Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that’s pure comfort food magic. This isn’t your average appetizer – we’re talking about recreating those iconic Pizza Hut cheese sticks right in your own kitchen!
I remember one late night, craving something cheesy and satisfying. Instead of ordering out, I decided to take a flavor adventure and try to recreate those Pizza Hut cheese sticks. Little did I know, it would become one of my favorite kitchen experiments! The excitement as they baked, the first glorious cheese pull… it was a happy accident turned absolute obsession.
This Pizza Hut cheese sticks recipe is all about bold flavors, a satisfying crunch, and that unforgettable cheesy goodness. It turns any meal into a special occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day feast. These aren’t any old mozzarella cheese sticks; they are amped up with herbs and garlic for a truly addictive flavor!
I’m so thrilled to welcome you into my delicious corner of the internet. Let’s get cooking and make some incredible Pizza Hut cheese sticks!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Pizza Hut cheese sticks ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Grab these staples during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 package (16 oz) mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
No worries if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs – I use plain panko breadcrumbs with a little extra Italian seasoning all the time in my Pizza Hut cheese sticks. It works like a charm!
This Pizza Hut cheese sticks gets its amazing taste from the combination of garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Don’t skimp on the herbs – they add so much flavor!
Here’s my Pizza Hut cheese sticks secret that takes it from good to incredible: a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning in the marinara sauce for serving! It makes everything extra flavorful! I love adding extra garlic powder to my Pizza Hut cheese sticks for that extra kick!
Store any leftover breadcrumbs in an airtight container for maximum freshness. You can also prep the cheese sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy appetizer anytime.
Let’s Make Some!
This is where the delicious magic starts happening! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying homemade Pizza Hut cheese sticks in no time. These Pizza Hut cheese sticks remind me of another family favorite, the chicken parmesan grilled cheese!
- First, cut each mozzarella cheese stick in half. This makes them easier to manage and ensures they cook evenly.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs and Italian bread crumbs.
- Now, dredge each cheese stick half in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely.
- Dip the flour-coated cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Finally, coat the cheese stick with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. This is my favorite part of making Pizza Hut cheese sticks – watch the magic happen!
- Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cheese from melting out during frying. In my kitchen, this Pizza Hut cheese sticks usually takes about 35 minutes to fully freeze.
- While the cheese sticks are freezing, heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the frozen cheese sticks to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t worry if your Pizza Hut cheese sticks looks slightly uneven – it’ll still taste incredible!
- Remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While your Pizza Hut cheese sticks is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. These Pizza Hut cheese sticks should smell absolutely incredible right now!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Pizza Hut cheese sticks hits the table with warm marinara sauce for dipping! I love to enjoy this recipe fresh out of the fryer, when the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy.
This Pizza Hut cheese sticks is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! These golden, crispy sticks pair perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for herb and cheese stuffed puff pastry bites!
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this Pizza Hut cheese sticks with a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara. The kick of heat complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.
If you’re feeling creative, try making a Pizza Hut cheese sticks-inspired grilled cheese sandwich. Just layer the cheese sticks between two slices of bread and grill until golden brown and melted.
This appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For presentation, arrange the Pizza Hut cheese sticks on a platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
Got leftovers? Transform them into a cheesy pasta bake. Simply chop up the Pizza Hut cheese sticks and add them to your favorite pasta dish before baking.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about making this amazing Pizza Hut cheese sticks recipe.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Pizza Hut cheese sticks?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Just take your time and follow the steps, and you’ll be enjoying delicious homemade Pizza Hut cheese sticks in no time.
What if I mess up my Pizza Hut cheese sticks? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Even if your Pizza Hut cheese sticks aren’t perfectly golden brown, they’ll still taste amazing. The most important thing is to make sure the cheese is melted and the breading is crispy.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake these Pizza Hut cheese sticks for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
How can I prep this Pizza Hut cheese sticks for busy weeknights?
You can bread the cheese sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to cook them, simply fry them straight from frozen. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out these crispy air fryer pizza rolls!
Can I use different types of cheese?
While mozzarella is the classic choice for Pizza Hut cheese sticks, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from melting out?
Freezing the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying is key to preventing the cheese from melting out. This helps the breading adhere to the cheese and creates a barrier against the hot oil.
Can I add different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or onion powder.
How do I make sure my marinara sauce is extra flavorful?
I like to add a little garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to my marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
My family is obsessed with these, any creative variations?
One variation my family loves is adding finely grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture! It gives an extra salty, nutty flavor that pairs really well.
CONCLUSION:
This Pizza Hut cheese sticks recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, satisfying, and nostalgic comfort food that everyone loves. Plus, recreating a pizza hut appetizer right at home is always a win!
My Pizza Hut cheese sticks Flavor Secrets:
- Garlic Power: Don’t skimp on the garlic powder in the breading and marinara sauce. It adds a ton of flavor!
- Freezer Time: Freezing the breaded cheese sticks is crucial for preventing meltdowns in the fryer.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top of the finished cheese sticks adds a pop of freshness and flavor.
Here are a few delicious Pizza Hut cheese sticks variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick of heat.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a nutty, savory flavor. I even found this reddit thread, discussing parmesan types for a Homemade version of P Hut Cheese sticks : r/Pizza!
- Italian Herb: Add a blend of Italian herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, to the breadcrumb mixture for a more complex flavor.
For game night, I always make the classic version. For a spicy kick, I love making the spicy variation for summer BBQs. For more Pizza Hut inspired appetizers, this Pizza Hut Garlic Cheese Bread – The Country Cook seems like a real winner!
Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Plus, you can explore other Pizza Hut Sides – Order Online | Pizza Hut options for even more inspiration.
I’m so excited for you to try this Pizza Hut cheese sticks recipe and create your own delicious memories! Let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Pizza Hut cheese sticks
Craving Pizza Hut’s cheese sticks? This recipe lets you recreate that cheesy, garlicky goodness at home! Enjoy warm, gooey cheese sticks with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×10 inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips.
- Carefully transfer the cheese sticks to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture evenly over the cheese sticks.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sticks are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the cheese sticks before baking. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo!