These homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks deliver everything you love about the original: a buttery, soft crust with a cheesy, golden topping and crispy edges. Baked to perfection in under an hour, they’re a crowd-pleasing choice for parties, game days, or casual nights in. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced

• 1½ tbsp granulated sugar

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ cup + 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided

• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

• 1¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For Assembly:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided

• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ tsp garlic salt

• ¼ tsp dried oregano

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:
Combine yeast with half the warm water in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine sliced butter, sugar, salt, and the remaining warm water. Let sit, then whisk until mostly combined.

3. Combine and Form Dough:
Add the egg yolk and foamy yeast to the wet ingredients. Whisk, then add flour and stir until just combined.

4. Prepare the Pan:
Brush 2 tbsp of melted butter over a 9×13 baking dish.

5. Rest the Dough:
Spread dough evenly in the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.

6. Top and Bake:
Brush the remaining butter over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano.
Bake for 28–31 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Cool and Serve:
Let cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 breadstick

• Calories: 330 kcal

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Unsaturated Fat: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Sugar: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 9g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 240mg

Why These Cheese Sticks Are So Irresistible

What makes these cheese sticks truly unforgettable is the combination of a pillowy-soft interior and a perfectly crisp, buttery crust—topped with layers of gooey, bubbling mozzarella. Unlike store-bought breadsticks or frozen alternatives, this recipe uses fresh ingredients and real cheese to achieve that authentic Pizza Hut flavor. The dough is slightly sweet, rich from the egg yolk and butter, and soft from a short rest time. As they bake, the cheese bubbles and browns while the edges crisp, creating that signature cheesy pull with every slice.

Topped with garlic salt and oregano, they strike a perfect balance of buttery richness, herbal aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flavor and Texture Profile

The first bite into these cheese sticks reveals everything you’d expect—fluffy bread, crisp edges, and a blanket of molten cheese. The dough is tender and lightly sweet, thanks to the sugar and warm egg yolk, while the butter keeps it soft and rich. The melted mozzarella is creamy and stretchy, providing that pizza-parlor experience. Parmesan adds a slightly nutty, salty kick that elevates the flavor. Garlic salt and dried oregano bring classic pizzeria notes to the surface, making each bite taste like it came straight out of a pizza oven.

Serve with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, and you’ve got a snack that hits every texture and flavor craving in one go.

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade version of Pizza Hut cheese sticks stands out for its easy-to-follow method and fast turnaround time. By skipping a lengthy rise and allowing just a 15-minute rest in the pan, the dough develops enough structure to support the toppings while staying soft and airy. The combination of melted butter both underneath and on top of the dough ensures it doesn’t stick to the pan while giving it an irresistible golden crust.

The cheese topping, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, melts beautifully and crisps at the edges for texture. Garlic salt and oregano replicate the pizzeria seasoning that adds depth and that familiar flavor profile.

Perfect for Parties, Game Day, and Family Dinners

Pizza Hut cheese sticks are a nostalgic snack for many, and their bite-sized, dippable nature makes them perfect for sharing. They’re ideal for football Sundays, potlucks, birthday parties, or just as a side for pasta or soup. Slice them into thick sticks or smaller bites depending on your crowd, and serve with a side of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.

Because the dough is simple and quick to make, you can even involve kids in the baking process—they’ll love spreading the cheese and helping shape the dough before it bakes.

Nutritional Overview

Each cheese stick delivers around 330 calories and provides a satisfying mix of carbs, fats, and protein. The bulk of the calories come from the cheese and butter, giving the dish its rich, indulgent flavor. Mozzarella and Parmesan also supply a good amount of calcium and protein, while the flour-based dough provides energy-boosting carbohydrates.

While these cheese sticks are certainly a treat, they can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. You can also tweak the recipe slightly—such as using part-skim mozzarella, reducing the butter, or serving smaller portions—to lighten the nutritional load while still keeping the flavor intact.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Butter Base: Brushing the baking pan with melted butter creates a buttery, crisp bottom crust that mimics the original Pizza Hut experience.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and rise more predictably.

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined for the fluffiest texture.

• Keep an Eye on the Cheese: Bake until golden and bubbly, but not overly browned. Slight crisping at the edges is perfect.

• Let Rest Before Slicing: Let the cheese sticks cool for 10 minutes so the cheese sets slightly—making for cleaner slices and better cheese pulls.

Creative Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños on top for heat.

• Herb Blend: Use Italian seasoning or fresh basil in place of oregano.

• Cheese Swap: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

• Stuffed Crust: Fold a strip of mozzarella inside the edge of the dough before baking for a stuffed crust variation.

• Garlic Butter Drizzle: After baking, brush the top with a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley for even more flavor.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Pair these cheese sticks with:

• Warm marinara or pizza sauce

• Creamy ranch dressing

• Garlic butter sauce

• A side of caesar salad for balance

• Tomato soup or chili for a comforting lunch

• A cold soda or beer for game-day vibes

Slice them into long rectangles for sharing or cut them into mini squares for appetizer platters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something universally comforting about buttery bread topped with gooey cheese. This recipe brings you that joy with minimal effort and maximum reward. It’s fast, reliable, and yields consistent, delicious results. Whether you’re replicating a favorite childhood snack or introducing it to a new generation, these cheese sticks hit all the nostalgic notes while being customizable and fun to make.

They’re also a great make-ahead option: you can prep the dough in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve hot and fresh.

Conclusion

Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are more than just a copycat—they’re a celebration of cheesy, garlicky, buttery goodness that brings people together. Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests, they offer everything you crave from a takeout favorite without ever leaving the house. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side, snack, or main event, one thing’s for sure: these cheese sticks won’t last long. Serve them hot, pass the marinara, and get ready for second (and third) helpings.