Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks

Featured in Food for the Family.

These copycat Pizza Hut breadsticks are soft, buttery, and full of garlicky flavor—just like the ones you’d get at your favorite pizza spot. The dough is easy to make with pantry staples and only needs about an hour to rise. Once baked, they’re brushed with a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and a little salt. They come out golden on the edges, tender in the center, and packed with flavor in every bite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or served alongside pizza night. You’ll never want the store-bought version again once you’ve tried these homemade ones.
Soo Ben
Updated on Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:17:36 GMT
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There’s something deeply nostalgic about those buttery, garlicky breadsticks that arrive at your table with a piping hot Pizza Hut pizza. The golden crust, the fluffy center, the signature garlic butter topping—it’s comfort food perfection. This homemade version captures everything you love about the original, from the tender, pull-apart texture to that savory, melt-in-your-mouth finish. And the best part? You can make them right in your own kitchen with just a few pantry staples.

I started making these as a side for homemade pizza night, and now they’ve become a must-have. The dough is easy to work with, and once you try that garlic butter topping fresh out of the oven, you’ll never settle for the store-bought version again.

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

  • Active Dry Yeast (2¼ tsp): Gives the dough its airy rise. Let it sit in warm water for a few minutes until foamy—this ensures it’s alive and ready to go.
  • Warm Water (1 cup, around 110°F): Just the right temp to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The base of the dough. Spoon and level it when measuring to avoid dense breadsticks.
  • Salt (1 tsp in dough, ¼ tsp in butter topping): Balances flavor and enhances everything from the dough to the garlic butter.
  • Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): For brushing over the tops after baking. It’s what makes these irresistible.
  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Delivers that signature Pizza Hut garlic flavor.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top, it melts slightly into the butter, adding a salty, nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks

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Step 1: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This step is crucial—it shows the yeast is active. Add flour and salt, then mix and knead for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each into a breadstick shape and place on the baking sheet with a bit of space between them. They’ll expand as they bake.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are soft but cooked through. Avoid overbaking to keep that pillowy texture.
Step 6: Make the Topping
While the breadsticks bake, melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder and salt. You can also add a pinch of dried parsley if desired.
Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle
As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan while still warm so it sticks.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. These are best enjoyed fresh, but they reheat beautifully too.

When I first started making these, I was surprised how quickly they came together. My family now insists I double the recipe every time because they’re always the first thing gone at the table.

Fun Variations to Try

  • Herb Breadsticks: Add dried oregano or basil to the dough or butter topping
  • Cheese-Stuffed: Wrap the dough around mozzarella sticks before baking
  • Sweet Version: Swap garlic butter for melted butter with cinnamon sugar
  • Spicy: Mix cayenne or red pepper flakes into the butter for a kick

These breadsticks are a blank canvas—you can easily adjust the flavor to match your meal or mood.

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Perfect Pairings for Pizza Hut Breadsticks

  • Pizza Night: Serve alongside homemade or delivery pizza
  • Pasta Dinners: Pair with spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo
  • Party Snacks: Set out with dips for game day or potlucks
  • Soup Sidekick: Serve with tomato soup or creamy broccoli cheddar

Whether you're recreating a takeout favorite or building a better pizza night at home, these Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks are guaranteed to be a hit. Fluffy, buttery, and endlessly dippable—they taste like they came straight from the pizzeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I freeze the dough? Yes—freeze after the first rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and shape before baking.
  • Can I use instant yeast instead? Yes—just skip the activation step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
  • What’s the best dipping sauce? Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even Alfredo sauce work great.
  • How long do leftovers last? 2–3 days in an airtight container. Reheat for best texture.

Pizza Hut Breadsticks

Soft garlic parmesan breadsticks made from scratch.

Prep Time
85 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 breadsticks)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Dough

01 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
03 1 tsp salt
04 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
05 1 tbsp olive oil
06 1 tbsp sugar

→ For the Topping

07 ¼ cup butter, melted
08 1 tsp garlic powder
09 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 ¼ tsp salt, or to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 03

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Transfer to a greased baking sheet and slice into strips using a knife or pizza cutter.

Step 05

Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and lightly crisp on the edges.

Step 06

In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, Parmesan, and salt. Brush the warm breadsticks with this mixture as soon as they come out of the oven.

Step 07

Serve the breadsticks warm as a side or snack. Optionally, sprinkle with more Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  1. If you like softer breadsticks, bake a minute or two less for a chewier center.
  2. Add extra Parmesan on top before baking for more cheesy flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Pizza cutter or knife
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten
  • Dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~