There’s a kind of magic that happens when you pull warm, cheesy bread from the oven and hear that soft crackle as you tear it apart. Last weekend, I decided to challenge myself in the kitchen and recreate one of my all-time favorite comfort foods—Pizza Hut cheese sticks. I wanted that perfect combination of golden, buttery crust, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of garlic and oregano.
I set up my kitchen like a little experimental lab, measuring each ingredient carefully, and even had my family sneak tastes as I baked. The smell of melting cheese and melted butter filled the house, bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Each bite was soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and infused with rich, buttery flavor that made it impossible to stop at just one.
I discovered a few tweaks along the way that made the sticks fluffier and the cheese more melty, and I couldn’t wait to share them. Making these cheese sticks from scratch isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the joy of preparing something delicious for the people you care about. By the time they were ready to serve, everyone was gathered around, dipping them into rich marinara sauce, smiling, and commenting on how close they tasted to the original.
This recipe has become a new favorite in our household, perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just a treat when you need a little cheesy indulgence. I’ve made it as approachable as possible, so even first-time bakers can feel confident tackling this recipe.
Short Description
These homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft, buttery, and loaded with gooey mozzarella. Topped with parmesan, garlic, and oregano, they are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce and making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Key Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for mixing)
- 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
For Assembly
- 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
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for yeast
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Plastic wrap
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with ¼ cup of warm water (110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour in the remaining ¼ cup warm water and let it sit while the yeast activates. After 5 minutes, whisk until somewhat combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the flour until just incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky but workable. If too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until manageable.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the dish and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is resting.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheese Sticks
Remove plastic wrap, brush the top with remaining melted butter. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 28–31 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and cheese is bubbly. The aroma of butter and garlic should fill your kitchen.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the breadsticks cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Troubleshooting Tips
Dough too sticky? Add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
Cheese sticking to dish? Brush extra butter lightly before adding cheese.
Cheese not melting evenly? Rotate the dish halfway through baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Buttery dough with perfectly melted mozzarella and a touch of garlic and oregano.
Simple and Fun: Easy to make with common pantry ingredients.
Versatile: Ideal for parties, snacks, or a family-friendly meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these cheesy, golden sticks.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overbaking: Can make edges too hard. Solution: Check at 28 minutes for golden edges.
Underproofing Dough: Can result in dense sticks. Solution: Let the dough rest 15 minutes before baking.
Uneven Cheese Distribution: Some bites may lack cheese. Solution: Sprinkle cheese evenly and press lightly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with warm marinara sauce or garlic butter.
Pair with fresh salads or pasta dishes for a meal.
Perfect for family-style dinners, game nights, or casual entertaining.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze up to 1 month.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave 20–30 seconds for a quick snack.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works well—adjust baking time if necessary.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute with gluten-free flour, and add 1 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and tastes fresher.
4. Do I have to use butter?
Butter adds flavor and helps crisp edges, but olive oil is a lighter alternative.
5. Can I make smaller sticks?
Absolutely, just adjust baking time slightly to avoid burning.
Tips & Tricks
Brush edges with extra butter before baking for golden perfection.
Let cheese sit at room temperature before adding to prevent uneven melting.
Rotate the baking dish midway for even browning.
Recipe Variations
Garlic Lovers: Add ½ tsp garlic powder to dough for extra flavor.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over cheese before baking.
Cheese Combo: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for richer flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a gourmet touch.
Final Thoughts
Making Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks at home is incredibly satisfying. The process—from activating the yeast to brushing buttery dough—turns baking into a small celebration in the kitchen. Watching the cheese melt and bubble while the aroma fills the room is comforting in a way only homemade bread can offer.
These sticks are versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion where you want a warm, cheesy treat. The recipe is forgiving, approachable, and allows room for creativity. Each bite is a balance of buttery crust, stretchy cheese, and savory herbs, making it hard to stop at just one.
Sharing them with loved ones instantly turns any ordinary moment into a memorable one. Homemade cheese sticks are a reminder that some of the simplest recipes bring the most joy.
Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for mixing
- 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
For Assembly
- 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
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with ¼ cup of warm water (110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt, then pour in the remaining ¼ cup warm water and let it sit while the yeast activates. After 5 minutes, whisk until somewhat combined.
- Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture, then stir in the flour until just incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky; if too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until manageable.
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted butter, spread the dough evenly, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap, brush the top with remaining melted butter, and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano. Bake for 28–31 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow the breadsticks to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
