Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

You know that feeling when the Pizza Hut breadsticks (or better yet, those gooey cheese sticks) hit the table and suddenly everyone forgets about the actual pizza? Yeah, same here. There’s something about that soft, buttery dough topped with bubbling cheese, garlic, and herbs that makes them absolutely irresistible.

The good news? You don’t need takeout to enjoy them. These copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft, cheesy, and downright addictive—and the best part is, they’re homemade. Picture this: golden, pillowy bread brushed with butter, loaded with gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano, all served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Honestly, it’s a game-changer.

Whether you’re making these for a Friday night in, a game-day spread, or just because you’re craving cheesy comfort food (no judgment here), this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.

Recipe Origin

Pizza Hut has been making these cheesy breadsticks famous since the 90s, and they’ve never lost their magic. This recipe is inspired by the classic—bringing you the same buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness but in your own kitchen. Homemade dough makes them extra fluffy, and since you’re in control, you can go as heavy on the cheese as your heart desires.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and wooden spoon (or stand mixer with dough hook if you want easy kneading)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan
• Pastry brush (for brushing butter)
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife (to slice into sticks)

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Why You’ll Love Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Versatile

They’re the ultimate snack, side, or even light meal. Perfect for pizza night, parties, or anytime you want something indulgent.

Budget-Friendly

Everything here is pantry or fridge basics—flour, butter, cheese, yeast. Much cheaper than ordering delivery!

Quick and Easy

Don’t let the yeast scare you. The dough is simple, and most of the time is just letting it rise.

Customizable

Add jalapeños, pepperoni, or swap in cheddar—make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing

Crispy edges, soft centers, and melty cheese? Everyone will fight for the last stick.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Warm water matters. Make sure it’s about 110°F—warm but not hot, so the yeast can activate without dying.
• Let the dough rise properly. A warm kitchen helps. Don’t rush this part; it’s what makes the bread fluffy.
• Brush with butter twice. Once before baking for golden flavor, and once right out of the oven for that Pizza Hut shine.
• Use fresh mozzarella. Pre-shredded works, but freshly shredded melts better.

Ingredients in Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Dough

Active Dry Yeast: Brings the dough to life, giving it that light, fluffy rise.
Unsalted Butter: Sliced into the dough for richness and tenderness.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough.
Egg Yolk: Enriches the dough for softness.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure and chew.

For Assembly

Melted Butter: Brushed generously over the dough for flavor and golden color.
Shredded Mozzarella: The star topping—melty, gooey, irresistible.
Grated Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty depth.
Garlic Salt: Brings that signature Pizza Hut breadstick flavor.
Dried Oregano: A hint of herbiness that ties it all together.
Marinara Sauce: The perfect dip for dunking those cheesy sticks.

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and a little warm water. Let it sit until foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Make the Dough: In a larger bowl, mix the flour, salt, butter slices, egg yolk, remaining water, and activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead and Rise: Knead by hand for about 6–8 minutes (or in a stand mixer for 4–5 minutes) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish or line with parchment.

Shape the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Brush with half of the melted butter.

Top with Cheese & Seasoning: Sprinkle mozzarella over the dough, then parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.

Finish with Butter: Brush with the remaining melted butter right out of the oven.

Slice & Serve: Use a pizza cutter to cut into sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 12 sticks
Calories per serving: ~210
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rise)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

• Classic: With a big bowl of warm marinara for dipping.
• With Soup: Perfect alongside tomato soup or minestrone.
• As a Party Snack: Set them out on a platter with ranch, marinara, or garlic butter dips.
• Pizza Night: Serve before or with your favorite homemade pizza.
• Game Day: Pair with wings, sliders, and other finger foods for the ultimate spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Dough can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh the texture.
• Freeze: Bake, cool, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Jalapeño Sticks: Add pickled jalapeño slices before baking.
• Pepperoni Cheese Sticks: Layer mini pepperoni under the cheese.
• Four Cheese Sticks: Mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack.
• Herb Lovers: Sprinkle Italian seasoning instead of just oregano.
• Garlic Butter Drizzle: Add extra garlic to the melted butter for bold flavor.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skimp on cheese—the more, the merrier.
• Use a pizza stone under your baking pan for extra crisp bottom.
• Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese pull.
• Cut sticks with a pizza cutter while hot, but let them cool 5 minutes before lifting from the pan.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
A1: Yes, just mix it directly into the flour and skip the activation step.

Q2: Do I have to use mozzarella?
A2: Mozzarella gives the classic flavor, but any good melting cheese works.

Q3: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A3: Absolutely! It saves time and still gives great results.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
A4: Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different.

Q5: What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
A5: Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even salsa make great dips.

Q6: How do I know when they’re done?
A6: The cheese should be bubbly, and the edges golden brown.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes, just use a larger sheet pan.

Q8: Do I need to cover the dough while it rises?
A8: Yes, cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel to prevent drying out.

Q9: Can I prep and freeze unbaked dough?
A9: Yes, freeze after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q10: Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
A10: Absolutely—fresh basil or parsley is a delicious touch after baking.

Conclusion

These Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are cheesy, buttery, garlicky perfection—and the best part is, they taste just like the real deal (maybe even better). They’re soft, fluffy, and dripping with melted cheese, making them impossible to resist.

So the next time that craving hits, skip the delivery order and whip up a pan of these at home. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

Check out this cheesy, buttery copycat of Pizza Hut cheese sticks — game night, sorted: