Description
Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are a nostalgic, homemade version of the classic golden, crispy breadsticks topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and oregano. Perfectly soft inside with a slightly crispy edge, these cheese sticks are ideal for dipping in warm marinara sauce, making them a comforting appetizer or snack reminiscent of childhood favorite takeout treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
- ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Toppings and Finishing
- 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
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with half of the warmed water (heated to 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, place the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour the remaining warm water into the butter mixture and allow it to rest while the yeast activates.
- Combine Ingredients: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until somewhat combined. Add the egg yolk and the activated yeast mixture to the bowl, then stir in the flour until just incorporated, forming a dough.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Rest Dough: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to let the dough slightly rise and relax.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is resting.
- Add Toppings: Remove plastic wrap from the dough. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter, then generously sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and dried oregano evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-31 minutes, or until the edges turn deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the cheese sticks to cool for about 10 minutes. Then cut into 8 even sticks.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping to enjoy that classic Pizza Hut cheese stick experience at home.
Notes
- Ensure water used for yeast activation is warm (around 110°F) but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the texture soft and tender.
- For extra crispiness, brush the edges with melted butter again halfway through baking.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on preference.
- These cheese sticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese stick (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Pizza Hut cheese sticks, homemade cheese sticks, breadsticks recipe, cheesy breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, appetizer, Pizza Hut copycat
