Description
Recreate the iconic Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks at home with this easy recipe! Featuring a buttery, soft crust topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese and classic Italian seasonings. These cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce and make an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the dough:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (110°F), divided
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 1 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For assembly:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl add the yeast. Pour half of the warm water (110°F) into the bowl with the yeast, stir gently, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour the remaining warm water into this bowl. Let it sit while the yeast is activating. After 5 minutes, whisk the butter mixture until combined (the butter may not fully melt, that’s okay).
- Combine all ingredients: Add the egg yolk and yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, whisk to combine. Add the flour and stir it all together until just combined.
- Prepare the baking dish: Take 2 tablespoons of the melted butter from the assembly ingredients and brush it all over a 9×13 baking dish.
- Shape and rest the dough: Spread the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat and prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Pour the rest of the melted butter on top and brush it all over the dough so it is completely covered.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle the mozzarella all over the top, followed by the parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 28-31 minutes until the edges all around the baking dish are dark golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and browned.
- Cool and serve: Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove the breadsticks from the pan and cut into 8 even slices. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- The dough requires only 15 minutes of rest time, making this a quick recipe
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack
- Try different dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or buffalo sauce
- For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes on top before baking
- These cheese sticks can be frozen after baking – cool completely, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
- While store-bought pizza dough can be used as a shortcut, the taste will differ from the original recipe
- The melted butter is crucial for achieving the signature Pizza Hut flavor and texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 330kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
