Melted Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Last weekend, I was scrolling through old food photos when I came across a snapshot of my family’s Friday night tradition pizza and breadsticks, laid out on the table with little bowls of marinara for dipping. The picture instantly brought back the memory of reaching for those cheesy sticks before the pizza even had a chance to cool.

That memory sparked a mission in my kitchen: could I recreate that same indulgent, stretchy, buttery magic at home? I didn’t want anything complicated or fussy just a tray of cheese sticks that could rival the ones we used to fight over. The experiment turned into a fun project, and as the aroma of garlic butter filled the house, everyone started gathering around the oven door, waiting for the timer to beep.

When I finally pulled out the bubbling tray, the edges were golden, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the first slice disappeared before I could even snap a picture. The best part? These cheese sticks came together with pantry staples, and the dough only needed a short resting time before baking.

So today, I’m sharing how to make your own Pizza Hut–style cheese sticks crispy on the edges, soft inside, loaded with cheese, and begging to be dipped into marinara sauce.

Short Description

Soft, buttery, and loaded with gooey cheese, these Pizza Hut–style cheese sticks are baked until golden and served with marinara dipping sauce.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for mixing)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• ½ cup warm water (110°F), divided

For Assembly

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for yeast activation
• 9×13 baking dish
• Plastic wrap
• Whisk
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or dough cutter

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine yeast with 2 tbsp warm water (110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive—start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced butter, sugar, and salt. Pour in the remaining warm water and let it sit briefly while the yeast activates. Whisk until partially combined, then stir in the egg yolk and the yeast mixture.

Step 3: Add the Flour
Stir in the flour (both portions) until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time until manageable.

Step 4: Rest the Dough
Brush a 9×13 baking dish with 2 tbsp melted butter. Spread the dough evenly into the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F while the dough rests.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheese Topping
Remove the plastic wrap and brush the dough with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, garlic salt, and oregano generously across the surface.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 28–31 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The crust should be crisp at the edges and soft in the middle.

Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice into 8 sticks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy, buttery, and indulgent without leaving home

Quick dough no long proofing required

Family-friendly and perfect for sharing

Great for parties, game nights, or cozy dinners

Easy pantry-friendly ingredients

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Dough too sticky
Solution: Add 1 tbsp flour at a time until it’s manageable.

Mistake 2: Yeast doesn’t foam
Solution: Your water may be too hot or cold. Aim for 110°F and use fresh yeast.

Mistake 3: Soggy bottom
Solution: Make sure to preheat the oven fully and avoid underbaking. Bake until edges are golden.

Mistake 4: Cheese burns on top
Solution: Cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking if cheese darkens too quickly.

Mistake 5: Dough too dense
Solution: Don’t skip the resting step those 15 minutes help the dough relax and rise slightly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve family-style on a wooden board with dipping bowls

Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping

Pair with creamy ranch or garlic aioli

Add alongside pasta dishes for a complete meal

Perfect for game night platters or casual entertaining

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crisp edges.

For quick reheating, microwave for 30 seconds, though texture will be softer.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, skip the activation step and mix directly with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

3. What if I don’t have parmesan?
You can replace it with extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar for flavor.

4. Can I freeze cheese sticks?
Yes, bake fully, let cool, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot.

5. How do I get the cheese extra gooey?
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for stretch and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.

Brush extra melted butter on top right after baking for sheen and flavor.

For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning before baking.

Slice with a pizza cutter for clean edges.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Herb Cheese Sticks: Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and ½ tsp garlic powder to the dough.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sticks: Scatter sliced jalapeños over the cheese topping before baking.

Stuffed Cheese Sticks: Press mozzarella string cheese into the dough before topping for extra gooey centers.

Whole Wheat Cheese Sticks: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber.

Final Thoughts

Baking these cheese sticks at home is the kind of project that feels rewarding from start to finish. The dough comes together quickly, the smell of garlic butter fills the kitchen, and pulling that golden, cheesy tray out of the oven is pure joy.

They disappear faster than you expect, which only means you’ll want to make them again soon. This recipe turns an old takeout favorite into a homemade ritual, one that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. And honestly, nothing beats breaking apart warm, gooey cheese bread straight from the oven and watching the cheese stretch with every bite.