Irresistible Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks are the perfect cheesy snack to enjoy anytime. Crispy on the outside with a gooey mozzarella filling, they’re easy to make at home and guaranteed to please cheese lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick.
3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over half of the dough, then fold the other half over like an envelope.
4. Step 4: Slice the dough into strips about one inch wide and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Brush melted butter over each stick, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture before brushing the sticks.
• Try swapping mozzarella with a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a different cheese profile.
• If you want softer sticks, cover them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Storage

Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pizza dough works well. Just thaw it completely according to the package instructions before rolling it out.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary in the filling?

While mozzarella provides the gooey texture, Parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor that enhances the sticks. You can omit it if needed, but including it creates a richer taste.

Irresistible Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

These Irresistible Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are a deliciously cheesy and crispy snack made with pizza dough, loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory treat any time of day.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cheese sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dough and Cheese

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Toppings

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cheese sticks evenly to a golden brown.
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thickness, providing the perfect base for a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.
3. Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over half of the rolled-out dough, then fold the other half over to create an envelope filled with gooey cheese.
4. Slice Dough: Cut the folded dough into strips approximately one inch wide to form individual cheese sticks. Place the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
5. Season Cheese Sticks: Brush each stick generously with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top to infuse them with savory flavors.
6. Bake: Bake the cheese sticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they become golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese inside is perfectly melted. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and enhance flavor.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven for best crispiness.
• You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
• If using homemade dough, ensure it is properly risen before rolling out for the best texture.
• To make these cheese sticks gluten-free, use gluten-free pizza dough.

Keywords: Pizza Hut, cheese sticks, cheesy appetizer, baked snack, pizza dough cheese sticks, garlic butter cheese sticks