Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Cheese Sticks Recipe

Name: Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup warm water; 1.125 teaspoons instant yeast (or 1 package of yeast); 1.25 cup room temperature water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups bread flour ((22 ounces)); 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon semolina flour; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 0 pizza or marinara sauce (to serve)

Introduction to Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Are you craving the cheesy, buttery goodness of Pizza Hut’s famous cheese sticks? Well, you’re in luck! This homemade recipe will help you recreate that iconic taste right in your kitchen. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish, these cheese sticks are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, making them yourself means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with all the melty cheese and flavorful garlic butter that you love!

A Personal Story Behind My Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Journey

I remember the first time I had Pizza Hut cheese sticks during a family gathering. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The crispy edges, the gooey mozzarella, and the delightful garlic butter made it a favorite treat. Over the years, I’ve tried to replicate that deliciousness at home. After numerous attempts, I finally perfected this recipe that brings back those cherished memories. Now, I want to share it with you so that you can create your own cheese stick magic!

What Makes This Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of fresh ingredients and the love that goes into making them. You start by activating the yeast, which gives the dough a light and airy texture. The addition of garlic powder and a generous brushing of melted butter makes for a flavorful crust. Topped with a melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, these cheese sticks are irresistible. Plus, they are versatile! You can customize them with your favorite toppings or serve them with marinara sauce for dipping.

The Full Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water
1 1/8 teaspoons instant yeast or 1 package of yeast
1 1/4 cup water at room temperature
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups bread flour (22 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon semolina flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza or marinara sauce to serve

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a medium bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit until it bubbles up, about 5-10 minutes. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to work!

Mix wet ingredients: Stir in the room temperature water and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Make sure everything is well combined.
Prepare the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the bread flour and salt. Then, add the yeast mixture and process until a smooth dough forms. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix by hand in a large bowl.

Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes. This is a crucial step for achieving the right texture!
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Roll out the dough: On a floured surface or a surface sprinkled with semolina flour, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. A thinner crust will yield crispier cheese sticks!

Transfer to baking sheet: Place the rolled-out dough onto the greased baking sheet. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
Prepare garlic butter: Mix the garlic powder with the melted butter and brush it generously over the dough. This adds a delicious flavor that you’ll love!
Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough. Feel free to add extra cheese if you love it extra cheesy!

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Slice and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then slice into sticks. Serve with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

These cheese sticks are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even further! Consider adding pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms on top before baking for extra flavor and texture. Pair them with a homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought pizza sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic side dish for any Italian meal or a casual movie night snack!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
No problem! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it for a day or two. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Can I freeze these cheese sticks?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just roll out the dough, add the toppings, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per Serving: 320
Servings: 8