Homemade Pizza Sticks
Ingredients:
- 2 rolls of crescent roll dough
- 8 string cheese sticks
- 32 slices of pepperoni (about 4 slices per pizza stick)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pizza sauce (for serving)
- Caesar salad (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even baking.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Open the crescent roll dough cans and carefully unroll the dough onto a clean, flat surface.
- Press the perforated seams together with your fingers to create two large, seamless sheets of dough.
- Cut the Dough:
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut each sheet of dough into 4 equal rectangles. You should have a total of 8 rectangles.
- Assemble the Pizza Sticks:
- Place 4 slices of pepperoni on each rectangle of dough.
- Place one string cheese stick on top of the pepperoni slices.
- Carefully roll up each rectangle, starting from one end and rolling to the other, ensuring the cheese and pepperoni are fully enclosed in the dough. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Brush with Butter:
- Place the rolled-up pizza sticks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of the pizza sticks with the melted butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered tops.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pizza sticks are golden brown. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark to prevent over-baking.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the pizza sticks with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Keep an eye on the pizza sticks while they bake to avoid overcooking.
- Customize the filling by adding other ingredients like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can bake the pizza sticks on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza sticks with your favorite dipping sauce and a fresh Caesar salad!