Better Than Takeout: Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks

The Ultimate Homemade Copycat That’s Soft, Cheesy & Irresistible

If you’ve ever ordered a pizza and secretly been more excited about the breadsticks, this recipe is for you. These Better Than Takeout: Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks deliver everything you love — pillowy soft dough, buttery garlic flavor, and gooey melted cheese — but fresher, cheesier, and straight from your own oven.

The original breadsticks from Pizza Hut became iconic for their fluffy interior and rich seasoning blend. But here’s the secret: making them at home is surprisingly easy — and even better because you control the cheese, seasoning, and bake time.

This homemade version recreates that nostalgic flavor while adding an extra-cheesy upgrade that truly makes them better than takeout.


Why These Breadsticks Are So Addictive

What makes cheesy pizza hut breadsticks unforgettable?

  • Ultra-soft, fluffy interior
  • Buttery garlic topping
  • Perfectly melted mozzarella layer
  • Slightly crisp bottom crust
  • Salty Parmesan finish
  • Warm marinara for dipping

The magic lies in the dough. It’s enriched with olive oil for softness and baked in a pan to create that classic tender-but-structured texture.


Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

  • 1 cup warm marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the Dough: Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead: Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 45–60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  6. Shape Dough: Press dough evenly into the pan, stretching to corners.
  7. Pre-Bake: Bake for 8 minutes to set structure.
  8. Add Butter & Seasoning: Brush melted butter over dough. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and salt evenly.
  9. Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  10. Bake Again: Return to oven and bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  11. Slice: Remove from oven and immediately cut into breadsticks using a pizza cutter.
  12. Serve Warm: Pair with marinara for dipping.

Better Than Takeout: Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks

Soft, fluffy homemade breadsticks topped with buttery garlic seasoning and gooey melted cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 breadsticks
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 0.75 cup warm water 110°F
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
Topping
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Pizza Cutter
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar.
  2. Mix in oil, flour, and salt to form dough.
  3. Knead until smooth and let rise 1 hour.
  4. Press into greased pan and pre-bake 8 minutes.
  5. Brush with butter, add seasoning and cheese.
  6. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Pre-baking ensures fluffy interior and crisp bottom crust.

Pro Tips for Perfect Breadsticks

Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake

Pre-baking ensures the center cooks fully without over-browning the cheese.

Use Whole Milk Mozzarella

It melts smoother and creates better cheese pulls.

Let Them Rest 5 Minutes

This helps cheese set slightly before slicing.


Flavor Variations

Extra Cheesy

Add a layer of provolone under the mozzarella.

Spicy Kick

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.

Garlic Lover’s Version

Add 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic to melted butter.

Stuffed Breadsticks

Roll cheese inside the dough before pressing into pan.


Serving Suggestions

Cheesy garlic breadsticks are perfect for:

  • Pizza night
  • Game day snacks
  • Movie night
  • Party appetizers
  • Side dish for pasta

Pair with Caesar salad or creamy tomato soup for a full meal.


Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
  • Avoid microwaving to keep texture crisp.

Why Homemade Is Better Than Takeout

When you make copycat pizza hut breadsticks at home:

  • You use fresher ingredients
  • You add more cheese
  • You skip preservatives
  • You control seasoning
  • They come out piping hot

Plus, they cost a fraction of ordering delivery.


Final Thoughts

Better Than Takeout: Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks are soft, buttery, cheesy, and impossible to stop eating. Once you make these from scratch, you’ll realize how simple and satisfying homemade comfort food can be.

Warm, gooey, and perfectly seasoned — this recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

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