
10. Step 10: Bake for 28-31 minutes, until the edges are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Step 11: Allow the breadsticks to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 even pieces.
12. Step 12: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess moisture.
• Try adding chopped fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a fresh touch.
• If you prefer a garlic butter flavor, mix minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing the dough.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the breadsticks soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. If using instant yeast, you can add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing, but adjust the rising time accordingly.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.

Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft, buttery breadsticks loaded with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and oregano, and served warm with zesty marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for a comforting appetizer or snack, they feature a tender yeast dough baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 cheese sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided

Topping Ingredients

• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with half of the warm water heated to 110°F. Set aside for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Pour the remaining warm water into this mixture and let it sit while the yeast activates to slightly soften the butter.
3. Combine Mixtures: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until somewhat combined. Then add the lightly beaten egg yolk and the yeast mixture to the bowl. Stir in the flour until just incorporated to form a soft dough.
4. Prepare Baking Dish and Dough Rest: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the dough to relax.
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake the breadsticks.
6. Top the Dough: Remove the plastic wrap from the dough, brush the top with the remaining melted butter. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano evenly over the top.
7. Bake Breadsticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 31 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the breadsticks to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 even pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Brush the baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
• Letting the dough rest helps it relax and promotes better texture in the final breadsticks.
• Serve the cheese sticks warm for the best gooey cheese experience.

Keywords: Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks, cheesy breadsticks, homemade cheese sticks, appetizer, marinara dipping sauce