There’s just something magical about biting into those golden, cheesy, pull-apart Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks—crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and oozing with savory goodness. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack, hunting for the perfect party appetizer, or need a cheesy sidekick for movie night, these copycat sticks deliver every time. With a shortcut dough, gooey mozzarella, and that iconic garlic-oregano sprinkle, this recipe lets you bring all the flavor home. Get ready to impress friends and family (and yourself!) with mouthwatering Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks fresh from your own oven.

Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks lies in its simple, familiar ingredients—each one playing a key role in building irresistible flavor and texture. You probably have almost everything in your kitchen already, so let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters!

Granulated sugar: Just a bit helps feed the yeast and gives the dough its subtle softness.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and a classic breadstick chewiness.
Active dry yeast: This is what makes the dough rise and gives it that signature airy texture.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread and balances the cheese and butter.
Warm water (110°F): Gets the yeast going and brings the dough together—temperature matters, so check with your finger!
Unsalted butter (thinly sliced): Mixed into the dough for richness and brushed on top for irresistible flavor.
Egg yolk (lightly beaten): Adds golden color and tenderness to your breadsticks.
Melted unsalted butter: Brushed on the baking dish and the sticks to make them decadent and prevent sticking.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show—melts into gooey, stretchy mounds across your breadsticks.
Grated parmesan cheese: Savory and salty, parmesan brings that signature Pizza Hut finish.
Dried oregano: For a little herbal pizza shop magic on top.
Garlic salt: Adds punchy flavor and that unmistakable breadstick aroma.
Marinara sauce (for dipping): Essential for the full Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks experience—scoop up every bite!

How to Make Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks journey by combining the yeast and half of your warm water (make sure it’s about 110°F) in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s nice and foamy—the bubbles mean your yeast is alive and ready to work its baking magic!

Step 2: Mix the Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In a large bowl, layer your thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. This combo will mingle and contribute both flavor and a wonderfully soft dough. As the butter melts, it’ll blend straight into every bite.

Step 3: Add Water and Let It Sit

Pour the remaining warm water over your butter-sugar-salt mixture. Let it rest and soften for several minutes while your yeast gets even frothier. This pause is a small step, but it softens the butter beautifully so the dough mixes up with ease.

Step 4: Whisk the Mixture

Give the softened butter mixture a whisk to get most things combined. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth; just make sure you’re not left with any big clumps.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Add the lightly beaten egg yolk and the now-bubbly yeast mixture to your large bowl. Stir in the all-purpose flour until everything is just incorporated. Don’t overwork it—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, not tough.

Step 6: Prep the Baking Dish

Brush a 9×13 baking dish with 2 tablespoons of your melted butter. This step ensures nothing sticks, but also adds that signature buttery bottom you remember from Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks.

Step 7: Spread and Rest the Dough

Spread the dough evenly in your buttered dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon if needed. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes—the dough will relax, making it even lighter during baking.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your cheese sticks are ready to bake. A hot oven ensures a golden-brown finish and melty cheese topping.

Step 9: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Uncover your dough, brush the top generously with the remaining melted butter, and pile on the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle on parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano—the aromas will instantly transport you to your favorite pizza place!

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks for 28 to 31 minutes, or until the edges are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling and just beginning to brown. It’s impossible not to get hungry with the oven working its magic.

Step 11: Let Them Cool

Remove the baking dish and let your cheesy creation cool for about 10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes slicing into perfect sticks a breeze.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Cut into 8 generous pieces and serve warm with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping. Every bite delivers everything you love about Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks!

How to Serve Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Garnishes

Amp up the wow factor by sprinkling your fresh-baked Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks with a little extra parmesan and a dusting of chopped parsley right out of the oven. A drizzle of garlic butter never hurts either if you’re aiming for full-out decadence.

Side Dishes

Serve these cheese sticks alongside a crisp green salad with Italian dressing, a cozy bowl of soup, or as a crowd-pleasing starter before pizza night. They’re especially dreamy dipped in extra warm marinara, ranch, or even creamy garlic sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks on a rustic wooden board with small cups of dipping sauces—think marinara, ranch, pesto, and hot honey. Or try slicing them into bite-sized pieces and skewering them with toothpicks for bite-and-dip fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Simply let your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks cool completely, then place them in an airtight container lined with parchment or wax paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for fresh-tasting leftovers.

Freezing

These cheese sticks freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bread less crisp.

FAQs

Can I use pizza dough from the store instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works in a pinch! But the homemade version really nails the soft, buttery texture unique to Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks—totally worth the extra 10 minutes.

What’s the best way to get extra cheesy cheese sticks?

Pile on a little more mozzarella than the recipe calls for and press it gently into the dough before baking. For ultra cheese pulls, use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella and sprinkle some cheese right at the edges.

Can I make Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. The crust might be slightly more delicate, but you’ll still get a fantastic cheesy snack.

What sauces go best with these cheese sticks?

Classic marinara is always perfect, but ranch, creamy garlic sauce, or even a spicy buffalo dip are amazing. If you’re feeling playful, set up a dipping station and let everyone try their favorites!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature and rise a few extra minutes before heading to the oven.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks is pure comfort and joy—there’s something so satisfying about cheesy, golden bread fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re sharing with a group or savoring every stick solo, don’t miss your chance to recreate this pizzeria favorite at home. Go on, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a little slice of happiness!