Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack

If you’ve ever ordered from Pizza Hut, chances are you’ve had their famous cheese sticks—gooey, buttery, garlicky perfection baked right into golden bread. They’re dangerously addictive, and once that marinara dipping sauce hits the table, it’s game over. The good news? You don’t need takeout to enjoy them at home. This Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks recipe delivers the same stretchy mozzarella, garlicky butter, and soft bread base right in your own kitchen. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy movie night, these cheese sticks are about to become your new go-to snack.

What Is Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks are a homemade version of the chain’s iconic cheesy breadsticks. They start with a simple pizza dough base, brushed with garlic butter, topped with mozzarella cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. Cut into strips and served with marinara or ranch for dipping, they capture the same comforting, crave-worthy flavor you know and love from Pizza Hut.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Restaurant quality at home: You get all the cheesy, garlicky flavor without the delivery fee.
• Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients turn into a crowd-pleasing snack.
• Perfect for sharing: Ideal for parties, family nights, or potlucks.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or cheese blends to make it your own.
• Quick to make: Especially if you use store-bought pizza dough.

How Does It Taste?

These cheese sticks taste like the ultimate comfort food. The crust is soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, the garlic butter seeps into every bite, and the mozzarella melts into stretchy, gooey layers. The flavor is savory, buttery, garlicky, and just a touch salty—exactly what you crave when you think of cheesy bread. Paired with tangy marinara dipping sauce, it’s irresistible.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While this dish leans more toward indulgence than health food, it still has some positives:

• Mozzarella cheese provides calcium and protein.
• Garlic is rich in antioxidants and supports immune health.
• Homemade dough lets you control ingredients (use whole wheat or gluten-free if desired).

It’s comfort food with the option to tweak for your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or pizza pan
• Rolling pin (or just use your hands)
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Small mixing bowl

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Cheese Swap: Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase garlic or add garlic powder for stronger flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough.
• Extra Flavor: Drizzle with ranch or serve with garlic butter dipping sauce.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll or press the pizza dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches on a lightly greased baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Finish with Italian seasoning.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes.
7. Cut into strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

What to Serve With

• Marinara or pizza sauce (classic choice)
• Ranch dressing (for creamy dipping)
• Buffalo wings for game day spreads
• Fresh salad to balance the richness
• A cold soda or beer for the full Pizza Hut experience

Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake—watch closely to keep cheese gooey, not dry.
• Let the cheese sticks rest briefly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and no sticking.
• If using homemade dough, let it rest for 10 minutes before baking for fluffier breadsticks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading with cheese—too much will slide off the dough.
• Not spreading garlic butter evenly—the flavor should be in every bite.
• Cutting while too hot—this causes cheese to slide around.
• Using cold dough—let it come to room temperature for better rising.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until warm and melty again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread soggy. You can also freeze baked cheese sticks for up to 2 months—just reheat in the oven straight from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with crescent roll dough?
Yes, it makes a fluffier version, though less like the Pizza Hut original.

Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Can I add toppings?
Absolutely! Pepperoni, jalapeños, or olives make fun variations.

Is this the same as garlic bread?
Not quite—cheese sticks are softer, cheesier, and cut into strips specifically for dipping.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg

Conclusion

This Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks recipe brings all the cheesy, garlicky nostalgia of Pizza Hut right to your table. With golden crust, gooey mozzarella, and that essential dipping sauce, these sticks are perfect for parties, snacking, or even a fun dinner side. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear fast so maybe double the batch!

Print

September 28, 2025 by Melissa