Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks
This Pizza Hut breadstick recipe delivers soft, chewy breadsticks with a golden, buttery bottom and a savory Parmesan-herb topping. Made with simple pantry staples, these homemade breadsticks are perfect for pizza night, parties, or as an irresistible appetizer.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook - Or large mixing bowl for hand kneading
- Two 9x13-inch baking dishes - Use high-quality metal pans for even browning
- Pastry brush - Silicone brush works best
- Pizza wheel cutter - Or sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel - Or plastic wrap
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water - 300ml, around 110°F / 43°C
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast - 1 packet
- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 375g, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter - 115g, melted and divided
For the Seasoning Topping
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated is best
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water (110°F) and sugar in a mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top, stir, and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
- Mix the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add remaining flour, then knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Butter the pans: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and divide evenly between two 9x13-inch baking dishes. Coat the entire bottom of each pan generously.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Shape the dough: Punch down dough and divide into two equal pieces. Roll or stretch each piece into a 9x13-inch rectangle and transfer to the buttered pans, pressing into corners.
- Score the dough: Use a pizza wheel to score the unbaked dough lengthwise down the center, then crosswise every 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Do not cut all the way through.
- Second rise: Cover the scored dough loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Place both pans in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Apply butter and seasoning: Immediately brush the hot breadsticks with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the prepared Parmesan seasoning blend.
- Slice and serve: Follow the scoring lines to cut into individual breadsticks. Serve warm with marinara, Alfredo, or ranch for dipping.
Notes
- Water temperature is critical: Water that is hotter than 115°F will kill the yeast. Aim for 105-110°F, which should feel pleasantly warm on your wrist.
- Don't skip the pan butter: This is essential for achieving the signature Pizza Hut crispy bottom. Use all the butter called for and coat the pan completely.
- Apply butter immediately after baking: The breadsticks must be piping hot so the butter absorbs into the surface for maximum flavor.
- Use grated Parmesan, not shredded: The fine texture adheres better to the buttered surface and distributes flavor evenly.
- Make-ahead dough: After the first rise, punch down dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, layer in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Cheesy variation: For extra cheesy breadsticks, mix 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella into the seasoning and sprinkle on top during the last 6-8 minutes of baking.
- No yeast shortcut: Use 16 oz of store-bought pizza dough to skip the proofing steps entirely. Just butter the pan, stretch, score, and bake.
- For cinnamon sugar breadsticks: Swap savory seasoning for 3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, brushed with melted butter after baking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Best texture when reheated in the oven.