Irresistible Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe Made Easy Recipe
This irresistible Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks recipe recreates the classic cheesy breadsticks right at home with a soft, buttery dough topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic salt and oregano. Perfectly baked until golden and served with a side of marinara sauce, these cheese sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and utterly delicious.
- Author: Natali
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 1 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (Can be omitted for a less sweet taste.)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with bread flour for chewier texture.)
- 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast (Instant yeast can be used without pre-activation.)
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt (Regular table salt can be substituted.)
- 1 cup Warm Water (Should be around 110°F.)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with olive oil.)
- 1 large Egg Yolk (Replace with 1 tbsp of water for egg-free version.)
Topping and Serving Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (Can substitute with provolone or Monterey Jack.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used for sharper taste.)
- 1 tbsp Garlic Salt (Replace with fresh minced garlic for a punchier flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano (Optional but recommended.)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Feel free to use other preferred sauces.)
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp active dry yeast with half of the warm water (110°F) and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together sliced unsalted butter, the remaining warm water, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Rest the Dough: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to relax and slightly rise.
- Add the Toppings: After resting, brush the remaining melted butter over the surface of the dough. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top, followed by garlic salt and dried oregano for seasoning.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cheese sticks for 28-31 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked cheese sticks to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Cut into strips and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a chewier crust, substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour.
- If you want a stronger garlic flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic salt.
- Instant yeast can replace active dry yeast without proofing; mix directly with dry ingredients.
- Butter can be swapped with olive oil for a different richness.
- Replace egg yolk with 1 tbsp water for an egg-free version.
- Try different cheese varieties like provolone or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Letting the dough rest helps develop texture and makes spreading easier.
Keywords: Pizza Hut cheese sticks, cheesy breadsticks, homemade cheese sticks, mozzarella cheese sticks, appetizer, easy snack, baked cheese sticks