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5.0 from 18 votes

Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe

Recreate the irresistible taste of Pizza Hut's famous cheese sticks at home with this copycat recipe. Featuring a chewy, flavorful crust topped with garlic butter and a perfect blend of cheeses.

Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 471 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the warm water and yeast in a medium bowl and briefly whisk together. Allow the yeast a few minutes to bubble up and become active. If the yeast is inactive, you may need to replace the yeast and try again. Add the water and oil to the activated yeast and stir to combine.
  2. Place the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the yeast mixture and process until the dough forms a ball and becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size. This should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
  4. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Also sprinkle semolina flour on the work surface, if desired. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape and transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder and melted butter. Brush the garlic butter onto the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with shredded mozzarella.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into slices and serve with your favorite pizza or marinara sauce.

Notes

  • The key to authentic Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks lies in both the dough consistency and baking technique. Don't rush the rising process—proper fermentation develops flavor compounds that distinguish homemade from commercial versions. When rolling out the dough, aim for approximately ½-inch thickness for the perfect balance of chewy interior and slightly crisp exterior. Semolina flour is non-negotiable for authentic texture; its coarser grind creates that distinctive Pizza Hut mouthfeel and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. For the signature golden color around the edges, consider brushing just the perimeter with an egg wash before applying the garlic butter. Finally, allow the cheese sticks to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking before cutting—this sets the cheese and prevents it from sliding off during that first delicious bite.

Nutrition Information

Calories 471kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 63g (21%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 265mg (11%) Potassium 119mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0g (0%) Vitamin A 315IU (6%) Calcium 128mg (13%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 471

% Daily Value*

Calories 471kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 63g 21%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 265mg 11%
Potassium 119mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 0g 0%
Vitamin A 315IU 6%
Calcium 128mg 13%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.