If you’re craving a fun, cheesy, and utterly delicious snack, this Pizza Sticks Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, buttery pizza dough wrapped around layers of savory mini pepperoni slices, baked to golden perfection, and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It captures all the magic of pizza but in a playful, easy-to-eat stick form. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, these pizza sticks are perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pizza Sticks Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special, from the pillowy texture of the pizza crust to the garlicky, herb-infused butter that elevates every bite. Together, they create irresistible layers of flavor and texture you won’t want to miss.
- 13.8 oz. refrigerated pizza crust: The foundation of your pizza sticks, providing a soft and chewy base that crisps beautifully when baked.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich moisture and helps the dough achieve a golden, flaky finish.
- ¾ tsp garlic salt: Infuses the butter with a punch of savory flavor that complements the pepperoni perfectly.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil: Fresh herbs bring brightness and an aromatic touch that pairs brilliantly with the other ingredients.
- 5 oz. mini pepperoni slices (1 package): The star protein of the dish, offering spicy and smoky bites wrapped inside the dough.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of pure cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade): For dipping, this tangy sauce rounds out every bite with classic pizza flavor.
How to Make Pizza Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
Start by soaking 10 bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the oven—or grab metal skewers if you prefer. This simple step ensures your pizza sticks stay perfectly intact while baking.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. These prep steps are key for getting those golden crusts without any fuss.
Step 3: Roll Out and Brush the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface for easy handling. Mix the melted butter, garlic salt, and chopped basil, then brush this flavorful blend evenly over the dough. This step infuses every bite with herbaceous, garlicky richness that makes these sticks irresistible.
Step 4: Cut Dough into Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips. These narrow strips are perfect for wrapping around the pepperoni on your skewers and ensure each bite has a balanced dough-to-filling ratio.
Step 5: Thread the Pepperoni
Thread 5 to 7 mini pepperoni slices onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each slice so the dough can wrap beautifully all around and peek through. The pepperoni not only adds flavor but also creates an inviting, rustic look.
Step 6: Wrap the Dough Around Pepperoni
Starting at one end of a dough strip, pierce it with the skewer’s pointed tip and spiral-wrap the dough around the pepperoni slices. Be sure to press the dough firmly at both ends so it stays put during baking. This creates the pizza stick’s signature look and holds the delicious layers tightly together.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your wrapped skewers on the prepared baking sheet, then brush them once more with the garlic-basil butter for extra flavor and golden color. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough turns a light golden brown and is cooked through.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Serve
Remove the pizza sticks from the oven and immediately sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Return to the oven briefly if needed, just until the cheese melts and becomes beautifully gooey. Serve piping hot with your favorite pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Pizza Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top if you want to add a touch of freshness or heat. A light dusting of grated Parmesan as a finishing touch also gives a sophisticated flair to your snack.
Side Dishes
Serve these pizza sticks alongside a crisp green salad or crunchy veggie sticks like carrots and celery to balance out the richness. A small bowl of marinara or ranch dip adds a creamy or tangy complement that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging pizza sticks in a circular stand or in a rustic wooden board surrounding colorful dipping bowls for a party-ready platter. You could even cut them into bite-sized pieces, making them perfect finger food for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pizza sticks, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked pizza sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the pizza sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. This keeps the dough crispy and cheese melty—far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully with this Pizza Sticks Recipe. Just roll it out into a thin rectangle and proceed as directed. Fresh dough may even add a bit more flavor and a chewier texture.
What if I don’t have bamboo skewers?
Metal skewers make a great alternative and won’t soak up water. Just be mindful that metal can heat up quickly, so use tongs when handling hot skewers out of the oven.
Can I substitute the mini pepperoni with something else?
Yes, feel free to swap pepperoni for sliced cooked sausage, ham, or even vegetables like roasted red peppers for a vegetarian twist. The dough and cheese combo will adapt deliciously!
Is there a way to make these pizza sticks gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or crust, and follow the same steps. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free doughs can sometimes cook faster or slower.
How do I make the pizza sauce from scratch?
If you want to skip store-bought sauce, simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and a pinch of sugar for about 20 minutes. This fresh sauce adds a personal touch to your pizza sticks.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Sticks Recipe is truly a winner in the world of comfort food. It’s simple to make, fun to eat, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. I can’t wait for you to try it out, share with loved ones, and make it a staple for your snack and party menu. Once you get a taste, these pizza sticks just might become an all-time favorite!
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Pizza Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These irresistible Pizza Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on classic pizza, featuring mini pepperoni skewered and wrapped in garlic basil butter brushed pizza dough, baked to golden perfection and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served with a side of pizza sauce, they make an ideal appetizer or snack for any pizza lover.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Butter Mixture
- 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza crust
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (1/2 stick)
- 3/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Filling and Toppings
- 5 oz mini pepperoni slices (1 package, e.g., Hormel)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
Additional
- 10 bamboo skewers (soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes or metal skewers)
- Cooking spray (for baking sheet)
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak 10 bamboo skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during baking, or use metal skewers if preferred.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, and chopped fresh basil, then brush this mixture lightly and evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Cut Dough Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips to be used for wrapping the pepperoni on skewers.
- Skewer the Pepperoni: Thread 5 to 7 mini pepperoni slices onto each skewer, leaving small gaps between slices to allow the dough to wrap around and show through.
- Wrap Dough Around Skewers: Starting at one end of a dough strip, pierce it with the pointed end of a skewer. Carefully spiral-wrap the dough strip around the pepperoni on the skewer, allowing some pepperoni to peek through. Secure the end of the dough by wrapping it around the bottom of the skewer and pressing the dough ends together to adhere.
- Bake: Place the prepared skewers on the baking sheet. Brush the dough-wrapped skewers with additional garlic basil butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns light golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove the skewers from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over them. Return to the oven if needed to allow the cheese to melt, then serve hot with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning in the oven.
- Using metal skewers is an alternative to soaked bamboo skewers.
- Fresh basil can be swapped with dried basil if unavailable, but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- Store-bought pizza sauce works well, but homemade sauce adds extra freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Ensure dough is fully baked and lightly golden for best texture and flavor.
- Leftover pizza sticks can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up.
