Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

There’s nothing quite like Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks—that crispy golden exterior hiding soft, gooey cheese inside. Now, imagine enjoying that same cheesy goodness right at home without waiting for delivery. This Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe is designed to bring that restaurant-quality snack straight into your kitchen. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or even a fun weekend treat, these cheese sticks are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and packed with cheese flavor in every bite.

What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is to make yet how impressively authentic it tastes. Using everyday ingredients like mozzarella, garlic butter, and store-bought pizza dough, you can recreate that classic cheese stick experience. Plus, the method is beginner-friendly but allows a few pro tips to get that signature golden crust. You’ll love how easy it is to pull these cheese sticks together in just about 30 minutes from prep to table.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, these homemade cheese sticks will disappear fast. The melted mozzarella is irresistible, and brushing them with garlic butter takes them to the next level. If you’ve ever wished you could replicate your favorite Pizza Hut snack, this recipe delivers every time.


What Makes This Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe Special?

  • Crispy golden exterior: Achieved with a quick egg wash and a hot oven, giving each stick a satisfying crunch.

  • Melty, gooey cheese: Perfectly stretchy mozzarella ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious.

  • Quick and easy preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes—no waiting for dough to rise for hours.

  • Family-friendly snack: Great for kids, adults, or parties. Everyone will love them.

  • Simple techniques for big results: Tips like brushing garlic butter immediately after baking make a big flavor difference.

If you’ve ever wanted to make Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks at home, this recipe shows you exactly how, with easy steps and foolproof results.


Ingredient Notes

  • Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh, block mozzarella for best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese can work but may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.

  • Pizza Dough: Store-bought pizza dough is convenient, but homemade dough can elevate the recipe. Ensure it’s at room temperature before shaping.

  • Butter: Unsalted butter melted with garlic gives the sticks a rich, buttery flavor. Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.

  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor. Garlic powder is acceptable but less vibrant.

  • Italian Seasoning: Adds subtle herbal notes. Optional but recommended for authenticity.

  • Egg Wash: Helps achieve a golden, shiny crust. Substitute with milk if needed.

Equipment Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, small brush for butter, sharp knife for cutting dough, oven preheated to 425°F (220°C).


How To Make Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the dough: Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Make sure it’s evenly rolled to ensure uniform baking.

  3. Add the cheese: Cut mozzarella into sticks and lay them evenly on one half of the dough, leaving edges clear.

  4. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the cheese, pressing edges firmly. Cut into individual sticks about 1 inch wide.

  5. Brush with egg wash: Brush the top of each stick with egg wash for golden color.

  6. Bake: Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Look for bubbling cheese and lightly browned edges.

  7. Garlic butter topping: Melt butter with minced garlic and brush over hot sticks immediately after baking. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

  8. Serve warm: Let cool for 2 minutes, then serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

Pro Tips:

  • Don’t overfill with cheese—sticks will ooze excessively.

  • For crispier sticks, use a convection setting if your oven has it.

  • Freeze baked sticks for later; reheat in the oven for best results.


Storage Options

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 hours (best enjoyed fresh).

  • Refrigeration: Place cooled cheese sticks in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

  • Freezing: Freeze baked sticks on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.


Variations and Substitutions

  • Cheese Blends: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

  • Spicy Garlic Sticks: Add crushed red pepper to garlic butter.

  • Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier option.

  • Stuffed Variations: Add pepperoni slices inside the cheese sticks for a fun twist.

  • Seasonal Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or thyme in garlic butter for unique flavors.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
    Yes, but block cheese melts better and avoids clumping.

  2. Can I make these ahead of time?
    You can assemble the sticks and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

  3. How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
    Don’t overfill and make sure edges are pressed tightly.

  4. Can I bake them without egg wash?
    Yes, but the crust won’t be as golden and shiny.

  5. How long can I store leftover cheese sticks?
    Up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

  6. What can I substitute for garlic butter?
    Melted olive oil with a pinch of garlic powder works as a lighter option.


Conclusion

These Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are the perfect snack to make at home. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, they’re quick to prepare and a crowd favorite. Follow these steps, add your personal twist, and enjoy a restaurant-quality snack anytime. Don’t forget to share your homemade cheese sticks with friends and family—they’ll vanish in minutes!

Print

Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

  • Author: Elysia Rowan
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 810 cheese sticks 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or shredded)

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tsp minced garlic (or garlic powder)

  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven: 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Prepare dough: Roll out dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle.

  • Add cheese: Place mozzarella sticks evenly on one half of the dough.

  • Fold and cut: Fold dough over cheese, seal edges, and cut into 1-inch sticks.

  • Egg wash: Brush top with beaten egg for golden color.

  • Bake: 12–15 minutes until golden and cheese bubbles.

  • Garlic butter: Melt butter with garlic and brush over hot sticks. Sprinkle Italian seasoning.

  • Serve: Let cool 2 minutes and serve warm with marinara or ranch.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 8g

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