When I’m craving a hit of melty, golden, cheesy goodness with that irresistible nostalgic twist, nothing beats Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks. These fluffy breadsticks, blanketed with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan, are a spot-on homemade version of the classic, crave-worthy side that’s always the highlight of any pizza night. Imagine soft, buttery dough, crispy edges, and a cheesy crust—perfect for dipping into tangy marinara. This recipe will have your house smelling like a pizzeria in no time, and the best part? You can make as many as you want and customize them straight from your kitchen!

Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of simple ingredients combine to create this legendary snack. Each element—whether it’s the cheese, flour, or seasonings—plays a crucial role in recreating the irresistible taste and texture of Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks.

Granulated sugar: A touch of sugar helps activate the yeast and gives a delicate sweetness to the dough.
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation for a soft, chewy texture, so measure carefully for the perfect crumb.
Active dry yeast: Yeast is essential for that light rise and classic pizzeria flavor.
Kosher salt: Just the right hit of salt rounds out the flavor and brings out the best in your cheese.
Warm water (110°F), divided: The ideal water temperature helps the yeast bloom and creates a supple dough.
Unsalted butter, thinly sliced & melted: Sliced for the dough and melted for brushing—this is what gives the bread that famous Pizza Hut richness.
Egg yolk, lightly beaten: Egg yolk adds tenderness and beautiful color to the finished sticks.
Shredded mozzarella (8 oz): Loads of mozzarella are the heart of these cheese sticks—go for the good stuff if you can!
Grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan offers a salty, savory pop and helps create that signature cheesy crust.
Dried oregano: A sprinkle of oregano delivers an inviting Italian aroma and just the right subtle earthiness.
Garlic salt: Don’t skip this ingredient—it infuses every bite with addictive, garlicky flavor.
Marinara sauce for dipping: Tangy, savory, and the true sidekick to your cheese sticks. Warm it up before serving!

How to Make Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast with half of your warm water in a small bowl. Give it a gentle swirl and set it aside for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a layer of foam on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to give your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks that signature rise.

Step 2: Mix the Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and kosher salt. The butter brings richness, while the sugar and salt balance the flavors—don’t rush this step, these ingredients are key to the final taste.

Step 3: Warm Water Magic

Pour in the remaining warm water to your butter mixture, allowing the butter to gently soften. Let it sit for a minute or two—this will make mixing your dough much easier and ensures everything incorporates smoothly for your soon-to-be Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Once your butter is softened, whisk the mixture until it’s somewhat combined. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, but you want everything pretty well mingled before you bring in the yeast and flour.

Step 5: Combine and Form Dough

Add in the beaten egg yolk and your foamy yeast mixture, giving it all a quick stir. Then, gently add in both portions of flour, stirring until everything is just incorporated. Don’t overmix—a slightly shaggy dough is just fine here!

Step 6: Prep the Baking Dish

Generously brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with two tablespoons of melted butter. This will keep your cheese sticks from sticking and infuses the base with extra buttery flavor—trust me, you’ll taste the difference.

Step 7: Spread and Rest

Transfer your dough into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with your hands or a spatula. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes so the dough can relax and rise a bit. This short rest is fundamental for that fluffy texture Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are famous for.

Step 8: Preheat and Prepare Toppings

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 350°F. As it warms up, get your mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano ready for sprinkling—having these at hand makes topping the dough a breeze.

Step 9: Top with Cheese and Seasonings

Peel back the plastic wrap and brush the dough with the remaining melted butter. Now, shower it generously with shredded mozzarella, sprinkle on the parmesan, dust with garlic salt, and add a pinch of oregano. It’s hard not to go overboard here, but that’s part of the fun!

Step 10: Bake

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 28 to 31 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden edges, bubbling cheese, and that mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen—absolutely worth the wait.

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the breadsticks cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This rest helps the cheese set, so each slice stays together. Cut into 8 even pieces, and you’re ready for the finishing touch!

Step 12: Serve with Marinara

Serve your hot Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks with a big bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Watching the cheese pull as you dip a piece is half the reason you made these at home, right?

How to Serve Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of parmesan or a scattering of fresh chopped parsley can be the perfect garnish for your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks. For extra flair, add a crack of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

Side Dishes

Pair these cheese sticks with a crisp Caesar salad, a simple garden salad, or a big bowl of soup for a comforting dinner. They’re also fantastic alongside your favorite pizza for the ultimate pizzeria feast at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your sticks into shorter pieces and serve them party-style with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces. Or arrange them in a basket lined with parchment for that true takeout vibe—perfect for game day or family movie nights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making for a super speedy snack or side.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cheese sticks cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw and reheat when the craving strikes.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your cheese sticks in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the dough a bit chewy rather than fluffy.

FAQs

Do Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks taste the same as the restaurant version?

They taste almost identical! Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks capture that signature buttery, cheesy flavor and pillowy texture, with the bonus of enjoying them fresh out of your own oven.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but shredding mozzarella fresh gives you longer cheese pulls and better melt. Pre-shredded is convenient for a quick fix, but blocks of cheese will yield the best results.

Can I use a different size pan?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time—the dough will be thicker in a smaller pan and thinner in a larger one, so keep an eye on the color and doneness around the edges.

Are Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks vegetarian?

Yes, these cheese sticks are vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly parmesan and check that your marinara sauce is also free from animal rennet or meat-based broths.

What’s the best way to get those crispy cheesy edges?

Spread your cheese all the way to the edge of the pan—those bits touching the hot pan will crisp up beautifully, giving you the classic edge that everyone grabs first!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to bring a taste of childhood pizza nights into your kitchen, you’ll love making these Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks at home. There’s really nothing better than pulling apart fresh, gooey sticks right out of the oven. Give this recipe a try and create your own pizzeria moments any time the craving hits!

Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 cheese sticks 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Hut style cheese sticks that are perfect for a cozy night in or as a party appetizer.

Instructions

Activate Yeast: 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.
Mix Dough: 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 sit while the yeast activates.
Combine Ingredients: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until somewhat combined. Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture to the bowl, then stir in the flour until just incorporated.
Prepare Dish: Brush a 9×13 baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add Toppings: Remove plastic wrap from the dough, brush the top with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano.
Bake: Bake for 28-31 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cheese sticks to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cheese stick
Calories: 220
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Pizza Hut, Cheese Sticks, Appetizer, Easy Recipe, Party Food