Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks
I’ve always had a soft spot for Pizza Hut’s breadsticks. Honestly, I think I sometimes craved them more than the pizza itself—the chewy, fluffy inside paired with that perfectly seasoned, garlicky, buttery topping. The first time I tried making them at home, I underestimated how important it was to let the dough rise fully. I rushed it, and the breadsticks turned out dense and chewy (not in a good way). However, after a few rounds of experimentation, I nailed it, and now I can confidently say that these copycat Pizza Hut breadsticks are dangerously close to the real thing.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull them off. With a little patience, some pantry staples, and a baking pan, you’ll have warm, pillowy breadsticks ready to dip in marinara sauce right at home.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but authentic!)
- Pinch of salt
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Healthier option: Use half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a heartier breadstick.
- Vegan: Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Instructions / Method
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the water may be too hot/cold.
- Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until it comes together, then knead on a floured surface for about 7–8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches). Place it in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to score the dough into strips, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Second rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Season: While still warm, brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
- Slice & serve: Cut along the scored lines and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t skip the second rise—it gives the breadsticks their fluffy texture.
- If your dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time (too much flour will make them dense).
- For extra flavor, mix some seasoning directly into the dough.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: ~2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 12 breadsticks
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm marinara, ranch, or garlic butter dip.
- Pair with pizza, pasta, or soup to recreate the full Pizza Hut experience at home.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for cheesy breadsticks.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for best results.
- Freeze unbaked dough (after the first rise) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Definitely! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time, though; homemade gives the most authentic Pizza Hut taste.
How do I keep the breadsticks soft?
Brush them generously with melted butter right after baking and cover loosely with foil until serving.
Can I freeze baked breadsticks?
Yes, wrap cooled breadsticks in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F until warmed through.
What’s the secret to Pizza Hut’s flavor?
It’s the combination of butter, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs sprinkled right after baking. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes them addictive.
Can I make them healthier?
Yes! Try using half whole-wheat flour, reducing the butter, or topping with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
A Note from My Table to Yours
Every time I bake these Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks, it instantly takes me back to those fun pizza nights with family. They’re warm, soft, garlicky, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. I love that I can recreate them at home and tweak the recipe to my taste—sometimes cheesier, sometimes spicier, but always delicious.
So the next time you’re craving that Pizza Hut breadstick fix, skip the takeout and bake a batch in your own kitchen. I promise, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing
- Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional but authentic
- Pinch of salt
- Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or olive oil.
- Gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier option: Mix half whole-wheat flour with all-purpose.
- Vegan: Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Instructions
- Activate Yeast
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir, then knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes until smooth.
- First Rise
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour (until doubled).
- Shape Breadsticks
- Punch down dough, roll into a 9×13-inch rectangle, and place in a greased 9×13 dish. Score into strips without cutting fully.
- Second Rise
- Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Season
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, Parmesan, and salt.
- Slice & Serve
- Cut along scored lines. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
