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If you’re craving a fun, cheesy snack that’s perfect for sharing or a cozy night in, this Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine warm, golden dough rolled around a decadent blend of mozzarella and cheddar, infused with garlicky, herb-rich butter, and baked to perfection. These irresistible pizza sticks offer the perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey cheese inside, making every bite a celebration of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself, these homemade delights bring all the joy of pizza in a handheld, shareable form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a delicious performance. Each element here plays an essential role—from the yeast that breathes life into the dough to the blend of cheeses that guarantee gooey goodness. The combination of semolina and all-purpose flour ensures the perfect texture, while the aromatic spices and garlic elevate every bite with mouthwatering aroma and taste.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic agent that helps your dough rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F): Just right to activate the yeast without killing it, key for perfect dough.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of your dough with a tender yet sturdy crumb.
- 1/4 cup semolina: Adds a lovely, slightly crunchy texture and golden color to your crust.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop flavor in the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds moisture and richness to the dough and helps prevent sticking.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Creates that irresistible garlicky glaze when combined with herbs.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the pizza sticks with savory, aromatic punch.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Classic pizza cheese that melts perfectly gooey and stretchy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the mozzarella’s creamy melt.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings that authentic pizzeria vibe.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Double down on garlic flavor for extra depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild kick to balance the cheese and herbs.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The tangy, tomato base that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the surface develops a foamy layer. This bubbly sign means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough. Just be sure your water isn’t too hot, or the yeast could be killed, making your dough flat and dense.
Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, semolina, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture along with one tablespoon of olive oil and stir until a shaggy dough starts to form. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough bounces back after a gentle poke, showing it’s perfectly springy.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Oil a clean bowl with the remaining olive oil, place your kneaded dough inside, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Set it somewhere warm and cozy to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This step transforms the dough, making it tender and airy, which is essential for those soft, chewy pizza sticks we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough and Add Toppings
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then dusting lightly with semolina for a slight crunch on the crust. Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a 12 by 8-inch rectangle. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce across the surface, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the sauce for that rich, molten filling we’re dreaming of.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Sticks
Starting from one of the longer sides, roll your dough tightly into a log, pressing firmly to seal the seam so it won’t unravel during baking. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces for perfectly portioned sticks. Use a small knife to make two tiny slits on the top of each piece, allowing steam to escape—this prevents a gummy, doughy center and ensures a crisp crust with oozy cheese inside.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic-Herb Butter and Brush
Mix melted butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush half of this fragrant mixture over the tops of your pizza sticks before baking. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet; this keeps the seam secure and helps the sticks hold their shape while cooking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Cheesy
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden-brown exterior and cheese that just starts to peek out and ooze temptingly. This is when your Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe hits its perfect harmony of crispy and melty textures. Remove them from the oven carefully and get ready for the finishing touch.
Step 8: Finish With a Butter Glaze and Rest
Brush the remaining garlic-herb butter over the hot pizza sticks straight from the oven to deepen the flavor and give them that irresistible sheen. Let them rest for a couple of minutes—this little pause lets the cheese settle just enough so they’re perfectly gooey but not lava-hot. Serve immediately with some warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping bliss.
How to Serve Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over your pizza sticks for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add an extra dimension of cheesy flavor that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
These pizza sticks are amazing paired with tangy marinara or spiced ranch dipping sauces. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or crunchy veggie sticks to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pizza sticks upright in a tall glass or mason jar lined with parchment. Another crowd-pleaser is to stack them in a basket lined with colorful napkins. You could even drizzle some balsamic glaze or hot honey over the sticks for a mouthwatering twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza sticks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust from drying out and preserves the cheese’s texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sliced sticks by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them from frozen into a preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pizza sticks on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar or mozzarella with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a sharper flavor. Mixing cheeses can create unique and delicious results.
Is it necessary to use both all-purpose flour and semolina?
Using semolina adds a delightful crunch and color, but if you don’t have it on hand, all-purpose flour alone will still work—though the texture might be slightly softer and less crispy on the outside.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading the dough, you can refrigerate it overnight covered tightly with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise slightly before rolling and assembling your pizza sticks the next day.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce? Any alternatives?
You can use marinara sauce, tomato sauce with added herbs, or even a light layer of pesto for a different but delicious twist on the classic flavors.
How do I make sure my pizza sticks don’t get soggy?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well. Also, cutting the steam slits on top helps moisture escape during baking, preventing a gummy interior. Serving them fresh and reheating in the oven also keeps that perfect crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe is pure joy wrapped in golden dough and bubbling cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a comforting treat, these sticks deliver all the fun and flavor of pizza in a shareable, handheld way. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and experience how easy and satisfying it is to serve something this delicious. Trust me, once you’ve had these, store-bought snacks won’t stand a chance!
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Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Sticks feature a soft, flavorful dough filled with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Perfectly golden and brushed with a garlic-herb butter, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack, ideal for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup semolina
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Filling and Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast. Combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir gently to blend, then let it sit for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes foamy, ensuring the yeast is active. Avoid water hotter than 115°F to preserve yeast viability.
- Make the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, semolina, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and one tablespoon of olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic; the dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
- Let the Dough Rise. Lightly oil a clean bowl with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust lightly with semolina. Punch down the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface, and roll into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then distribute mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top.
- Shape and Slice. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices. Use a paring knife to make two small slits on top of each stick to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Brush. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Brush half of this mixture over the pizza sticks. Arrange the sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Pizza Sticks. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheese begins to ooze.
- Finish and Serve. Remove from oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic-herb butter. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Making small slits on top of the dough slices is key to prevent sogginess and allow steam to escape.
- Semolina sprinkled on the baking sheet adds texture and prevents sticking.
- These pizza sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated in the oven for best results.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses or add additional herbs for personalized flavor.
