Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Name: Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: Approximately 12-16 cheese sticks
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt; 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 cup Marinara Sauce, for dipping

Posted on December 27, 2025

Keto Air Fryer Desserts

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks You’ll Love! Are you craving that quintessential, gooey, cheesy goodness that only your favorite pizza joint can deliver? I know I am, which is why I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting a recipe that captures the magic of those iconic Pizza Hut cheese sticks right in your own kitchen. Imagin extracte the scent of warm, garlicky bread giving way to molten mozzarella, all with that signature slight crisp on the outside. It’s pure comfort food, a delightful appetizer for any gathering, or even a satisfying snack on a cozy night in. What makes these so incredibly special? It’s a combination of the perfect dough, a generous hand with the cheese, and a secret touch that elevates them from good to absolutely unforgettable. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with!

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
1 large Egg Yolk
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 cup Marinara Sauce, for dipping

Dough Preparation

Let’s get started on crafting those irresistible cheese sticks! The foundation of amazing cheese sticks is a fantastic dough, and this recipe delivers. We’ll begin extract by activating our yeast to ensure a light and airy crust. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of warm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C). This might seem like a small amount of sugar, but it’s just enough to feed the yeast and help it get going. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should see it become foamy and bubbly; this is the sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

While the yeast is blooming, let’s prepare our dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. This ensures an even distribution of salt throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the softened unsalted butter, which will contribute to a tender crum extractb and a richer flavor profile. You can also opt for olive oil if you prefer, though butter lends a classic richness. Finally, add the egg yolk. The egg yolk acts as a binder and adds a subtle richness to the dough, contributing to that golden hue when baked.

Kneading and First Rise

Now comes the satisfying part: kneading the dough. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the ingredients just come together. Then, increase the speed to medium-low and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If you’re kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it back towards you. Rotate the dough and repeat. Continue this process until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes of diligent kneading. It’s a great workout and a wonderfully tactile experience!

Once your dough is beautifully kneaded, it’s time for its first rise. Lightly grease the mixing bowl with a little oil or cooking spray. Place the dough ball into the greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rest. An oven that has been briefly warmed up (and then turned off) is a perfect place. Let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow, steady rise develops the flavor and texture of your cheese sticks.

Shaping and Second Rise

After the dough has impressively doubled in size, it’s time to punch it down gently. This releases the trapped gases and prepares the dough for shaping. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently flatten it. Now, we’ll divide the dough into portions for our cheese sticks. For classic Pizza Hut-style sticks, I like to roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for roughly a 12×18 inch rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; rustic charm is part of the homemade appeal. Now, sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic salt evenly over the surface of the dough. These seasonings will infuse every bite with that savory, herbaceous flavor we all crave.

Next, it’s time for the star of the show: the cheese! Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned dough, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Press the cheese down slightly so it adheres to the dough. Now, carefully cut the dough lengthwise into strips, about 1 inch wide. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this. Place these strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one for expansion. Now, cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the cheese sticks rest for another 20-30 minutes. This second, shorter rise will ensure they puff up nicely during baking.

Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this second rise. This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when your cheese sticks are ready to bake. Once the oven is preheated and the cheese sticks have had their second rise, carefully remove the plastic wrap. Now, they’re ready to go into the hot oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dough is golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. You want them golden, not burnt!

As soon as they come out of the oven, the aroma will be incredible! Let the cheese sticks cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, you can even brush them with a little melted butter or garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor and shine, though it’s entirely optional. Serve these Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks hot with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the slightly crisp exterior, the soft and chewy interior, and the gooey, melted cheese is simply divine. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to crafting the most Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks You’ll Love! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the perfect dough to achieving that golden, bubbly cheese topping. The aroma filling your kitchen as these bake is truly non-intoxicating, and the taste is a delightful trip down memory lane. These cheese sticks are more than just a snack; they’re an experience, perfect for movie nights, game days, or simply when you crave that comforting, cheesy goodness. Serve them warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, or get creative with other sauces like ranch or garlic butter.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian herbs to the cheese for an extra layer of flavor, or use a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture. We truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks You’ll Love. Get in that kitchen and let the cheesy magic begin extract!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of cheese is best for these cheese sticks?

While the classic Pizza Hut version often uses a blend, a good quality shredded mozzarella is essential for that perfect stretch and melt. Adding a bit of cheddar or Monterey Jack can enhance the flavor profile. Ensure your cheese is shredded, as pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect meltability.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pizza dough for these Irresistible Homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks You’ll Love can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop further and makes the dough easier to handle. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.

My cheese isn’t melting evenly. What can I do?

Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Also, consider shredding your own cheese, as mentioned above. If you’re still having trouble, you can lightly brush the dough with melted butter or olive oil before adding the cheese, which can help with browning and even melting. Don’t overload the cheese, as this can sometimes lead to uneven melting.