👩🍳 Instructions: How to Make Pizza Sticks
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll the pizza dough onto your prepared baking sheet. If using crescent roll dough, separate it into rectangles (usually two triangles pressed together) and firmly pinch the seams closed. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
- On each dough rectangle, lay 5-6 slices of pepperoni down the center.
- Place one mozzarella string cheese stick on top of the pepperoni.
- Carefully fold the long edges of the dough over the cheese, meeting in the middle.
- Pinch the seam tightly to seal the dough completely. Turn the stick over so the seam is facing down.
- Pinch the two short ends closed as well to prevent the cheese from melting out during baking.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder (and grated Parmesan, if using).
- Using a pastry brush, liberally brush the butter mixture over the top and sides of each sealed pizza stick. This adds flavor and helps them brown nicely.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the sticks are puffed up and a deep golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Dip
Remove the pizza sticks from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they will be extremely hot inside!). Serve warm with a side of warm marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Expert Tips & Variations
- Sealing is Key: Make sure you pinch those seams tightly! Escaping cheese can be a delicious, but messy, problem.
- Don't Overfill: Stick to the cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Too many fillings will make it hard to seal and can result in a soggy bottom crust.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Topping Swap: Don't like pepperoni? Use thinly sliced ham, turkey, or even cooked and drained sausage crumbles instead. Just make sure the fillings are cooked beforehand!
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the unbaked pizza sticks, place them on the baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Add a couple of minutes to your baking time.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Leftover pizza sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a toaster oven or a standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soft and chewy.
- Freezing: Assemble the sticks, but do not brush with butter. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. To bake, brush with the butter mixture and bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
What's your favorite dipping sauce for a cheesy breadstick? Let us know in the comments below!
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.