Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving those soft, buttery, garlicky breadsticks from Pizza Hut and wished you could make them at home, I have fantastic news for you! This Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe is a game changer — I absolutely love how it turns out every single time. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple, and best of all, you get to enjoy that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen while they bake. Let’s get into why this recipe is so special and exactly how you can nail it at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create that iconic pizza hut breadstick—fluffy dough, a buttery herby glaze, and the perfect sprinkle of Parmesan. Make sure to use warm water and milk when mixing the dough to help the yeast activate beautifully.

• Bread Flour: Using bread flour is key for gluten development, which gives breadsticks their wonderful chewy texture.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast activates in warm liquids and makes the dough rise perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness for balance.
• Unsalted Butter: Used twice—first in the dough for richness, then melted with herbs for that signature topping.
• Warm Water and Warm Milk: Helps the yeast bloom and creates a tender crumb.
• Dried Onion Powder: Adds a subtle savory sweetness to the herb butter.
• Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Dried Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring in the familiar Pizza Hut flavor notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for that salty, nutty finish every breadstick needs.

Variations

I like to keep things classic here, but feel free to customize this Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe to your liking—after all, the best recipes are the ones that fit your mood and taste buds.

• Cheesy Breadsticks: I sometimes add shredded mozzarella between the slits before baking—my family goes crazy for the extra cheesiness.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a nuttier flavor and healthier twist, swap half the bread flour with whole wheat. Just know it changes the texture a bit.
• Fresh Herbs: If you prefer, swap dried herbs for fresh basil and oregano in the butter mix for a more vibrant taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your butter mixture if you like a little heat with your breadsticks.

How to Make Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dough for Perfect Softness

Start by adding the bread flour, yeast, salt, sugar, melted butter, warm water, and warm milk into your stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook. I recommend spooning and leveling off the flour so you don’t accidentally add too much—that’s a trick I learned the hard way when my dough turned too stiff! Mix first on low to bring everything together, then crank it up to high speed and let it knead for several minutes until you get a smooth, elastic dough. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl cleanly. Patience here pays off for that perfect breadstick texture.

Step 2: The Crucial First Rise

Transfer your dough to a large bowl greased with olive oil to prevent sticking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. I usually set mine inside my oven with just the light on—it keeps the environment warm and cozy for the yeast to work their magic. Let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is where you build fluffiness, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Rolling, Cutting, and Second Rise

Once your dough has risen, roll it out to a rectangle about 18 by 13 inches. If it’s sticky, just sprinkle with a bit of flour or lightly oil your rolling pin. Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet of the same size. Using a pizza cutter, make slits: one lengthwise down the middle, then across about 10 times, creating roughly 20 breadsticks. I like to keep the slits consistent for even baking. Cover again and let the dough rest for another 30–60 minutes; this second rise is essential for that airy texture.

Step 4: Preparing the Herbed Butter

While the dough is resting, mix together 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with dried onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, basil, and a pinch of salt. This heavenly butter is what makes these breadsticks sing with flavor once baked and brushed generously on top.

Step 5: Baking and Finishing Touches

Preheat your oven to 470°F. Brush the unbaked dough with 2 tablespoons melted butter (plain at this point). Pop it in for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. When they’re out of the oven, brush on that herbed butter mixture generously and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Now is the perfect moment to cut fully through the slits to separate the breadsticks—serve them warm with your favorite marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, once you try this Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe, you’ll be hooked.

How to Serve Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these breadsticks with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little more grated Parmesan on top for a fresh, cheesy vibe. It adds a bit of color and extra flavor that your guests will notice, making it feel like a real treat.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks pair wonderfully with a big bowl of marinara sauce or even a creamy ranch dip. For a full meal, I love serving them alongside a tossed green salad or a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti Bolognese—classic combo, right?

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these breadsticks in a circular pattern on a large platter with little ramekins of different dipping sauces—marinara, garlic butter, and spicy ranch. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You want to avoid refrigerating if possible because it tends to dry them out.

Freezing

Freezing works great for both dough and fully baked breadsticks. I freeze the dough on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer it to a ziplock bag. When ready to use, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it rise a bit before shaping. For baked breadsticks, freeze them without butter and Parmesan topping; then warm and brush butter and cheese fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe, reheat breadsticks in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If you refrigerated or froze them, this helps crisp up the outside while keeping them soft inside. Then brush on the herbed butter and sprinkle on Parmesan again before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe at home quickly became a beloved ritual around my kitchen table. I used to struggle with breadstick recipes that came out either too dense or flavorless, but this one feels just right every time—soft, buttery, and packed with herbaceous goodness. If you want a little slice of that Pizza Hut nostalgia without the delivery wait, I truly encourage you to try it. You’ll be surprised how impressive and satisfying homemade breadsticks can be with just a few simple steps. Happy baking, friend!

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