Homemade Pizza Hut Soft Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: A Small Batch Recipe with Irresistible Pepperoni Dipping Sauce

Who can resist the golden, garlicky, cheesy perfection of Pizza Hut’s soft breadsticks? For many of us, ordering pizza isn’t complete without a side of these addictive delights. But what if you could recreate that magic at home, perfectly scaled for a smaller gathering, and elevate the experience with a unique dipping sauce? Say goodbye to expensive takeout and hello to freshly baked, incredibly soft garlic parmesan breadsticks that rival your favorite pizza chain, all made in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

It’s a culinary enigma: why do we so often pair pizza, already a magnificent carb creation, with yet more bread? The answer, I believe, lies in the sheer irresistible nature of a perfectly baked breadstick. They’re not just an accompaniment; they’re an experience unto themselves. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy breadstick, coated in a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. It’s a taste sensation that sometimes even surpasses the main event.

In fact, I’d happily trade a small pizza for a generous box of these homemade Pizza Hut-style Soft Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks, especially when they’re served alongside our secret weapon: a phenomenal Pepperoni Dipping Sauce. This combination isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete meal, offering all the delightful flavors of pizza without the need for a full pie. This small batch recipe ensures you get just enough to satisfy your cravings without overindulging or dealing with too many leftovers.

Why Bake Your Own Pizza Hut Breadsticks? The Ultimate Homemade Advantage

Beyond the undeniable satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, making these iconic breadsticks at home offers numerous benefits. Firstly, the cost savings are significant. Regularly ordering breadsticks can quickly add up, but with a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that tastes even better and fresher. You control the ingredients, ensuring quality and avoiding any unwanted additives found in store-bought or restaurant versions.

Secondly, the freshness is unparalleled. There’s nothing quite like warm breadsticks straight out of the oven, their aroma filling your kitchen. The texture is perfectly soft and tender, something that can be lost when breadsticks have been sitting around in a delivery box. This recipe specifically aims for that melt-in-your-mouth softness that Pizza Hut is famous for, making them truly irresistible.

And finally, the joy of customization! While we’re aiming for a classic Pizza Hut copycat, making them yourself means you can adjust the garlic, parmesan, and herb levels to your exact preference. Love extra garlic? Go for it! Want more Italian seasoning? Add away! It’s your kitchen, your rules, and your perfect breadstick experience.

The Star Dipping Sauce: A Top Chef Inspired Creation

Now, let’s talk about the incredible Pepperoni Dipping Sauce. If you’re a fan of the hit culinary show “Top Chef,” this sauce might ring a bell. During an “All-Stars” season, the talented chef Mike Isabella presented a pepperoni dipping sauce that absolutely captivated the judges. Its unique flavor profile, blending the savory richness of pepperoni with a tangy tomato base, was an instant sensation.

Inspired by this culinary triumph, Mike Isabella later featured this very sauce as an appetizer at his renowned restaurant, Graffiato. It was there that I first experienced its magic firsthand. I vividly remember dragging my dad for dinner and, upon spotting the Pepperoni Dipping Sauce on the menu, knew it was an absolute must-try. And let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations. It truly tastes like the essence of pizza in a dip – a truly ingenious creation.

Driven by that unforgettable taste, I embarked on a mission to recreate it at home. While Mike Isabella’s original recipe is available online, I made a few minor adjustments to suit my personal preferences, fine-tuning the balance of flavors to achieve what I believe is the perfect homemade rendition. This sauce isn’t just for breadsticks; it’s versatile enough to elevate anything from chicken tenders to scrambled eggs, but it truly shines when paired with these soft garlic parmesan delights.

Crafting Perfect Breadsticks: Tips for Success

My biggest challenge when making these garlic parmesan breadsticks was having them around when no one else was home. Let’s just say I inadvertently consumed my week’s worth of carbs in a single, blissful sitting! They are *that* good and incredibly addictive.

The dough for these breadsticks is designed to be on the softer side. Don’t be alarmed if it feels a bit sticky; this characteristic is precisely what contributes to their signature soft and tender texture. When kneading, use a lightly floured surface and floured hands. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour, as this can make the breadsticks tough. Just enough to prevent sticking is perfect. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, but still pliable.

Achieving a good rise is crucial for the fluffy interior. Make sure your milk is at the correct temperature (120F-130F degrees) to properly activate the yeast. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for the dough to puff up beautifully. Patience during the resting and rising times will be greatly rewarded with light, airy breadsticks.

These homemade breadsticks are undeniably at their absolute best when eaten warm, straight from the oven, on the very day they are made. The garlic and parmesan topping forms a slightly crispy crust while the inside remains pillowy soft. However, should you miraculously have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. A quick warm-up in the oven or microwave will revive some of their delightful texture, though nothing beats fresh.

 

The Beauty of a Small Batch Recipe

This particular recipe has been thoughtfully updated to create a small batch of six breadsticks. This is perfect for those times when you’re cooking for one or two, or simply want to avoid the temptation of an entire tray of breadsticks lingering in the kitchen. It reduces food waste and makes the entire process feel less daunting. The photos in this post show a full batch from a previous version, but rest assured, the recipe below is specifically calibrated for six delectable breadsticks – no typo!

Making breadsticks at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. It’s a chance to indulge in a beloved comfort food, customize it to your liking, and impress your taste buds with minimal effort. Pair these delightful breadsticks with a simple salad for a light meal, serve them as an appetizer for game night, or make them the star of your next pizza-less pizza night. Get ready to experience the irresistible charm of homemade Pizza Hut-style garlic parmesan breadsticks!

*This recipe was updated on April 17, 2020, to make a small batch recipe of 6 breadsticks. The photos reflect a full batch, but I assure you the recipe as written makes 6 breadsticks. It’s not a typo.

Pizza Hut Soft Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks (Small Batch)

Yield:
6 breadsticks

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Rest Time
:
1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time:
2 hours

Craving those irresistible Pizza Hut garlic parmesan breadsticks but don’t want to make a huge batch? This small batch recipe delivers soft, flavorful breadsticks at a fraction of the cost. Perfect with our unique, chef-inspired Pepperoni Dipping Sauce for a meal that tastes like pizza without the fuss!

Ingredients for Soft Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

• 3/4 cup warm milk (120F-130F degrees)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/8 teaspoons (1/2 package or 1/8 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese*
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (not salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (not salt)

Ingredients for Pepperoni Dipping Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 3 ounces pepperoni slices
• Half a 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes with juices
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions for Homemade Breadsticks

1. In a large bowl, stir together the warm milk, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture and stir until just moistened. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, knead the dough for 3-4 minutes. Avoid adding too much extra flour; a light dusting is sufficient to prevent sticking. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when lightly poked. Loosely cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Brush some of the melted butter onto a clean cookie sheet or baking pan. Reserve the remaining melted butter for the breadstick topping.
5. Place the rested dough directly onto the prepared cookie sheet. Gently roll or pat it into a rectangle approximately 9×8 inches. Using a knife or dough scraper, lightly score the dough into six equal 1 1/2-inch wide strips (make cuts but do not cut all the way through, keeping the dough intact). Loosely cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until visibly puffed and about double in size, which should take approximately 1 hour**.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. While the oven preheats, prepare the garlic parmesan topping. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
8. Reheat the reserved melted butter if it has solidified. Gently brush the risen dough with the melted butter, ensuring an even coating. Evenly sprinkle the prepared cheese mixture over the buttered dough. Lightly press the mixture into the dough to help it adhere during baking.
9. Bake the breadsticks for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before fully cutting along the scored lines into individual strips. Serve warm with the irresistible Pepperoni Dipping Sauce.

   For best flavor and texture, these breadsticks are best enjoyed the day they are made. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Instructions for the Pepperoni Dipping Sauce:

1. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and pepperoni slices. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and the pepperoni has released its flavors. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth (or stock), salt, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
3. Carefully transfer about half of the warm sauce mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth. Add the remaining sauce mixture and blend again until the entire sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm with your freshly baked garlic parmesan breadsticks.

Notes for Best Results

*If you only have shredded Parmesan cheese, finely chop it before using for a smoother topping texture.

***If you plan to make the dough ahead of time, after shaping and scoring (step 5), loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the pan sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding to bake as instructed.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

Sources: Adapted from Gourmet Mom On The Go and Graffiato
—-

More Delicious Small Batch Breads & Dipping Sauces You’ll Love:

If you loved these Small Batch Soft Garlic Parmesan Pizza Hut Breadsticks, you may also enjoy these complementary recipes:

Small Batch Dinner Rolls
Cheddar Biscuits (served with Chicken Pot Pie Soup)

Small Batch Hot Cross Buns

Irish Soda Bread

Ratatouille Fries with Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce

Quick and Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce