Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

If you’ve ever craved those irresistibly cheesy, buttery Pizza Hut cheese sticks but didn’t want to leave the house, you’re in for a treat. This copycat Pizza Hut cheese sticks recipe delivers that signature flavor and texture you remember from childhood—without the delivery fee or the wait. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be making these crowd-pleasing breadsticks in your own kitchen faster than you can say “Book It!”

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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

There’s something magical about Pizza Hut breadsticks that takes us straight back to those nostalgic Friday night dinners. This copycat recipe captures everything we love about the original—the soft, chewy texture, the buttery garlic topping, and that perfect cheese pull—all in your own kitchen.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Budget-friendly: Make a full pan for a fraction of restaurant prices
• Customizable: Adjust the garlic, cheese, and seasonings to your taste
• Kid-approved: Perfect for picky eaters and cheese lovers alike
• Impressive: Your guests will think you ordered takeout
• Simple process: Even if you’re new to working with yeast, this recipe is forgiving

Unlike other copycat recipes that require specialty ingredients or complicated techniques, this version uses pantry staples and comes together in about an hour from start to finish. The dough is soft and manageable, the toppings are flexible, and the results are consistently delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheese Sticks

The secret to authentic Pizza Hut cheese sticks lies in using the right ingredients in the right proportions. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that restaurant-quality flavor at home.

For the Dough:

• 1½ cups warm water (110°F)—too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t activate it
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar—feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)—creates that signature fluffy texture
• 3 tablespoons olive oil—keeps the dough tender and adds richness
• 2 teaspoons salt—enhances all the flavors
• 4 cups all-purpose flour—the foundation of your breadsticks
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for the pan)—prevents sticking and adds flavor

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese—for that classic cheese pull
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese—adds sharp, savory notes
• 3 tablespoons melted butter—creates the golden, crispy top
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder—essential for that Pizza Hut flavor
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning—oregano and basil bring it all together
• Extra Parmesan for sprinkling—because you can never have too much cheese

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have Italian seasoning? Use equal parts dried oregano and basil. Prefer more garlic? Go ahead and double it. Want extra cheese? Pile it on! These cheese sticks are your canvas.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Cheese Sticks

Making Pizza Hut cheese sticks at home is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.

Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your water to exactly 110°F—use a kitchen thermometer for best results. Pour half the warm water into a small bowl and add the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This proves your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing happens after 5 minutes, your yeast may be expired—start over with fresh yeast to avoid disappointment.

Mix the Dough

While the yeast activates, combine the sugar, salt, and thinly sliced butter in a large mixing bowl. Pour the remaining warm water over the butter mixture and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the butter slightly. After your yeast is foamy, whisk the butter mixture until combined (some butter pieces are fine), then add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and flour.

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes this process effortless, but you can absolutely mix and knead by hand if that’s what you have. Mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, then increase to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes.

Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it somewhere warm and draft-free. Let the dough rise for 30-40 minutes until it doubles in size. This rise time is crucial for developing that soft, chewy texture Pizza Hut is known for.

Pro tip: If your kitchen is cold, turn your oven on to the lowest setting for just one minute, then turn it off. Place the covered bowl inside—the gentle warmth creates the perfect environment for rising.

Shape and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides completely. This butter creates an incredible golden crust on the bottom of your cheese sticks.

Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to your prepared pan. Using your hands, gently press and stretch the dough to fit the pan, working it into the corners. Don’t worry if it springs back a bit—let it rest for a few minutes, then continue pressing. The dough should be relatively even across the pan.

Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Here comes the best part—the toppings! Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the entire surface, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is what makes them Pizza Hut cheese sticks, after all!

Mix together the garlic powder and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese. You want every bite to have that signature garlicky flavor.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble, brown in spots, and the edges to turn golden. The exact timing depends on your oven, so keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark. You want a gorgeous golden-brown top with slightly crispy edges.

The moment you pull them from the oven, immediately brush the top with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. This final butter application creates that signature glossy, flavorful finish.

Slice and Serve

Let the cheese sticks cool in the pan for about 5 minutes—this cooling time is essential. If you cut too soon, all that melted cheese will ooze out. After cooling slightly, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 12 equal breadsticks. Some people prefer cutting them before baking for cleaner lines, but cutting after ensures the cheese stays put during baking.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

Want your homemade cheese sticks to taste exactly like Pizza Hut? These insider tips will take your breadsticks from good to absolutely exceptional.

Perfect your yeast technique: Always check your yeast’s expiration date and test the water temperature. Too hot (above 120°F) kills the yeast, while too cold (below 100°F) won’t activate it properly. That sweet spot of 110°F is your target.

Don’t skip the butter in the pan: That generous coating of melted butter on the bottom isn’t just to prevent sticking—it creates an incredible crispy, golden bottom crust that mimics Pizza Hut’s pan pizza style. It’s a game-changer for texture.

Score before baking for cleaner cuts: If you want perfectly straight lines like the restaurant, lightly score the dough into 12 sections before adding cheese. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and cut about halfway through the dough. This guides your final cuts and creates neat portions.

Customize your cheese blend: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment. Add sharp cheddar for extra flavor, provolone for stretch, or asiago for a nutty note. A three-cheese blend takes these to the next level.

Make it extra garlicky: Love garlic? Increase the garlic powder to 2 teaspoons, or better yet, mix minced fresh garlic into your melted butter for an even more intense flavor. You can also add garlic salt to the seasoning mix.

Get creative with add-ins: Transform these basic cheese sticks into something special by adding pepperoni slices, cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or even everything bagel seasoning on top. The dough is versatile enough to handle whatever toppings you love.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

Half the fun of Pizza Hut cheese sticks is dunking them in delicious sauces. While marinara is the classic choice, don’t limit yourself to just one option.

Classic marinara sauce: Warm up your favorite jarred marinara or make a quick homemade version with crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of sugar. The tangy tomato flavor perfectly complements the buttery, cheesy breadsticks.

Garlic butter dipping sauce: Melt butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This rich, garlicky dip takes the cheese sticks to an indulgent level.

Ranch dressing: A creamy, cool ranch provides a nice contrast to the warm, savory breadsticks. It’s particularly popular with kids.

Alfredo sauce: For ultimate decadence, dip these cheese sticks in warm Alfredo sauce. The double cheese situation is absolutely worth the extra calories.

Pizza sauce: Use leftover pizza sauce or buy a small jar specifically for dipping. The concentrated tomato and herb flavors pair beautifully with the cheese.

These cheese sticks make an excellent side dish for pasta dinners, soups, and salads. They’re perfect for game day spreads, movie nights, or as an after-school snack. You can even serve them as an appetizer at parties—just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Absolutely! Instant yeast and active dry yeast are interchangeable in this recipe. If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, though activating it separately still works fine.

Can I make these cheese sticks without a stand mixer? Yes! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can absolutely mix and knead the dough by hand. It’ll take a few extra minutes of kneading, but the results will be just as good. Mix ingredients in a large bowl, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead? If you’re short on time or don’t want to work with yeast, refrigerated pizza dough works in a pinch. Use one standard tube of dough, press it into your greased 9×13 pan, and proceed with the toppings and baking. The texture won’t be quite the same, but it’s still delicious.

Why are my cheese sticks tough or chewy? This usually happens from adding too much flour or over-kneading. The dough should be slightly sticky—resist the urge to add extra flour. Also, make sure you’re measuring flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, not scooping directly from the bag.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before pressing into the pan and continuing with the recipe.