Introduction

These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks bring the beloved cheesy breadsticks from the restaurant right into your kitchen. Soft, buttery dough topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan makes for a perfect snack or appetizer. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy a homemade favorite.

The image shows six rectangular mozzarella sticks arranged in two neat rows of three on a white rectangular plate. Each stick has a golden-brown melted cheese layer on top with bubbly browned spots and is garnished with green herb flakes. The base of the sticks is a soft, slightly crispy white dough. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and blurred in the background are two small white bowls of red dipping sauces and a glass of a reddish drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (can be reduced for less sweetness)
3 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (instant yeast can replace)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (can be reduced if sodium is a concern)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (can be replaced with olive oil)
1 large egg yolk (a flax egg can be used for vegan)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (substitute with Italian seasoning or basil)
1 teaspoon garlic salt (fresh minced garlic can be an alternative)
2 cups mozzarella cheese (alternatives include provolone or Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free option)
1 cup marinara sauce (any favorite sauce like ranch or barbeque works)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough by combining the active dry yeast with half of the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and the remaining water. Stir in the egg yolk and the foamy yeast mixture.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined into a dough.
Step 4: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
Step 6: After rising, remove the plastic wrap and brush the dough with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 31 minutes, or until the breadsticks turn golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the cheese sticks to cool for 10 minutes before cutting them into sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, use a flax egg instead of the egg yolk and substitute dairy-free cheeses.
Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.
Use Italian seasoning in place of oregano for a more herbaceous flavor.
Brush with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp, or microwave briefly if in a hurry. Avoid storing with marinara sauce to prevent sogginess; add sauce fresh when serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a baking tray with nine long, thin breadsticks arranged in three rows. Each breadstick is golden brown with melted, bubbly cheese on top, some areas slightly browned from baking. The breadsticks have a slightly rough texture from the cheese and light seasoning. On the tray, near the bottom center, there are two small white bowls, one filled with coarse white salt and the other with chunky red marinara sauce. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed.

What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar can be used as alternatives. Mixing cheeses will also add interesting flavors to your cheese sticks.