Pizza sticks have become a beloved snack in recent years, offered at popular restaurants like Applebee’s. But what exactly are these tasty treats? Pizza sticks are essentially pizza meets breadsticks – strips of dough brushed with butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, before getting topped with cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
A pizza stick is a snack or appetizer made from pizza dough topped with ingredients like cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, and sauce. The dough is rolled into a log, cut into slices, and baked until golden brown. These are typically served with dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch dressing. They can be customized for various occasions and dietary preferences.
According to Shawn Syphus, author of a homemade pizza sticks recipe, the dough gets cut into strips then topped with mozzarella cheese sticks and pepperoni slices. The prepared strips get baked at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese melts. Then the pizza sticks are brushed with a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley before getting sprinkled with more Italian seasoning. After baking, they can be dipped into warm marinara sauce for a delicious snack.
Major brands like Glico, Conagra, New Primal, Margherita, and Helen Ou offer convenient frozen and ready-to-cook pizza stick options. Similar products like Grissini breadsticks, The Max mozzarella sticks, and Fortuna pepperoni sticks can all beincorporated into homemade recipes too.
With the right dough, cheeses, pepperoni and seasonings, you can easily recreate the pizza stick experience at home. Even sweet options are possible, like Oreo-stuffed pizza sticks for the kids. So next time you want an easy, pizza-inspired appetizer, reach for pizza sticks!
How to make your pizza stick at home?
You can make delightful pizza sticks at your home with these simple steps and instructions below, just make sure to follow them as it is with the proper measurements of ingredients.
The following is a recipe for homemade pizza sticks:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pizza dough
- a half-cup of pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese in two cups
- grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup
- Sliced pepperoni, 1/4 cup
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
- Olive oil, 1 tbsp
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
- For dipping, use ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
Instructions
- A baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper and the oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle that is approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick on a surface that has been lightly dusted with flour.
- Pizza sauce should be evenly distributed over the dough’s surface, leaving an edge boundary of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) all the way around.
- Over the pizza sauce, scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, pepperoni slices, and fresh basil leaves.
- Roll the pizza dough into a tight log by starting at one end of the rectangle and squeezing the edges together to seal.
- Slice the log into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces, then arrange the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tops of the pizza sticks after brushing them with olive oil.
- Pizza sticks should be baked for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Warm pizza sticks should be served with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Types of pizza sticks as per different occasions
Pizza sticks are a tasty and adaptable snack that can be made to fit various occasions. Here are some suggestions for various pizza stick options:
Pizza sticks for game day
Pizza sticks are a tasty and convenient snack that is an ideal dish for sports enthusiasts on game day. Pizza sticks with traditional toppings like pepperoni or BBQ chicken are always a hit, but you might wanna make your own with your preferred toppings.
Prepare different kinds of pizza sticks and offer them ranch dressing and marinara sauce for dipping. These pizza sticks are simple to prepare in advance and can be easily warmed up for a nice and filling game-day snack.
Party pizza for children
Pizza sticks for kids’ parties can be a great option. They are tasty and convenient snacks that could be enjoyed by kids of all ages. To make them more kid-friendly, use mini pizza dough or slice regular pizza dough into small pieces, then top with colorful toppings like mini meatballs, sliced hot dogs, or rainbow vegetables.
These pizza sticks are ideal for birthday parties or sleepovers and may be served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Create your unique toppings for these scrumptious, kid-friendly pizza sticks.
Gourmet pizza sticks
Traditional pizza sticks are given a wonderful and upscale makeover by gourmet pizza sticks. To make a more sophisticated snack, use premium items like fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and prosciutto.
Fresh basil can be used to make Margherita pizza sticks, while prosciutto and figs can be combined to make a sweet and delicious snack. These pizza sticks will wow your guests whether you serve them at a cocktail party or a more formal occasion.
Create your own custom gourmet pizza sticks by experimenting with various toppings and combinations to make everyone want more.
Veggies pizza stick
Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians will enjoy the tasty and nutritious vegetarian pizza sticks. To make a pleasant and wholesome snack, use a variety of vegetable toppings, such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and capsicum.
These pizza sticks can be offered with homemade pesto or marinara sauce for dipping. Pizza sticks made without meat are simple to make and a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Pizza sticks may be personalized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses for a tasty snack that is ideal for any occasion.
Pizza sticks for holidays
A festive and entertaining snack that is ideal for the holidays. To make a pizza stick with a holiday theme, use turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. To make a pizza stick with a Christmas theme, use gammon, pineapple, and green peppers.
You can serve these pizza sticks with several dipping sauces, including gravy, cranberry sauce, and mustard. They make a wonderful and entertaining snack for Christmas parties and events and are a fantastic way to use up leftovers from the holidays. Make these colorful and savory Christmas pizza sticks whatever you choose, and have fun with the toppings.
The bottom line
Pizza sticks are a tasty and adaptable snack that can be made specifically for each occasion. Pizza sticks come in a variety of delicious eating options, from traditional pepperoni for game day to gourmet toppings for a formal event.
There is a pizza stick for every taste, whether you want vegetarian or meat-based toppings or even components that are inspired by breakfast. Hence, the next time you’re searching for a quick and simple snack to sate your pizza desires, consider preparing some delectable pizza sticks!