Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

If you love those soft, buttery, cheesy sticks from Pizza Hut, you are in for a treat. These Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft on the inside, lightly golden and crisp on the outside, and packed with melty mozzarella goodness. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and suddenly your snack or appetizer game is elevated to legendary status.

Making them at home is easier than you might think, and the best part is you get them fresh and piping hot without ever leaving your kitchen. The aroma of garlic butter and melted cheese wafting through the house is downright irresistible. Once you take a bite, you’ll wonder why you ever waited to try making these at home.

Whether it’s for movie night, a game day snack, or a fun weekend treat, these cheese sticks hit all the right notes of comfort, flavor, and indulgence.

Recipe Origin

Inspired by the classic Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks, this homemade version replicates that signature soft, buttery dough, the generous cheese filling, and the garlicky, buttery topping that everyone loves.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Pastry brush for butter
Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Why You’ll Love Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

These cheese sticks are a crowd-pleaser for all ages, easy to make, and totally customizable.

Soft and Cheesy: The mozzarella melts perfectly inside, giving every bite that ooey-gooey satisfaction.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just simple dough, cheese, and buttery seasonings.

Perfect for Parties: Make a batch for game day, movie night, or casual gatherings, and everyone will keep coming back for more.

Customizable: Sprinkle extra herbs, swap cheeses, or adjust the garlic to suit your taste.

Fun to Make: Rolling, cutting, and brushing with butter makes the process enjoyable and rewarding.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting texture.
Warm the water to around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
Brush generously with butter and seasonings for that classic Pizza Hut flavor.
Cut sticks evenly to ensure consistent baking and perfect cheesy pulls.
Serve immediately after baking for the best melty texture.

Ingredients in Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Here’s a closer look at what makes these cheese sticks so irresistible.

For the Dough:

Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become soft and airy.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and lightly sweetens the dough.
Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the buttery notes.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
Egg Yolk: Adds richness and a slight golden color.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and softness.

For Assembly:

Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed on top for flavor and golden color.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, melty, and the star of the cheese sticks.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer on top.
Garlic Salt: Gives a gentle garlicky punch.
Dried Oregano: Adds classic Italian seasoning notes.
Marinara Sauce: The perfect dip that complements the cheesy, buttery sticks.
Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Follow these steps for cheesy perfection.

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, egg yolk, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead lightly and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Roll Out the Dough:

Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Brush lightly with melted butter.

Add Cheese and Seasonings:

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the dough. Sprinkle garlic salt and dried oregano on top.

Cut the Sticks:

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into sticks of your desired size. Leave a little space between each stick.

Brush with Butter:

Brush the tops with remaining melted butter to get that classic golden, buttery finish.

Bake:

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the gooey, buttery, cheesy perfection immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings:
Calories per serving:
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:

How to Serve Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

As a Snack: Perfect for movie nights, game days, or casual snacking.
With Dips: Marinara is classic, but ranch or garlic butter also works.
Party Platter: Serve with pizza, wings, or salads for a full Italian-inspired spread.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese.

Variations to Try

Add shredded cheddar or provolone for extra cheesy flavor.
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Brush with garlic herb butter for an extra savory kick.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Make dough and toppings in advance for quick assembly.
Double the Batch: Perfect for larger gatherings.
Customize: Try different cheeses or seasonings to create your own version.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
A1: Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly.

Q2: Can I freeze the cheese sticks?
A2: Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
A3: Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough.

Q4: Can I use shredded pre-packaged mozzarella?
A4: Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-packaged works in a pinch.

Q5: How do I get them golden without burning the cheese?
A5: Keep an eye during baking and brush tops with butter for even browning.

Q6: Can I add extra herbs?
A6: Yes, basil or thyme would be delicious additions.

Q7: Can I make mini cheese sticks?
A7: Absolutely, just cut smaller pieces before baking.

Q8: Do I have to use egg yolk in the dough?
A8: It adds richness but can be omitted if desired.

Q9: How long do they last?
A9: Best enjoyed fresh, but can keep 1–2 days in an airtight container.

Q10: Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
A10: Yes, but add a pinch of salt separately to balance flavors.

Conclusion

These Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are soft, buttery, cheesy, and everything you love about the classic appetizer. They are fun to make, easy to serve, and perfect for snacks, parties, or just a cheesy treat at home. Once you try them, they will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, giving you that iconic Pizza Hut experience without leaving your house.

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