Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

There is nothing that gets my family running to the kitchen faster than the smell of cheese sticks baking away. This homemade version of Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks brings classic pizzeria comfort right into your oven and never lasts more than a few minutes when I serve it. The tender dough topped with a blanket of gooey cheese and savory seasonings was my go-to for sleepovers and game nights, and now my own kids beg for it on movie evenings.

I first made this for a birthday sleepover and remember the kids declaring it better than delivery. Since then it has become a tradition for every family movie night we have.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Gives the structure and chew important for that signature cheese bread texture. Choose unbleached for best results
• Active dry yeast: Makes the dough fluffy and creates those signature bubbles. Use yeast that is within its expiration date for the best rise
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness in both the dough and the topping. European style delivers even better flavor if you can find it
• Granulated sugar: Helps feed the yeast while lending the dough a touch of sweetness
• Kosher salt: Balances the flavors of the dough and enhances the cheese
• Egg yolk: Adds tenderness and helps give a golden crust
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough
• Shredded mozzarella: Cheese lover must. Choose a whole milk variety for the gooeyest melt
• Grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty punch and pairs perfectly with mozzarella. Always buy a block and grate fresh if possible
• Dried oregano and garlic salt: Bring classic pizzeria flavor. Try to snag dried oregano that looks vividly green for maximum aroma
• Marinara sauce: The essential dip with a bit of tanginess. Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce

Instructions

Activate Yeast:

In a small bowl combine active dry yeast with half of the warmed water heated to about 110F. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the surface looks foamy. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures a good rise

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl place your thinly sliced butter, sugar and kosher salt. Pour in the remaining warm water. Let it sit a minute or two to start melting the butter together

Create Dough Base:

Whisk the butter mixture until it becomes somewhat blended with small pieces of butter throughout. This forms the fat base for a tender crumb

Add Egg and Yeast:

Mix in the lightly beaten egg yolk and your foamy yeast mixture. Stir well to fully incorporate all wet ingredients

Add Flour and Form Dough:

Add first the larger portion of flour, then the smaller finishing portion to the wet base. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands only until a shaggy dough forms. Gentle mixing prevents a tough result

Prepare Pan and Rest Dough:

Brush a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with two tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the dough evenly using your fingertips. It may feel sticky — just keep pressing. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes for a final quick proof

Assemble Cheese Sticks:

Uncover the dough. Brush the surface with the rest of your melted butter. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then season with garlic salt and dried oregano. Make sure every corner is covered with cheesy goodness

Bake:

Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 28 to 31 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and the edges golden brown. This is the sign of maximum flavor

Cool and Slice:

Let the cheese sticks cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This lets the cheese set slightly, making slicing cleaner. Use a sharp knife to cut into eight even strips

Serve:

Serve warm alongside your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. The cheese pulls are unbeatable

Cheese has always been my weakness so seeing those golden edges and bubbly mozzarella makes my mouth water every single time. I do love sneaking a thick end piece for myself right out of the pan. It is extra crispy and always worth it

Storage Tips

These cheese sticks will stay soft at room temperature for up to eight hours so they are an easy make ahead snack. For longer storage move the cooled breadsticks into an airtight container and refrigerate. They reheat beautifully in either a toaster oven or regular oven at 350F for five to eight minutes to revive the melty cheese. Pull them out while still slightly warm for best texture

Ingredient Swaps

If you are out of mozzarella you can use Monterey Jack or even a mild provolone for the topping. If dried oregano is missing try Italian seasoning for a similar savory note. Gluten free flour will work with a touch more water and a tender crumb. If you need to skip parmesan asiago will also give a punchy salty flavor

Perfect Pairings

These cheese sticks pair perfectly with a simple Caesar salad or a big bowl of tomato soup. They also accompany pasta dishes like spaghetti to make dinner feel a bit more special. For a fun spin serve them with ranch or garlic butter dip if marinara is not your favorite

A Touch of Pizza Hut History

Pizza Hut cheese sticks became a menu favorite right alongside their famous pan pizzas. With their buttery crust and cheesy layer these sticks were originally an easy way to use leftover dough in restaurants but quickly became an iconic appetizer that many of us remember enjoying with friends and family outings

Seasonal Adaptations

Try adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or sliced cherry tomatoes in the summertime for a Caprese twist. Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm cold weather vibe. Top with pepperoni slices before baking to give these sticks a meaty upgrade

Success Stories

My neighbor texted me after trying these at our last barbecue demanding the recipe because her teenager told her they were even better than the real thing. Even my husband who usually skips the cheese course claimed the leftovers for himself after midnight. No such thing as too much cheese

Freezer Meal Makeover

Make a double batch and freeze once cooled. Cut into portions and freeze individually on a baking sheet first then transfer to a ziptop bag. Heat straight from frozen at 350F for about twelve minutes. You can also reheat in a hot skillet for an extra crispy base. The cheese becomes bubbly again and leftovers often become tomorrow's school lunch

Homemade cheese sticks always seem to disappear faster than I can slice them. Try them once, and you might find your own family asking for them again and again

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I make the cheese sticks fluffy?

Let the dough rest after spreading it in the pan. This helps create soft, airy breadsticks with a tender texture.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and provides a creamier texture on top of the sticks.

→ Why is the butter divided in the instructions?

Some butter mixes into the dough while the rest is brushed on for flavor and color before baking.

→ How do I store leftover cheese sticks?

Let them cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results.

→ What can I serve alongside these cheese sticks?

Marinara sauce is a classic option, but you can also try ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy tomato dip for variety.