Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

My love for Pizza Hut breadsticks started during late-night college study sessions, sparking an obsession with recreating that perfect cheesy, buttery delight.

Crispy edges and soft centers became my culinary quest.

Passionate home cooks understand the magic of reimagining restaurant favorites in their own kitchens.

Recreating these iconic breadsticks requires simple ingredients and a dash of creativity.

Seasoned herbs and melted butter create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey back to those comforting Pizza parlor moments.

You’ll want to savor every golden, garlic-infused morsel straight from the oven.

Ingredients for Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks

Bread Base:
  • Flour: The main ingredient that provides structure and texture for the breadsticks.
  • Water: Essential liquid that helps bind the ingredients and create dough consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the breadsticks.
Activation Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with dough rising.
  • Yeast: Provides the necessary fermentation to make the dough rise and develop flavor.
Flavor and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder: These ingredients add rich, savory taste and create the signature Pizza Hut breadstick flavor profile.

How to Make Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit and become frothy for about 5 minutes, which helps activate the yeast’s magical rising power.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Pour the frothy yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour.

Stir until a shaggy, slightly messy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough with your hands, stretching and folding for 8-10 minutes. The goal is a smooth, stretchy texture that feels soft and elastic.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour until the dough doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape Breadstick Strips

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for about 1/2 inch thickness.

Slice the dough into long, even strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Step 6: Prepare Breadstick Toppings

Arrange the dough strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush generously with melted butter. Sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the breadsticks for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Serve immediately while warm and deliciously fragrant.

Tips for Perfect Copycat Breadsticks

  • Ensure water is exactly warm (not hot) to help yeast activate without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
  • Spend full 8-10 minutes kneading to develop gluten, which guarantees soft and stretchy breadsticks.
  • Brush breadsticks generously with melted butter before and after baking for extra richness and golden color.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese before baking for authentic Pizza Hut-style seasoning.
  • Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help it double in size and create airy texture.

Variations on Copycat Breadsticks

  • Gluten-Free Breadsticks: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or cassava flour. Use xanthan gum to help bind the dough and maintain texture.
  • Vegan Herbal Version: Swap butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Add dried oregano, basil, and thyme for extra flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Cheese Sticks: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or cauliflower-based flour. Top with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a protein-rich alternative.
  • Whole Wheat Rustic Option: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more robust flavor. Sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary to enhance the earthy taste profile.

Best Pairings for Copycat Breadsticks

Pair these crispy breadsticks with marinara sauce for a classic Italian-inspired dunking experience that brings out the garlic and Parmesan flavors.

Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, buttery breadsticks and cleanse the palate with its bright acidity.

Serve alongside a creamy tomato basil soup or robust minestrone to create a comforting, satisfying meal that highlights the breadsticks’ warm, golden texture.

Toss a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy breadsticks and add a nutritious element to your meal.

How to Store Copycat Pizza Breadsticks

  • Store breadsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap completely cooled breadsticks individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed breadsticks at 350F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Wrap loosely in foil to prevent drying out.
  • Heat breadsticks for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Add a damp paper towel to prevent them from becoming tough and maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but skip the proofing step since instant yeast activates faster.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm (not hot), around 110°F. A warm, draft-free environment helps the dough rise effectively.

  • Is it necessary to knead the dough for the full 8-10 minutes?

Yes, kneading develops gluten, which gives the breadsticks their soft, chewy texture. Proper kneading ensures a better final result.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

Why Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Are So Addictive

  • Conquer Pizza Cravings: Recreate the iconic Pizza Hut breadsticks right in your kitchen with this simple, foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties, these breadsticks guarantee smiles and satisfied appetites.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese blends, herbs, or dipping sauces to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep everyone coming back for more.
  • Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Save money by making these delicious breadsticks at home, using basic pantry ingredients that won't break the bank.
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Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pizza Hut Breadsticks promise a nostalgic journey through comfort food memories. Crispy edges, buttery garlic notes, and perfectly seasoned dough invite you to savor classic pizzeria magic in your own kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by dissolving sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast on top. Allow mixture to become foamy and fragrant for 5 minutes.
  2. Create dough base by combining flour and salt in a separate container. Integrate frothy yeast liquid and melted butter, mixing until a rough, shaggy texture develops.
  3. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes. Develop smooth, stretchy consistency with elastic texture.
  4. Coat a clean bowl with olive oil, place dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately 1 hour until volume doubles.
  5. Punch down risen dough and roll into a thin rectangular shape, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into uniform breadstick strips.
  6. Arrange strips on parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving small gaps between each piece. Generously brush with melted butter and dust with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake breadsticks for 15-20 minutes, rotating pan halfway through, until edges turn golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

  • Activate yeast properly by ensuring water temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee perfect rising and prevent killing the yeast.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy and soft texture that mimics Pizza Hut’s signature breadstick consistency.
  • Customize flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese blends like mozzarella or adding dried herbs like oregano or basil to the topping for extra depth.
  • Make gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum to maintain dough structure and elasticity.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 185 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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