Soft Cheesy Pizza Hut Sticks

This homemade cheese sticks recipe inspired by Pizza Hut delivers soft, cheesy breadsticks that are just begging to be dipped in spicy marinara sauce. The blend of garlic salt, oregano, and melted butter creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake to a golden perfection. They are a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast whether served as an appetizer or snack.

I first tried making these for a family game night and they instantly became a staple. Now we look forward to this cozy treat whenever we want a little comfort food.

Ingredients List

• Granulated sugar: helps activate the yeast giving the bread a gentle sweetness. Use fresh sugar without clumps.
• All-purpose flour: forms the soft dough base. Fresh flour ensures a light texture.
• Active dry yeast: is essential for the dough to rise. Check the expiration to make sure it’s still active.
• Kosher salt: brings balance and enhances flavor.
• Warm water at 110°F: activates the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for best results.
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and moisture. Use good quality butter for a creamy taste.
• Egg yolk: for tenderness and helps the dough bind. Choose large eggs for consistency.
• Shredded mozzarella: for that classic stretchy melted cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
• Grated parmesan: adds a sharp, nutty undertone on top. Use freshly grated if possible.
• Dried oregano and garlic salt: for the fragrant seasoning that captures Pizza Hut’s signature taste.
• Marinara sauce: for dipping adds a tangy complement to the buttery breadsticks.

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Yeast:

Combine yeast with half of the warm water heated to 110°F and let it stand until it bubbles and foams. This signals active yeast ready to leaven the dough.

Mix The Butter Base:

In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour remaining warm water into this and let it sit while the yeast activates. This warm mix helps all ingredients meld.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

After the yeast foams, whisk the butter mixture lightly then add in the egg yolk and the yeast mixture. Mix briefly to blend before adding dry ingredients.

Incorporate The Flour:

Add flour to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough tender and light.

Prepare The Baking Dish:

Brush a 9 x 13-inch dish with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Rest The Dough:

Spread the dough evenly in the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes. This brief rise allows the dough to relax and swell slightly.

Preheat The Oven:

Set oven to 350°F to ensure the bread cooks through evenly while melting the cheese perfectly.

Add Toppings:

Remove the plastic wrap, brush the dough top with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano generously.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for about 28 to 31 minutes until the edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye to prevent burning.

Cool Before Slicing:

Let the cheese sticks cool for 10 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up slightly so they slice cleanly without cheese sliding off.

Serve Warm:

Cut into 8 pieces and serve immediately with marinara sauce for the perfect dipping experience.

These cheese sticks remind me of family movie nights where everyone reaches for seconds. I especially love how the melted mozzarella stretches as you pull them apart, making every bite a little celebration.

Best Storage Practices

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in a warm oven to restore the crispy edges and melty cheese.

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor. For a buttery twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper on top before baking.

Serving Pairings

These cheese sticks go wonderfully with tangy marinara or a creamy ranch dip. Pair with a fresh salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Seasonal Upgrades

Add finely chopped fresh basil or parsley after baking for a fresh herb note. In cooler months, a hint of rosemary mixed into the dough adds warmth. Consider swapping dried oregano for Italian seasoning to vary the flavor profile.

This recipe combines simplicity with classic flavors to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that never fails to impress. Enjoy every bite knowing it brings comfort and joy to the table.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What is the best way to activate the yeast?

Use warm water at about 110°F and let the yeast sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, ensuring proper activation for the dough.

→ Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Mozzarella and parmesan create the ideal melty and flavorful topping, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar for a different taste.

→ How do I know when the cheese sticks are done baking?

Look for deep golden brown edges and bubbly, melted cheese on top. Baking time is typically around 28-31 minutes.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can let the dough rest covered for 15 minutes before baking, but refrigerating overnight may alter the texture slightly.

→ What's a good dipping sauce to serve with these cheese sticks?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice, balancing the richness of the cheese with a tangy tomato flavor.

→ How should I store leftover cheese sticks?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then reheat in an oven to maintain softness and melted cheese texture.