One chilly Saturday afternoon, my kids begged for a movie marathon. The kind where the couch is piled high with blankets, and the whole family cozies up with snacks. I wanted something more exciting than popcorn or chips, something homemade but still easy to share.

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As I rummaged through the pantry, I remembered my husband’s love for Pizza Hut breadsticks—those warm, buttery, garlicky sticks that always disappear first when we order out. Suddenly, the idea struck me: why not try making them at home? The challenge wasn’t just about satisfying cravings but about creating a new family ritual—one that blended comfort food with moments of togetherness.

The kids helped me roll out the dough, their little hands pressing and shaping, while my husband prepared the garlic butter topping. By the time the breadsticks came out golden and fragrant, the house was filled with excitement and that irresistible aroma that pulls everyone closer.

Watching my son dip the warm breadstick into marinara sauce with pure delight reminded me how simple homemade treats can turn a lazy day into a special memory. That afternoon became a favorite, and these breadsticks soon found a permanent place in our weekend lineup.

Short Description

These Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks are soft, chewy, and brushed with a buttery garlic-Parmesan topping—just like the ones you remember, but even better homemade.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F)
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Topping:

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt

Tools Needed

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and rubber spatula
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
Baking sheet (greased)
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush
Clean kitchen towel

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, dry milk, salt, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is active.

Stir in the vegetable oil, then gradually add the flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and place the bowl in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. The dough should be soft and puffy when ready.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully transfer each strip onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 4: Mix and Brush the Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush half of this seasoned butter mixture generously over the dough strips.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The breadsticks should puff up and turn golden brown around the edges.

Step 6: Final Butter Brush
Remove from the oven and immediately brush the hot breadsticks with the remaining butter mixture. This step adds a glossy finish and extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve the breadsticks while warm, preferably with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Tastes just like your favorite Pizza Hut breadsticks—only fresher

– Easy to make with pantry staples

– Perfectly soft and buttery with crisp edges

– Great for parties, family dinners, or snacking

– Customizable with herbs and cheeses

– No preservatives or artificial flavors

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Dough not rising:
If your yeast doesn’t foam in Step 1, your water may be too hot or the yeast expired. Start over with fresh yeast and ensure the water is around 110°F.

2. Dough too sticky or too dry:
Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time if the dough feels too sticky while kneading. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water.

3. Overbaking:
Keep an eye on the oven at the 15-minute mark. Overbaking will dry them out. The tops should look lightly golden, not dark brown.

4. Uneven baking:
Make sure your dough strips are the same thickness and evenly spaced. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

5. Skipping the final butter brush:
Don’t skip the second brush of butter—it enhances flavor and gives the breadsticks their signature shine.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve hot with warm marinara, ranch, or garlic butter sauce.

Great alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.

Ideal for a game-day spread, party platter, or casual family-style dinner.

Try serving them as a base for cheesy garlic bread or mini sandwich sliders.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap breadsticks in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to restore softness.

Recrisping tip: Pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a lightly crisp exterior.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Skip the blooming step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. What if I don’t have non-fat dry milk?
You can substitute with 1 1/4 cups warm milk and reduce the water to 1 cup. Adjust as needed for dough consistency.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

4. How do I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t already include it.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well—just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

Tips & Tricks

Use a stand mixer to make kneading quicker and easier.

Brushing with butter immediately after baking helps the seasoning stick and keeps them soft.

For extra flavor, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the dough before baking.

A pizza cutter makes slicing dough strips fast and uniform.

Let the dough rest for 5 minutes after rolling to make it easier to cut.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Breadsticks:
After brushing the dough with the first layer of seasoned butter, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese on top before baking.

2. Spicy Breadsticks:
Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the topping mix for a subtle heat kick.

3. Whole Wheat Version:
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a few extra tablespoons of water to keep the dough soft.

4. Herb-Lover’s Twist:
Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil to the butter mix for a fresh, vibrant touch.

5. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Sticks:
Skip the savory topping. Instead, mix 1/2 cup melted butter with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Brush on baked sticks and serve with cream cheese frosting for dipping.

Final Thoughts

Recreating these breadsticks at home turned out to be more than just a recipe—it was a way to bring my family together. The process, from kneading the dough to brushing on that flavorful garlic butter, was as rewarding as the final bite. Each warm, soft breadstick carries a little piece of those cozy Saturdays and laughter-filled moments around the table.

Now, making these is more than cooking; it’s a simple tradition that keeps us connected, even on the busiest days. If you’re looking for a way to turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable, this recipe is a perfect place to start.

Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks