Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks are the kind of snack that rarely makes it to leftovers. Crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and filled with classic pizza flavor, they offer everything people love about pizza in a simple, handheld form. They’re ideal for game nights, casual gatherings, after-school snacks, or anytime you need a quick crowd-pleasing bite.
What makes this recipe stand out is how effortless it is. Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps prep minimal, while folding and twisting the dough locks the cheese and pepperoni inside as it bakes. The result is golden, pull-apart pizza sticks with a gooey center and crisp edges. Served warm with marinara or your favorite dip, they feel indulgent without being complicated.
This recipe also scales easily. Make one batch for family snacking or double it for parties without changing the method. The results stay consistent every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Sticks
Quick and practical: Comes together with minimal prep using simple, store-bought ingredients.
Consistent results: The method is straightforward and produces evenly baked, cheesy pizza sticks.
Crowd-friendly: Easy to serve for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings.
Flexible: Works with different cheeses, seasonings, or dough types without changing the method.
Easy to reheat: Holds texture better than many baked snacks when reheated gently.
No special equipment: Uses standard kitchen tools and a regular oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pizza dough forms the base of this recipe. Refrigerated dough works best for consistent results and easy handling.
Mozzarella cheese provides classic stretch and melt, while a small amount of Parmesan adds depth and savory balance.
Mini pepperoni distributes evenly through the dough, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Italian seasoning and garlic powder enhance the pizza flavor without overpowering the filling.
Olive oil helps the dough bake up golden and crisp.
Marinara sauce is optional, but it’s the perfect finishing touch for dipping.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a rectangle with even thickness.
Evenly sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder over the dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise and press gently to seal.
Slice the dough into equal strips, then twist each strip a few times. Arrange them on the baking sheet with space between each one and brush lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is lightly golden and the filling is heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Pizza Sticks
Pizza sticks are best served warm while the cheese is still stretchy. Marinara sauce is the classic pairing, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a lightly spicy dip also work well. For parties, cut each stick in half to create bite-sized pieces. For a casual meal, serve them with a simple salad or raw vegetables to balance the richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the dough: Too much cheese or filling can cause leaking and uneven baking.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Leaving space between pizza sticks allows proper browning.
- Skipping full oven preheating: A hot oven is necessary for crisp edges and even cooking.
- Using very thick dough: Thick dough may brown on the outside before heating through.
- Reheating on high heat: High heat can dry out the dough and cause uneven warming.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pizza sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once..
FAQ
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes. Homemade dough works well as long as it’s rolled thin enough to fold and twist without tearing.
Can I change the cheese?
Mozzarella melts best, but provolone or a mozzarella-cheddar blend also works. Avoid very oily cheeses, which may leak during baking.
Why aren’t my pizza sticks crispy?
This usually happens if the oven isn’t fully preheated or the baking sheet is overcrowded. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pizza sticks and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
What other fillings work well?
Cooked sausage, finely diced vegetables, or olives can be added, but keep fillings minimal to prevent leaks.
Are these freezer-friendly?
They freeze best after baking. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.
What dough alternatives can I use?
Crescent dough or puff pastry works, but texture and bake time will vary.
Final Note
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks are one of those dependable recipes that fit almost any occasion. They are quick to prepare, easy to customize, and consistently crowd-pleasing. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or casual meal, they deliver familiar pizza flavor in a fun, shareable form that keeps people coming back for more.
Printable Recipe Card
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 pizza sticks
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mini pepperoni slices
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Evenly sprinkle cheese, pepperoni, seasoning, and garlic powder over the dough.
Fold dough lengthwise and press gently to seal.
Cut into 12 strips and twist each strip.
Place on baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is lightly golden and the filling is heated through.
Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Nutrition (per stick, approx.) approx.
Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is estimated and provided for general informational purposes only. Values may vary based on ingredients used, brands selected, and portion sizes.
