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We love pizza Friday around our house. But honestly, I get burned out on pizza every week (do NOT tell my 3 year old this he will disown me). In an effort to switch things up without causing a pizza elimination riot, I like to try to do some twists on plain old pizza. If you’re also craving a fun twist on pizza night, these easy pizza sticks are the perfect recipe to try. They go together quick, are kid friendly (they get two thumbs up from everyone in my house!), and only require a handful of ingredients. Pepperoni or salami gets wrapped around a string cheese, then the whole thing is tucked inside premade pizza dough and baked until bubbly. Think of them as portable, cheesy pizza rolls you can dip into your favorite sauce!

Whether you’re looking for an after school snack, a party appetizer, or a fun dinner idea, these pizza sticks will disappear fast.

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
8 string cheese sticks (mozzarella works best)
24–32 slices of pepperoni or salami (about 3–4 slices per cheese stick)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Pizza sauce or marinara (for dipping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or these silicone sheets I swear by.
Wrap the Cheese – Take one string cheese and wrap it with 3–4 slices of pepperoni or salami, covering as much of the cheese as possible. Repeat with all cheese sticks. Honestly, mine usually end up unrolling because I’m impatient and so it’s more like, layered pepperoni, cheese stick, pepperoni. Either works – wrapping looks prettier, layering goes faster!
Roll in Pizza Dough – Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut into 8 equal strips. Place one wrapped cheese stick at the end of a strip, then roll up tightly, pinching the edges to seal.
Prepare for Baking – Place each rolled stick seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and/or grated Parmesan.
Bake – Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
Serve – Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then serve warm with a side of pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.

Healthy Twists

Want to lighten things up a little? Here are a few ways to make these pizza sticks a bit more nutritious while still keeping them fun and flavorful:

Use Turkey Pepperoni or Lean Salami – These cuts reduce fat without losing the classic pizza flavor. I grew up with a lot of turkey products, so turkey pepperoni is a go to for me – it tastes great!
Add Veggies Inside – Slip in thin strips of bell pepper, spinach, or zucchini before rolling them up. They bake beautifully and add a boost of vitamins. Or try a thin layer of our spinach pesto!
Whole Wheat Dough – Swap the refrigerated pizza dough for a whole wheat or cauliflower-based dough to add extra fiber and nutrients.
Low-Fat Cheese – Use reduced-fat mozzarella sticks for a lighter option that still melts perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza sticks are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them into a full meal or a party platter with a few simple sides:

Dipping Sauces – Marinara is the classic, but try ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha ketchup for variety.
Pair with Salad – Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic dressing for a balanced dinner.
Make it a Snack Board – Add fresh fruit, raw veggies with hummus, and a few pizza sticks for a fun family-style spread.
Game Day Ready – Set out a platter with extra sauces and let everyone grab and dip while watching the big game. Mix and match with our ham and cheese sticks as well!

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Sticks

These pizza sticks are everything you love about pizza in a neat little hand held package. They’re also cheesy, dippable, and so easy to make. Plus, they’re customizable—you can switch up the fillings, sauces, and seasonings to suit your taste.

Next time it’s pizza night but want something a little different, give these a try. They’re also an easy go to recipe for busy weeknights, school lunches, or game day party platters.

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