If you’re dreaming of warm, buttery cheese sticks just like the ones from Pizza Hut, you’re in luck. This easy copycat recipe captures the signature flavor and soft texture you love—right from your own oven. These cheese sticks are brushed with garlic butter, sprinkled with savory seasonings, and baked until golden. Whether you go for the classic version or top them with gooey mozzarella, this is the ultimate snack or side dish for any occasion.
With just a handful of ingredients and no need to make dough from scratch, you’ll get delicious results in under 30 minutes. They’re simple to make, fun to serve, and totally crave-worthy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to appreciate about these homemade cheese sticks. First, they’re fast. Store-bought dough makes this recipe incredibly convenient, yet the final result feels restaurant-level. Second, the seasoning blend is rich with garlic, herbs, and parmesan, giving every bite bold flavor. Lastly, they’re highly customizable—you can make them plain or cheesy, spicy or mild, depending on your mood.
Perfect for sharing at gatherings, serving with pizza or pasta, or enjoying as a satisfying snack, these cheese sticks will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient plays a specific role in giving these cheese sticks their delicious flavor and texture.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
Butter helps achieve that golden crust while adding richness. It’s used before and after baking for layered flavor.
16-ounce pizza dough ball
Using store-bought dough cuts down prep time and still gives you a soft, chewy base. Make sure it’s thawed and at room temperature for best results.
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
This adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor of the breadsticks.
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Essential for achieving that signature garlic-bread flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil adds warmth and aroma.
1 teaspoon onion powder
This provides a subtle, savory-sweet background note that rounds out the seasoning.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Used to bring balance and draw out flavor in every bite.
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
Shredded mozzarella (optional)
Top your dough with this for cheesy pull-apart sticks.
Marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping
Serve warm for the full cheese stick experience.
How to Make Pizza Hut Style Cheese Sticks
Making this recipe is as easy as layering butter and spices over dough, then baking everything in one dish. The scoring step helps create perfect, even cheese sticks that pull apart easily once baked. A final brush of butter and a second sprinkle of seasoning delivers that unmistakable pizzeria finish.
You’ll go from prep to plate in just half an hour, making this a great last-minute option when you need something delicious and filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep the pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pour 2 tablespoons of the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread to cover the entire bottom.
Step 2: Shape the dough
Place the dough in the prepared pan and press it gently to reach the edges. If it resists stretching, let it sit for 5 minutes, then try again.
Step 3: Make the seasoning mix
In a small bowl, combine parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add butter to the dough
Brush half of the remaining melted butter over the top of the dough, coating evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle seasoning
Evenly sprinkle half of your seasoning mix on top of the buttered dough.
Step 6: Score the dough
Use a knife or dough cutter to lightly mark the dough into 16 stick shapes. Don’t cut all the way through—just score it to make separating easier after baking.
Step 7: Optional cheese layer
If using mozzarella, now’s the time to sprinkle it over the top.
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges begin to crisp.
Step 9: Final touch
Right after baking, brush the remaining butter over the hot breadsticks and finish with the rest of the seasoning blend.
Step 10: Cool and serve
Let the sticks cool slightly, then slice along your scored lines and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
Let the dough warm to room temperature before stretching to avoid tearing or shrinking. You can prep the seasoning mix ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar for quick use. If you prefer extra cheesy sticks, layer mozzarella and even a little cheddar before baking. Want a crispy bottom? Bake the dish on the lower oven rack.
Flavor and Texture
These cheese sticks are soft and airy inside with a lightly crispy, golden crust. The flavor is rich and buttery, with just the right blend of herbs and garlic. Mozzarella adds a creamy layer on top, making each bite even more indulgent. They taste just like they came from your favorite pizza place, only fresher.
Best Occasion to Serve
These are perfect for weekend snacks, game days, casual dinners, or serving alongside soup, salad, or pasta. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they vanish fast at parties.
Prep and Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Total Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: 16 cheese sticks
Notes and Variations
You can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer, just make sure it’s proofed and ready to bake. For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper to your seasoning. If you want to keep things dairy-free, use plant-based butter and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 125 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 7 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 326 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese works best for these sticks?
Mozzarella gives the best melt and texture. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan can give even better flavor.
How do I keep the breadsticks soft?
Don’t overbake them and be sure to use plenty of butter before and after baking. That locks in moisture and softness.
Can I make these without yeast?
You can use no-yeast dough, but the texture will be more dense. Store-bought pizza dough offers a good balance of ease and fluffiness.
What’s the best dip for these cheese sticks?
Marinara is the classic choice, but garlic butter, ranch, or even pesto are great options.
Storage Instructions
Cool the breadsticks completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen for 10 to 12 minutes in the oven.
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Pizza Hut Style Cheese Sticks | Easy Copycat Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 cheese sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Pizza Hut Style Cheese Sticks are soft, buttery, and full of bold flavor. With a blend of garlic, herbs, and optional cheese, they’re an easy and satisfying snack or side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
16-ounce pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Shredded mozzarella (optional)
Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
2. Press dough evenly into the pan, letting it rest 5 minutes if needed.
3. Mix parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Brush half of the remaining butter over the dough.
5. Sprinkle half the seasoning mix on top of the buttered dough.
6. Score the dough into 16 portions without cutting fully through.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese if using.
8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Brush with the rest of the butter and sprinkle on remaining seasoning.
10. Let cool slightly, slice along the scores, and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Use room temperature dough for easier shaping.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use dairy-free butter and cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 326mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Conclusion
These Pizza Hut Style Cheese Sticks deliver everything you love about the restaurant version—rich flavor, soft texture, and a cheesy, buttery finish. They’re incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and no special tools. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack or alongside a family meal, they’re always a hit. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.