SPREAD LOVE

Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack

There’s something instantly comforting about a tray of hot, stretchy cheese sticks pulled fresh from the oven — gooey mozzarella, buttery garlic, and that crisp, golden edge. This copycat Pizza Hut recipe brings that restaurant nostalgia right to your kitchen with minimal fuss, making it perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy snack attack. If you like bold garlic flavor and melty cheese, you might also enjoy this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe for another crowd-pleasing idea.

Why make this recipe

Fast and crowd-pleasing — ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Uses simple pantry ingredients most people already have on hand.
Gives you that Pizza Hut-style experience at a fraction of the cost of takeout.

Simple summary: It’s an easy, comforting snack that delivers big cheesy flavor and is perfect for feeding a hungry group or stashing in the freezer for later.

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Marinara sauce, for dipping

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Preheat and prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even browning. If you have a pizza stone, give it time to heat up with the oven — otherwise, a greased baking sheet works perfectly.
Shape the dough
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet. Roll or press the 1 lb of pizza dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle on the baking sheet. Aim for an even thickness so every cheese stick bakes evenly; about 1/4–1/2 inch thick works well.
Garlic butter
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic until well combined. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Don’t be shy with the butter — it’s the flavor base that gives the finished sticks that irresistible savory edge.
Cheese and season
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the garlic-buttered dough. Follow with the grated Parmesan and then sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the top for an herby lift.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots. Keep an eye on it the first time you try this recipe; ovens vary, and you’ll want a nice golden top without burning the edges.
Rest and finish
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese sticks rest for about 5 minutes. This short rest helps the cheese set slightly so that when you cut the dough into strips, the cheese won’t immediately run everywhere.
Cut and serve
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top (if using) and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the rectangle into long strips or whatever size you prefer. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

How to make tips and timing notes

Dough: If you’re using store-bought refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to roll. For frozen dough, thaw thoroughly before shaping.
Cheese: For the best stretch and melt, use low-moisture mozzarella (the kind sold for pizzas). Fresh mozzarella can be used, but drain and pat it dry first to avoid soggy bread.
Garlic: For a milder garlic tone, sauté the minced garlic in the melted butter for 30 seconds before brushing. This takes bite off the raw garlic while retaining flavor.

Keeping Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Fresh

Room temperature: Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp up.
Freezer: Wrap individual sticks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Classic combo: Serve with warm marinara for dunking and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Party platter: Add a variety of dipping sauces — ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy arrabbiata — and pair with sliced pepperoni, olives, and roasted red peppers on the side.
Meal side: These cheese sticks also work wonderfully as a side to a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Tips to make Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks

Use low-moisture shredded mozzarella for an ideal stretch and minimal oil separation.
Chill the dough slightly if it’s too sticky to handle, but avoid overworking it to keep the crust tender.
Brush the edges with an extra little bit of melted butter right before baking for a deeper golden finish.
If you like a more garlicky kick, add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder to the butter mix in addition to the fresh garlic.
For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.

Variations

Bullet variation: Cheesy Pepperoni Sticks — sprinkle small pepperoni rounds over the mozzarella before baking for a pepperoni-cheese stick hybrid that tastes like pizza on a stick.
Paragraph variation: Stuffed-Edge Cheese Sticks — fold a thin strip of dough over the cheese along one long edge and crimp tightly before baking. This creates a sealed pocket that traps cheese inside, making a chewier edge and a fun “stuffed” experience without any extra ingredients.

FAQs

Q: What if my cheese sticks come out soggy?
A: Make sure your dough isn’t too thick and that you’re using low-moisture mozzarella. Also, ensure the oven is fully preheated and consider baking a minute or two longer to evaporate excess moisture.

Q: Can I make these ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. You can bake them, cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. For freezing, flash-freeze on a tray and then store in a freezer bag for up to a month.

Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: Yes. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the fresh garlic if needed, but remember fresh garlic gives a brighter flavor.

What to do if the cheese runs everywhere

Problem-solution style note: If you’re tired of cheese spilling out and making a gooey mess, try leaving a 1/4-inch border around the dough when you top it with cheese. That small margin gives the dough room to crisp and reduces run-off while still producing a delightfully cheesy center.

Conclusion

These copycat Pizza Hut cheese sticks are an easy, satisfying way to enjoy a classic cheesy snack at home — customizable, quick, and crowd-friendly. For another cheesy, handheld favorite that complements these sticks well, see this excellent Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks Recipe which offers additional tips and presentation ideas. If you want a slightly different take with step-by-step photos and variation ideas, check out this helpful Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks – Tornadough Alli guide.