These homemade cheese sticks capture the essence of the beloved Pizza Hut appetizer. With a golden, buttery crust and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and parmesan, they’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at gatherings. The addition of garlic salt and oregano enhances the flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Dough
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1½ tbsp granulated sugar
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1¾ cups all purpose flour
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1 tsp active dry yeast
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¼ tsp kosher salt
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2 tbsp warm water (110°F), divided
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, thinly sliced
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1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
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½ cup warm water (110°F), divided
Assembly
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
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8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
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¼ tsp garlic salt
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¼ tsp dried oregano
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Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with half of the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough Mixture:
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced butter, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and the remaining warm water. Whisk until the butter begins to melt.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the egg yolk and the activated yeast mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined.
4. Rest the Dough:
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the dough evenly in the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough rests, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Add Toppings:
After the dough has rested, remove the plastic wrap. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and dried oregano.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 28–31 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool and Slice:
Allow the cheese sticks to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 slices.
9. Serve:
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 338 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 11 g
Sugar: 3 g
Iron: 2 mg
Calcium: 167 mg
Vitamin A: 678 IU
Vitamin C: 1 mg
The History of Cheese Sticks and Their Popularity
Cheese sticks have become a favorite comfort food and appetizer in many parts of the world. These delicious, cheesy bites have a fascinating history that ties them to the larger tradition of cheese-based dishes. In the U.S., cheese sticks are often associated with pizza restaurants, particularly those that serve classic American-style pizzas, like Pizza Hut.
While cheese sticks are now commonly served as appetizers or side dishes, their origin is likely tied to the centuries-old tradition of combining cheese with bread. In Italy, for example, there’s a longstanding tradition of making simple bread and cheese dishes, such as “focaccia,” that have a similar flavor profile. Over time, these simple combinations evolved into the gooey, melty cheese sticks we know today.
Pizza Hut, known for its innovation in the pizza industry, helped popularize cheese sticks as a standalone item. The brand turned them into a signature appetizer, adding garlic butter, mozzarella, and parmesan to a soft dough base and then baking it to a golden, crispy perfection. Over the years, the recipe for cheese sticks has expanded to include a variety of toppings, dips, and sauces, with marinara being the most common accompaniment.
The Science of the Perfect Cheese Stick Crust
Creating the perfect cheese stick involves understanding the importance of the crust. The crust must be golden and crispy on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside. The combination of these textures is what makes cheese sticks such a comforting and enjoyable snack.
The key to achieving the right crust is the dough. The yeast, which helps the dough rise, is crucial to getting a soft, airy texture. The flour provides the necessary structure, while butter adds richness and flavor. The sugar, while small in quantity, helps activate the yeast and enhances the overall texture of the dough. By allowing the dough to rest, you give the yeast time to work its magic, ensuring that the dough is light and fluffy once baked.
The use of unsalted butter in both the dough and the topping is another critical factor. Butter not only contributes to the dough’s texture but also gives the crust its golden color and flavor. Additionally, brushing the top with melted butter before baking helps ensure that the cheese sticks bake evenly and develop a crisp, flavorful crust.
Types of Cheese to Use in Cheese Sticks
The cheese is, of course, the star of the show when it comes to cheese sticks. While mozzarella is the most common choice due to its meltability and mild flavor, other cheeses can also be used to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Parmesan, for example, adds a sharp, savory note that complements the creaminess of the mozzarella.
For those looking to experiment, cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses can be used. Cheddar cheese offers a sharper, tangier flavor, while provolone can bring a smokier taste to the cheese sticks. The combination of mozzarella with other cheeses gives the dish a unique and more complex flavor profile.
It’s also important to use fresh, high-quality cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and meltability of the cheese. For the best results, it’s recommended to shred cheese fresh from the block, as this allows for a smoother melt and a more delicious result.
Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings
To elevate the flavor of the cheese sticks, seasonings play a pivotal role. While cheese is the primary ingredient, adding herbs and spices can make the dish even more flavorful. The inclusion of garlic salt and dried oregano in this recipe is a classic combination that imparts an Italian-inspired taste, reminiscent of pizza dough and garlic bread.
Garlic salt, with its savory and aromatic profile, perfectly complements the rich, creamy mozzarella and the buttery crust. It’s an essential flavor element that gives the cheese sticks that familiar pizza flavor. Meanwhile, dried oregano is commonly used in Italian cuisine for its herbal, slightly peppery taste, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cheese sticks.
Feel free to experiment with other seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick, while a pinch of basil or thyme can bring out more herbal undertones. The addition of a little onion powder or a dash of smoked paprika can further enhance the flavor, providing a unique twist on this classic recipe.
How to Serve and Enjoy Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are versatile and can be served in various ways. Traditionally, they are served as an appetizer or side dish, perfect for pairing with pizza or a salad. However, they can also stand alone as a snack, making them ideal for game day, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
The most common way to serve cheese sticks is with marinara sauce for dipping. The rich, tangy sauce provides a perfect contrast to the cheesy, buttery breadsticks, creating a delicious balance of flavors. However, feel free to get creative with your dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can complement the cheese sticks beautifully.
Cheese sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and the cheese is gooey. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated in the oven to restore their crispy texture. While reheating in the microwave will make them soft, the oven will help the crust retain its crunchiness.
Health Considerations and Modifications
While cheese sticks are undeniably delicious, they are also rich in calories and fat. A typical serving contains around 338 calories, with 11 grams of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates. The cheese provides a significant source of calcium, which is beneficial for bone health, while the dough contributes a good amount of carbohydrates for energy.
For those looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, there are a few modifications you can consider. You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. Additionally, using a reduced-fat mozzarella or a blend of low-fat cheeses can help lower the overall fat content.
For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. Many such blends are available that mimic the texture of regular flour, allowing you to create a dough that’s just as tasty and satisfying without the gluten. For a dairy-free version, plant-based cheeses like cashew cheese or almond-based mozzarella can be used, though they might not melt quite as well as traditional dairy cheeses.
Conclusion
Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks are a perfect combination of soft, buttery dough and gooey, melted cheese. Their versatility and delicious flavor make them an excellent snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether served with marinara sauce or another creative dip, cheese sticks never fail to impress.
By understanding the science behind the crust, selecting high-quality cheeses, and experimenting with seasonings, you can elevate this dish and make it your own. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, cheese sticks are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. From the dough to the cheese to the seasonings, there are plenty of opportunities to make this dish uniquely yours. With their irresistible flavor and satisfying texture, Pizza Hut-style cheese sticks are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!