CopycatSpices
Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
Make Pizza Hut's famous cheese sticks at home — crispy breaded mozzarella sticks with gooey center, served with marinara. Better than delivery.
pizza-hut · cheese-sticks · appetizer · copycat
🕑Prep15 min
🍳Cook6 min
⏱Total21 min
🍽Serves6
⭐DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
- 1 lb block mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- 1.Cut mozzarella block into sticks about 1/2-inch thick and 3 inches long. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2.Set up breading station: Bowl 1 — flour mixed with salt and pepper. Bowl 2 — eggs beaten with 1 tbsp water. Bowl 3 — panko mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- 3.Working one at a time: dredge cheese stick in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg wash, then roll in panko until fully coated. Press panko gently to adhere.
- 4.Place coated sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes (this prevents cheese from leaking during frying).
- 5.Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
- 6.Fry frozen cheese sticks in small batches (don't crowd) for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
- 7.Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
Pizza Hut cheese sticks are a beloved appetizer — crispy, golden panko-crusted mozzarella with a gooey, stretchy center. This homemade version tastes even better than delivery and costs a fraction of the price.
The Freezer Step Is Essential
Freezing the breaded cheese sticks for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable. It prevents the cheese from melting and leaking into the oil before the breading crisps up. You can freeze them for up to 3 months and fry straight from frozen.
Get the Oil Temperature Right
Keep the oil at a steady 350°F. Too low and the breading absorbs oil and gets greasy. Too high and the outside burns before the cheese melts. Use a thermometer.
Serving Ideas
Serve with warm marinara for the classic Pizza Hut experience. Also great with ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli for dipping.
