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- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons garlic powder - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Marinara sauce for dipping To make these Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks, you need a few key ingredients. The pizza dough is the base of the recipe. You can use store-bought dough if you want to save time. If you like, you can make your own dough for more flavor. Next, you need mozzarella cheese. I love using shredded mozzarella because it melts beautifully and gives that stretchy pull. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a salty kick and depth of flavor. Now, let's talk about seasonings. Garlic powder is a must. It gives a nice aroma and taste. Dried oregano and basil bring classic Italian flavors that pair well with cheese. Finally, melted butter adds richness to the dough and helps the seasonings stick. Don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping! It’s tangy and balances the cheese well. With these ingredients ready, you’ll create a cheesy delight that is simple and delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Starting with the right temperature is key. A hot oven ensures your cheese sticks bake evenly. The parchment paper helps with easy cleanup later. - Roll out pizza dough into a rectangle. - Brush with melted butter. Use a clean surface to roll the dough. Aim for about a ½ inch thick. This thickness helps the sticks cook well. Once rolled out, cover the dough with melted butter. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the cheese. - Sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and basil. - Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly. Generously add the garlic powder, oregano, and basil. This mix gives the dough amazing flavor. Next, spread the mozzarella cheese across the dough. Follow with the Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. Make sure to cover all areas for a cheesy bite in every stick. - Fold dough in half to seal cheese. - Slice into sticks approximately 1 inch wide. Carefully fold the dough in half. This seals in the cheese, so it doesn’t leak out. Then, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch wide sticks. This makes them easy to pull apart. - Arrange sticks on the baking sheet. - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Place the sticks on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them for even baking. Put them in the oven and bake until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. - Cool slightly. - Serve with marinara sauce. Once baked, take the cheese sticks out of the oven. Let them cool for a minute. This prevents burns and enhances the flavor. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping. It's a classic combo that everyone loves! - Ensure dough thickness is even. This helps all sticks bake the same. - Allow sticks to cool before serving. This prevents burns and enhances flavor. - Experiment with different cheeses. Try using cheddar or a cheese blend. - Add crushed red pepper for spice. This gives your sticks a nice kick. - Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean slices. This makes it easy to pull apart. - Consider a pastry brush for even butter application. This helps the dough get rich flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Dough: For the best texture and flavor, consider making your pizza dough from scratch. It allows you to control the ingredients and adds a personal touch. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles. Mixing cheeses can elevate the taste of your pizza sticks. Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your pizza sticks while they bake. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed to achieve that golden brown finish. Herb Infusion: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cheese mixture. This can enhance the aroma and taste of your pizza sticks. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese to make your cheese sticks unique. Try using cheddar or a cheese blend for a different taste. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness. You can also mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess. This will make your sticks rich and smooth. Want to give your sticks more flavor? Experiment with Italian seasoning. This blend will add a lovely aroma. You can also try adding garlic or onion powder. These spices make every bite burst with flavor. Don't be afraid to mix and match! For a fun twist, consider making stuffed cheese sticks. You can add pepperoni, bell peppers, or spinach inside. This adds extra flavor and makes them heartier. You can also create a stuffed version with your favorite toppings. Just remember to seal the edges well! To keep your cheese sticks fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. It is best to enjoy them within 2 days. After that, they may lose their tasty crunch. You can freeze unbaked cheese sticks before baking. This is great if you want to prepare them in advance. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To bake later, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This way, they will be ready to bake when you want them. When it's time to enjoy your leftover cheese sticks, reheat them in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy and less enjoyable. You can make pizza dough with just a few ingredients. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 packet of yeast. Add warm water and a bit of olive oil. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This gives you fresh dough that tastes great! Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well! Look for brands that use simple ingredients. Some great choices are Rao's Homemade and Victoria. They have rich flavors that pair nicely with cheese sticks. You can also try organic options for a fresher taste. To make your cheese sticks extra crispy, use a higher oven temperature. Bake them at 450°F (232°C) for a few minutes longer. Brush the dough with melted butter before baking. You can also sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking sheet for extra crunch. Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pizza dough. Many brands offer it in stores. Just check the package for instructions. If you make your own, use a blend of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum. This will help mimic traditional dough's texture. In this blog post, we covered making delicious cheese sticks from dough to serving. You learned about the main ingredients, like mozzarella and Parmesan, as well as helpful tips for perfect texture. We explored flavor enhancements and variations that keep things exciting. Finally, we looked at how to store and reheat your cheese sticks for the best taste. Enjoy this simple recipe, and don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite ingredients. These cheese sticks are sure to delight everyone!

Cheesy Delight Pizza Sticks

Delicious pizza sticks filled with gooey cheese and seasoned to perfection, perfect for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pizza dough
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste Marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately ½ inch thick.
  • Evenly brush the melted butter on the entire surface of the dough, paying attention to the edges.
  • Generously sprinkle the garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil across the buttered dough.
  • Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, covering the cheese filling, and pinch the edges to seal.
  • Slice the folded dough into sticks about 1 inch wide.
  • Place the cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each stick.
  • Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve the warm pizza sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

These delightful pizza sticks are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a game day spread. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness!
Keyword appetizer, cheesy, pizza sticks, snack