The Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe is a fun and easy way to bring that soft, cheesy comfort you love from the restaurant right into your kitchen. Whether you're craving a cozy snack on a chilly evening or planning a game-day treat, these golden, garlicky cheese sticks hit the spot. I find making them at home not only satisfying but also a fantastic chance to customize the flavors exactly how you like.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe nails that perfect balance of buttery garlic flavor with melty, stringy cheese inside a fluffy, golden crust. It replicates Pizza Hut's iconic cheese sticks without fuss or fancy ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook. Each bite is a harmonious blend of crisp edges and soft centers, delivering exactly what you want from a comforting appetizer.
- Consistent Texture: Using freshly melted butter mixed with garlic ensures an even, rich coating that crisps up beautifully.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: A combo of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs creates complexity that's familiar yet fresh.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together without complicated steps or specialty items.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: You can have these cheesy sticks in under 30 minutes-a great crowd-pleaser on short notice.
Ingredient Game Plan
For this Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe, the quality of just a few ingredients makes a big difference. Picking fresh garlic and a good mozzarella will bring out the best in this simple dish.
- Pizza Dough: Fresh or store-bought pizza dough works-we want something soft yet sturdy enough to hold the cheese without sogginess.
- Butter: Use unsalted, melted butter so you can control the salt level and achieve that rich, flavorful coating.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; it gives that bright, toasty aroma you want in every bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts cleanly and stretches beautifully, just like the original.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, tangy punch that lifts the whole flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings that familiar hint of herbal warmth.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and gentle brightness when sprinkled at the end.
- Marinara Sauce: Serve warm for dipping; it perfectly complements the buttery richness.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it's ready to crisp the crust just right. Meanwhile, roll or press your dough into a neat 9×13-inch rectangle on a greased baking sheet. The dough should be evenly spread, not too thin or thick-that balance creates the perfect bite through the crust. Mix your melted butter with minced garlic and brush it evenly over the entire dough surface. You'll notice the garlic scent blooming immediately; it's a small step that makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Next, it's time to layer up the cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously, followed by grated Parmesan, making sure to cover the dough almost edge to edge. Don't forget the teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning-this little addition gives that unmistakable herbaceous note. I like to press the cheese lightly so it sticks to the buttered dough and won't slide off when baking. This step really builds the deep flavor you crave in the Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely near the end-you want the cheese to bubble up and the edges to turn a warm golden brown. That toasty aroma filling your kitchen is a good hint it's done. Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes to set the cheese; this also helps avoid a molten lava mess when cutting. Sprinkle fresh parsley if you have it, then slice into strips. You'll love the contrast between the tender inside and the slightly crisp edges.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From my many attempts making this Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe, I've learned a few tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. Don't rush the resting time after baking-it lets the cheese firm up, making for cleaner slices. Keeping your oven hot ensures that crispy, golden crust, while brushing the dough evenly with garlicky butter guarantees every bite sings. If you want to prep ahead, assemble your sticks and refrigerate before baking, then pop them in the oven fresh for best results.
- Doneness Cue: Look for bubbling cheese with golden edges, not just melted but beautifully toasted.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for crispy crust.
- Make-Ahead Move: Assemble your cheese sticks and chill them before baking to save time on busy days.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't overload the cheese or the sticks may get soggy or hard to cut neatly.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
For dipping, warm marinara sauce is your best friend-it adds a bright, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the buttery cheese sticks. I like to keep a little saucier marinara on hand or make a quick garlic-infused version for extra oomph. Some fresh chopped parsley on top doesn't just look pretty; it freshens each bite with a subtle herby note and color pop.
Great Pairings
To complement the cheesy warmth, I usually pair these sticks with a crisp garden salad or a zesty slaw to balance the richness. If you're thinking sides, a light Caesar salad or roasted veggies bring texture and freshness that play nicely against the melty, buttery sticks. It's all about that contrast-crispy, fresh, and cheesy in every bite.
Easy Plating Wins
When it's time to serve, arrange your cheese sticks on a platter with a small bowl of warm marinara in the center. Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a dusting of Parmesan on top gives it a finished look without any extra effort. For weeknight snacks, I simply stack the sticks casually; but for guests, a neat fan shape on a wooden board makes it feel special and inviting.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge up to 3 days. You'll notice the crust softens a bit after refrigerating, but reheating will bring back much of that crispness. If possible, line the container with paper towels to absorb any extra moisture and keep the sticks from getting soggy.
Freezer Notes
These cheese sticks freeze well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen at a lower temperature to avoid burning the outside while warming through.
Reheating Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe Without Drying Out
For the best reheating experience, the oven or air fryer is your friend. Preheat to 375°F, place the sticks on a baking sheet or basket in a single layer, and heat for about 7-10 minutes. This revives the crispy edges without drying the cheese inside. If you're in a hurry, microwave in short bursts (about 20 seconds) with a damp paper towel over the top to keep moisture in-but the crust won't be as crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Frozen pizza dough works well as long as you thaw it completely before rolling. This helps ensure it stretches easily and bakes evenly for the soft yet crispy texture you want.
Using low-moisture shredded mozzarella is key. It melts well without releasing too much water, giving you that perfect stretch without sogginess.
Absolutely! While Italian seasoning is classic, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some fresh basil for a bright twist.
Make sure not to overload the cheese or spread the butter-garlic mixture evenly. Also, let the sticks rest before cutting so the cheese sets and the crust stays crisp.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe turns simple ingredients into something joyful and nostalgic. It's a terrific example of how a few thoughtful steps and quality basics bring a favorite restaurant snack into your own kitchen. Next time you want cheesy indulgence without ordering out, this recipe is a solid, satisfying go-to. Have fun experimenting with homemade variations-you might just find your personal perfect version.
PrintComplete Recipe
Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of Pizza Hut's famous cheese sticks. This recipe features a buttery garlic dough topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough
Topping
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Serving
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot enough for a perfectly crispy crust.
- Prepare dough: Roll or press the pizza dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle on a greased baking sheet, creating an even layer for the cheese sticks.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, then brush this mixture evenly over the dough to infuse it with garlic flavor.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried Italian seasoning evenly over the dough to create a rich and flavorful topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the cheese sticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if using for a fresh aroma and color.
- Cut and serve: Cut the baked dough into strips to form cheese sticks and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pizza dough from your local pizzeria or store-bought refrigerated dough.
- Feel free to add extra garlic or Italian seasoning according to your taste preference.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, try serving with a marinara sauce mixed with red pepper flakes.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives and use vegan butter.
- The cheese sticks are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
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