Description
These Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Sticks are deliciously crispy on the outside and loaded with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni inside. Wrapped in golden, buttery pizza dough and topped with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, they make a perfect snack, lunch, or game-day appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pizza Sticks
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
Topping & Seasoning
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Dipping Sauce
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking the pizza sticks to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface, then cut into 8 equal rectangles to serve as the base for each pizza stick.
- Add the filling: Place 3 slices of pepperoni and half a mozzarella cheese stick onto each rectangle, distributing evenly to ensure flavorful bites.
- Seal the dough: Fold each rectangle over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, preventing the cheese from leaking during baking.
- Arrange for baking: Place the sealed pizza sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space to cook evenly.
- Apply seasoning: Brush each stick generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pizza sticks are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza sticks cool slightly after baking, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the dough edges are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- For variation, add cooked sausage or vegetables inside the sticks.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
