There’s something magical about those warm, buttery breadsticks that arrive at your table just moments after sitting down at Pizza Hut. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and packed with garlicky, cheesy flavor that makes them nearly impossible to stop eating. If you’ve ever found yourself craving those iconic breadsticks at home (especially at odd hours—been there!), you’re in for a treat.

This copycat Pizza Hut breadsticks recipe brings all that nostalgic flavor into your own kitchen—no delivery necessary. Whether you’re making them for a casual Friday night dinner, a game-day snack, or just because carbs are life, this is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Plus, it’s easier than you might think!

I’ve made these breadsticks more times than I can count, and every single time, they disappear almost as quickly as they come out of the oven. There’s just something about that buttery seasoning and cheesy topping that wins over everyone at the table (even the picky eaters).

Let’s jump right into it—get that marinara sauce ready because things are about to get delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the dough-making magic, here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt

STEP 1: Start the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. What you’re looking for is a nice foamy top—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If your mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old or your water too hot or too cold, so give it another go with fresh ingredients.

STEP 2: Mix & Knead

Once your yeast is nice and frothy, go ahead and add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix it all together with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, it should take about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed.

The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands too much, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.

STEP 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it loosely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A tip I swear by—pop it into your (turned-off) oven with the light on. It creates the perfect warm environment for a good rise.

This is the part where you can take a little break, clean up the kitchen, or prep your dipping sauce. Once that dough puffs up, it’s showtime.

STEP 4: Shape the Breadsticks

After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Then, punch down the dough (a very satisfying step, by the way) and press it evenly into the prepared pan.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to score the dough into breadstick shapes. This helps them bake evenly and makes slicing them easier once they’re done.

STEP 5: Flavor Boost!

Now for that classic Pizza Hut flavor. In a small bowl, mix together your melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush about half of this mixture over the top of your scored dough.

This is going to soak into the dough as it bakes, giving it that rich, buttery base that’s absolutely key to this recipe

Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks Recipe (Soft, Buttery & Irresistible!)

Now that we’ve got our dough rising, shaped, and slathered in that irresistible buttery seasoning, it’s time to move on to the best part—baking and finishing these copycat Pizza Hut breadsticks! This is where they transform from simple dough to the warm, golden-brown, garlic-perfumed perfection we all know and love.

In this part, we’ll cover the final baking process, how to get that signature texture, and a few simple tips to take your breadsticks to the next level. Trust me, this next step is where the kitchen really starts to smell like a Pizza Hut. Let’s keep going!

STEP 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

With your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and your dough already brushed with half the butter seasoning, go ahead and slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the breadsticks are lightly golden brown on top and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Keep an eye on them toward the end—every oven is different, and you don’t want to overbake. You’re aiming for a soft, fluffy center with just a slight crisp on the outside. If they look too pale at the 18-minute mark, give them another 2–3 minutes until they get that perfect golden hue.

STEP 7: Final Butter Brushing + Toppings

As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, grab your remaining butter and seasoning mixture and brush it generously over the hot breadsticks. This is where they soak up all that delicious garlicky flavor and really start to resemble the real thing.

Next, sprinkle the tops with the grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of salt. The heat from the breadsticks will slightly melt the Parmesan, giving them a light cheesy crust that’s absolutely heavenly. Don’t skip this part—it’s what gives them that signature taste.

STEP 8: Slice and Serve

Once they’ve cooled slightly (just enough so you don’t burn your fingertips), go back over the scored lines with a knife or pizza cutter to slice the breadsticks apart. You’ll end up with those soft, fluffy sticks of goodness that are practically begging to be dipped into warm marinara.

And speaking of marinara—don’t forget to serve these with your favorite sauce on the side. A simple store-bought jar works just fine, or you can heat up leftover pasta sauce if you’ve got some in the fridge. Garlic butter, ranch, or cheese sauce would be amazing, too.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Perfect Breadsticks

You’ve already nailed the basics, but here are a few little extras that can make a big difference:

Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to your butter seasoning mix for a slight kick.
Make it cheesy: Before baking, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend right on top of the buttered dough. It’ll bake into a gooey, melty topping that makes these even more irresistible.
Use a pizza stone or hot baking sheet: If you prefer your breadsticks with a slightly crispier bottom, place your pan on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. This gives you a firmer crust while keeping the inside soft.
Refrigerate the dough for more flavor: If you’ve got time, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The cold fermentation develops deeper flavor and gives you an even softer texture once baked.
Double the batch: These go fast—like really fast. If you’ve got a crowd or just love leftovers, double the recipe and bake in two pans.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best parts about this recipe? It’s totally make-ahead friendly. You can prep the dough, shape it in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just bring it to room temp for about 30 minutes before baking.

Leftovers (if you actually have any!) will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make them chewy instead of fluffy.

You can also freeze the baked breadsticks. Just wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped on the edges.

Now that we’ve got our dough nicely risen, shaped, and coated with that first layer of buttery garlic goodness, it’s time to bake these breadsticks to golden perfection. This is where all the magic happens—the dough transforms into those soft, chewy breadsticks you remember from Pizza Hut, with a crisp, flavorful crust that’s impossible to resist.

Let’s dive into the next steps to get these breadsticks from dough to table!

STEP 6: Bake the Breadsticks

Place your prepared baking pan with the scored dough into your preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake the breadsticks for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping a close eye on their color. You want them to turn a beautiful golden brown, with the edges just starting to pull away from the pan.

If you’re baking on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet (more on that later), the bottom will get a bit crisper, which some people really love. But whether you use a pan or a stone, the key is watching for that gorgeous golden top.

STEP 7: Brush with Remaining Butter Mixture

Once the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush them with the remaining butter mixture—the one with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This second coating locks in extra flavor and moisture, giving the breadsticks that irresistible shine and rich garlicky aroma.

Be generous here; the hot breadsticks will soak up the buttery goodness quickly!

STEP 8: Add Parmesan and Salt

While the butter is still warm on top, sprinkle the breadsticks with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt. The heat from the breadsticks will slightly melt the Parmesan, adding a subtle cheesy crust that’s signature to the Pizza Hut experience.

Don’t skip this step—it really elevates the flavor and gives you that authentic finish.

STEP 9: Let Cool Slightly and Re-Cut

After brushing and topping, let the breadsticks cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers—about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to re-cut along the scored lines you made earlier.

This ensures you get perfectly portioned breadsticks that are easy to pull apart and share.

Tips for Perfect Breadsticks

Here are a few quick tips to make sure your breadsticks come out just right every time:

For crispier bottoms: Bake on a preheated pizza stone or metal baking sheet instead of a regular pan. This gives the bottom a nice crunch while keeping the inside soft.
Make ahead: You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. This slow fermentation adds more flavor and improves texture.
Add cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
Serve warm: Breadsticks are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, with a side of warm marinara or garlic dipping sauce.
Store leftovers: Keep any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore softness.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! Some ideas:

Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped rosemary or thyme.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of plain olive oil for extra garlic flavor.