Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over those soft, buttery, garlicky breadsticks at Pizza Hut, then you’re in for a real treat. I’m about to share my ultimate Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe that’s just as addictive as the original (if not better!). Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll never want to wait for delivery again. They’re fluffy, loaded with that fragrant herbed butter, and perfect for dunking in marinara sauce. Let’s get baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic starts with the right mix of bread flour, dairy, and herbs. Each ingredient plays its part to recreate those irresistible Pizza Hut breadsticks in your own kitchen. Here are the essentials you’ll want to grab before you start.

• Bread flour: Gives the breadsticks their chewy, elastic texture. I always spoon and level it off for accuracy.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is perfect here; it helps the dough rise beautifully, creating that soft crumb.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
• Sugar: Just a little helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter goes into both the dough and as a buttery brush-on topping.
• Warm water & warm milk: Used at 105°F to help proof the yeast without killing it.
• Dried onion powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried basil: Classic herbs and spices that give the breadsticks their unmistakable aroma.
• Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top just before serving, adding that irresistible savory finish.

Variations

I love to keep this Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe classic, but over time I’ve tried some fun twists that you might want to experiment with, too. It’s so easy to personalize this recipe and make it your own.

• Cheesy Breadsticks: Adding shredded mozzarella into the dough or sprinkling it on top with the Parmesan gives an extra cheesy kick—my kids go wild for this version.
• Spicy Kick: Mix some red pepper flakes into the herbed butter for a little heat that livens up the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve swapped the bread flour for a reliable gluten-free flour blend once with good results, but keep an eye on the dough’s texture since gluten-free dough behaves differently.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, try doubling the fresh herbs in the butter topping instead of dried—it adds a lovely brightness.

How to Make Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

This is where patience pays off! Combine your bread flour, yeast, salt, sugar, melted butter, warm water, and warm milk in a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. I start mixing on low speed so the dry ingredients don’t fly everywhere, then crank it up to high once it starts coming together. Expect it to take a good 8 to 10 minutes to become nice and elastic. When you poke the dough, it should gently spring back—that’s how you know it’s ready.

Step 2: First Rise in a Warm Spot

Transfer the dough to a large bowl lightly coated with olive oil. I like to cover mine with plastic wrap and pop it into a warm spot—your oven’s proof setting works wonders here. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, usually about one hour. This step builds that lovely airy structure.

Step 3: Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough out onto an 18 x 13 inch baking sheet. Here’s a little trick I discovered: using a pizza wheel makes cutting the breadsticks so much easier. I cut once down the middle lengthwise, then across about 10 times, creating 20 perfect breadsticks. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes to an hour—it’ll give them that soft, pillowy texture you love.

Step 4: Prepare That Herbed Butter

While the breadsticks are rising, mix together 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with dried onion powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. This buttery mixture is what makes the breadsticks sooo irresistible—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake, Brush, and Sprinkle

Preheat your oven to a blazing 470°F—you want it hot so the breadsticks get a nice golden crust fast without drying out. Before baking, brush the dough with 2 tablespoons melted butter (not the herbed mix yet). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Immediately after they come out of the oven, brush generously with the herbed butter and sprinkle 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then slice them all the way through and serve warm. I promise, marinara sauce on the side will take these over the top!

How to Serve Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right on top of the hot breadsticks before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herb brightness. Sometimes I also dust a little extra Parmesan, just because why not?

Side Dishes

This recipe is perfect alongside a big plate of classic spaghetti marinara or a fresh garden salad. For a real feast, pair it with your favorite pizza or a hearty bowl of soup—my family loves it with tomato basil soup for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the breadsticks in a circular “wreath” shape on a platter with a bowl of marinara dipping sauce in the center—guests always ask how I made it look so fancy with zero effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep great for up to 3 days, though I won’t lie—my family usually eats them before then!

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the dough and the baked breadsticks successfully. For the dough, I freeze it on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag—just thaw overnight in the fridge and give it an extra rise before baking. Baked breadsticks (without butter or cheese) freeze well too; just defrost and warm them before adding the finishing touches.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil so they don’t dry out. Once warmed, brush the herbed butter and sprinkle Parmesan, and they taste freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe fills my kitchen with warm, comforting aromas and brings out the kid-in-me every time. It’s been a game-changer for family dinners and game nights—a simple homemade treat that feels special but isn’t complicated. Give it a try—you’ll find that recreating those famous breadsticks at home is not just doable, but incredibly rewarding. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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