Description
These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are a delicious, cheesy appetizer that perfectly replicates the popular restaurant favorite. Soft, buttery bread topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and oregano, then baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
- ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
Toppings and Finishing
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with half of the warmed water (heated to 110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Butter, Sugar, and Salt: In a large bowl, place the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and kosher salt together to prepare the base for the dough.
- Add Remaining Water: Pour the remaining warm water into the butter mixture. Allow this to sit while the yeast continues to activate, blending flavors and softening the butter.
- Combine Mixtures: After 5 minutes, whisk the butter and water mixture until it is somewhat combined smoothly.
- Add Egg Yolk and Yeast: Add the lightly beaten egg yolk and the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the butter mixture, then stir in the flour until just incorporated into a dough.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape Dough: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the dough to relax and rise slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is resting.
- Top Dough: Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 28-31 minutes, or until the edges are a deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow the breadsticks to cool in the dish for 10 minutes. Then, cut into 8 even pieces for serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping to enjoy the classic, cheesy breadstick experience.
Notes
- Be sure the water is at the correct temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Use fresh yeast for best results; expired yeast may prevent dough from rising properly.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add a light sprinkle of garlic powder or minced garlic before baking.
- For a crispier crust, bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- These cheese sticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
- Substitute with mozzarella blends if desired, such as part provolone for extra meltiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Pizza Hut cheese sticks, homemade cheese sticks, cheesy breadsticks, garlic cheese sticks, appetizer recipe
