Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe Better Than Original

Who doesn’t love the gooey, cheesy goodness of Pizza Hut’s famous cheese sticks? If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that experience at home, you’re in luck. This copycat cheese sticks recipe tastes even better than the original and brings all the warm, cheesy nostalgia right to your kitchen with ease.

this Recipe

Whether you’re craving a delicious snack or want to impress guests at your next gathering, these copycat cheese sticks deliver that perfect crispy exterior with melty mozzarella inside. Let’s dive into making this irresistible appetizer you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic cheesy flavor that rivals Pizza Hut’s classic cheese sticks
• Perfectly crispy golden crust with a soft, stretchy mozzarella center
• Easy to prepare with common ingredients and simple steps
• Great for parties, game days, or a cozy night in
• Customizable dipping sauces to suit your taste buds

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the dough, cheese filling, and the buttery garlic topping that makes these cheese sticks irresistible.

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including dough rising)
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

How to Make The Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks That Taste Even Better Than the Original

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches on a floured surface, then cut into 12 even strips.
6. Place one mozzarella stick on each dough strip, then fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside. Arrange the sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet.
7. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Brush generously over each cheese stick for a flavorful topping.
8. Bake the cheese sticks for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside.
9. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your homemade copycat cheese sticks!

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
• Seal the edges of the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt without too much moisture.
• Brush the cheese sticks with garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor and shine.
• If you want extra crispiness, place the baking sheet on the middle rack and use a pizza stone if available.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover copycat cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, reheat in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again.

You can also freeze unbaked cheese sticks by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time. Just roll it out as directed and follow the rest of the steps for delicious cheese sticks.

What cheese is best for making these cheese sticks?

Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal because it melts well without releasing too much liquid, giving you that perfect stretchy texture inside a crispy crust.

Can I make these cheese sticks ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sticks up to the point of baking and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh just before serving for best results.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to pinch and seal the dough edges tightly around the cheese sticks. You can also press the seams with a fork to secure them better and avoid cheese oozing out.