Few things capture the magic of a pizza night quite like golden, buttery, cheesy breadsticks. Inspired by the classic Pizza Hut style, these homemade Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks are soft, fluffy, and loaded with gooey mozzarella. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side for your favorite pasta dishes, this recipe brings restaurant-quality breadsticks right to your kitchen.

What sets these breadsticks apart is the perfect combination of pillowy dough, buttery garlic coating, and melty cheese. They are surprisingly simple to make and can be prepared from scratch in just over an hour. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide so you can recreate that iconic Pizza Hut taste at home.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp salt
Optional for Serving:
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active for soft, airy breadsticks.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the softened butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch stick and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Second Rise:
Cover the shaped breadsticks with a towel and allow them to rise for 15–20 minutes, until puffy.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
While the dough rises, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic and parsley. Brush half of this mixture over the breadsticks.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over each breadstick. Lightly press the cheese to adhere to the dough.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Final Brush:
Remove from the oven and brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Tips for Perfect Breadsticks

Warm Environment for Rising: Bread rises best in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven with just the light on.
Cheese Options: Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds extra flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye during the last 2 minutes of baking; overbaking will dry out the soft interior.

Variations

Stuffed Cheese Breadsticks: Roll a string of mozzarella inside each dough stick before the second rise for cheesy pockets.
Herb Butter Twist: Mix Italian seasoning with the garlic butter for an extra flavor punch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside your favorite pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine.
Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
Great as finger food at parties, game nights, or family gatherings.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Breadsticks, or grissini, originated in Northern Italy in the 17th century as a long, thin bread baked to last for weeks. Pizza Hut popularized the soft, cheesy version we all know today. These homemade Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks capture that classic restaurant taste without the need for a takeout run.

Making bread from scratch can be intimidating, but with this recipe, the steps are easy to follow, yielding breadsticks that are fluffy, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy. Impress your family or friends with a homemade twist on this restaurant favorite!