Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat, Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks are here to steal the show! Imagine gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni all wrapped up in golden, buttery pizza dough—each bite is a little pocket of pure comfort. Whether you’re planning a game day get-together, looking for a kid-friendly treat, or just want an irresistible appetizer, these pizza sticks are about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks is how they transform simple, everyday ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. Each component brings its own magic—flavor, texture, and a pop of color that makes these sticks impossible to resist.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The shortcut that delivers that classic, chewy pizza base in minutes—no kneading required!
- Pepperoni slices: Brings a savory, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with melty cheese.
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks (halved): The secret to perfect, gooey cheese pulls every time.
- Melted butter: Gives the pizza sticks a rich, golden finish and helps the seasonings stick.
- Garlic powder: Adds that unmistakable pizza shop aroma and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the crust with classic pizzeria vibes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty boost and extra crispness.
- Marinara sauce (for dipping): The finishing touch—perfect for dunking and doubling down on pizza flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your pizza sticks won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze—always a win on busy days!
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Dough
Unroll your can of refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 12 equal rectangles. On one short end of each rectangle, layer two slices of pepperoni and half of a mozzarella stick. This is where the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks get their signature gooey, savory center!
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Roll each rectangle tightly around the pepperoni and cheese, making sure to pinch the edges closed so nothing escapes during baking. Place each pizza stick seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet so they hold their shape.
Step 4: Brush with Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this savory mixture generously over the tops of your pizza sticks, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This step gives them an irresistible golden crust and tons of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the dough turns golden brown and the cheese inside is deliciously melted—your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.
Step 6: Serve with Marinara
Once baked, let the Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks cool for a minute or two (if you can wait!). Serve them warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Get ready for that first glorious cheese pull!
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Garnishes
Take these pizza sticks to the next level with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice zing for spice lovers, while extra Parmesan on top gives even more cheesy flavor.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks are absolute stars on their own, but they also play nicely with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a side of garlic knots. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter with mixed olives and fresh fruit rounds out the spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pizza sticks standing upright in a mason jar or tall glass for a playful, grab-and-go snack. You can also slice them into bite-sized rounds and thread them on skewers for a fun appetizer platter. Don’t forget the dipping bowls of marinara—presentation always makes them disappear faster!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and cheesy, making for a quick snack or lunchbox treat later in the week.
Freezing
These pizza sticks freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can pull out a homemade snack whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, reheat Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the cheese perfectly melty. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just 20 to 30 seconds will do the trick, though the crust won’t be quite as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that stretchy cheese pull, you can swap in provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best results.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?
Make sure to pinch and seal the dough tightly around the filling, and always place the seam side down on the baking sheet. If you’re using shredded cheese instead of string cheese, roll the dough a bit more snugly for extra insurance.
Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the pepperoni or replace it with your favorite veggie toppings—think sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sliced olives. The method stays the same, and you’ll still get a deliciously cheesy snack.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Arrange Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks on a platter with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for a festive touch. You can even make them mini-sized for easy sharing!
Can I prepare these pizza sticks in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza sticks a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. They’re perfect for prepping before guests arrive or for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a freshly baked Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Stick—gooey, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Give this recipe a try and share it with friends or family; it might just become your new favorite snack to make together. Happy baking and happy snacking!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that combines crispy baked pizza dough with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni. Perfect for game days, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings, they come with a flavorful garlic and Italian seasoning butter brush and are served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Pizza Sticks
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
Seasoned Butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping and Serving
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cut Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and cut it into 12 equal rectangular pieces for uniform pizza sticks.
- Add Fillings: Place 2 slices of pepperoni and one half of a mozzarella string cheese stick at one end of each rectangle to ensure each stick has ample filling.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough tightly around the pepperoni and mozzarella, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage while baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each rolled pizza stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking.
- Prepare Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful brush for the pizza sticks.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the tops of the pizza sticks with the seasoned butter mixture, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the pizza sticks in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded mozzarella cheese if string cheese is unavailable; roll the dough tightly to avoid cheese leaks.
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoned butter before brushing the pizza sticks.
- These pizza sticks make excellent snacks, party appetizers, or lunchbox treats for kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
