So, you want that gooey, cheesy, garlicky heaven straight from Pizza Hut but don’t feel like changing out of your pajamas? Relatable. Instead of spending cash on delivery (and regretting it when you check your bank app later), you can whip up these homemade Pizza Hut cheese sticks in your own kitchen. And trust me—your taste buds won’t know the difference. Actually, scratch that—they might even thank you for going the extra mile.
Why This Recipe is Awesome?
Let’s be real:
- It’s stupid simple. Like, you could make these half-asleep (not recommended, but possible).
- No pizza-making degree required. You just need cheese, bread, and the willpower not to eat the toppings before baking.
- It’s foolproof—I’ve made these while binge-watching Netflix and didn’t burn a thing (okay, one time, but let’s not talk about that).
- And the best part? You get that authentic Pizza Hut vibe without having to deal with a delivery guy judging you for ordering cheese sticks three nights in a row.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s grab the goodies. Nothing weird or fancy here—promise.
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought, unless you’re feeling extra ambitious)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted; don’t cheap out—real butter is life)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you want vampire-proof breath
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, the gooier the better)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated—because more cheese = more happiness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (aka the “pizza smell” mix)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (yes, double garlic, because duh)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to keep things balanced)
- Marinara sauce for dipping (store-bought or homemade if you’re showing off)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Yes, preheating matters. Don’t be that person who sticks stuff into a cold oven.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (or something vaguely rectangular). Pizza Hut won’t come after you if your edges are lopsided.
- Mix the butter and garlic in a small bowl. This is your golden, garlicky potion of happiness.
- Brush the dough generously with the garlic butter. Don’t skimp here—you’re not painting a wall, you’re making dreams come true.
- Sprinkle on mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Basically, bury the dough in cheese like you’re sending it to a cozy dairy blanket nap.
- Slice the dough into strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Don’t separate them—just score them so they bake evenly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling like molten lava (in the best way).
- Let cool for 2 minutes (I know, patience is hard), then pull apart your cheesy sticks of glory.
- Serve with marinara sauce. Or ranch, or straight into your mouth—no judgment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheat. I said it before, but it’s worth repeating—cold oven = sad, limp cheese sticks.
- Under-cheesing. Don’t try to “be healthy” here. That’s what salads are for.
- Cutting too deep before baking. Lightly score; don’t butcher it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mini calzones.
- Forgetting the dip. Marinara is half the experience. Skipping it is like watching Netflix with no Wi-Fi—tragic.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Dough: No pizza dough? Use store-bought flatbread or even crescent roll dough. It’s not authentic, but hey, desperate times.
- Cheese: Don’t have mozzarella? Use cheddar or provolone. It’ll taste different, but still cheesy and delicious.
- Butter: If you must (though my soul weeps), you can use olive oil instead. It’s healthier, sure, but butter = magic.
- Seasoning: Toss in red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. Or go wild with taco seasoning if you’re feeling rebellious.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes. But why would you punish yourself like that?
Do I have to make the dough from scratch?
Nope. Store-bought pizza dough is your best friend here. Unless you’re aiming for “Great British Bake Off” vibes, keep it simple.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers? Cute. But if you somehow do have any, wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven. Microwave = rubbery sadness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Then pop them in the oven when ready. Perfect for game night or lazy Sundays.
Is this the exact Pizza Hut recipe?
Legally? No. Taste-wise? Pretty darn close. Plus, you won’t have to tip anyone.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Just bake first, cool, then freeze. Reheat in the oven when cravings hit at 2 AM.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Ketchup in a pinch, but honestly… just stock up on marinara. Future-you will thank you.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—homemade Pizza Hut cheese sticks that are so good, you might just cancel delivery forever (or at least until next week). Crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
So go ahead—grab that dough, drown it in cheese, and bake your way into snacking glory. Then dip, devour, and repeat. Your kitchen just became Pizza Hut, minus the cardboard box.
Now go impress someone—or just yourself. You’ve totally earned it.
Printable Recipe Card
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