Pokey Sticks – Homemade cheese breadsticks that are the perfect addition to your next pizza night!
If you went to a big college town in the Midwest (Madison, Iowa City), you probably know what Gumby’s Pizza is. And you have probably had their Pokey Stix a time or two in your day. And if you have never had Gumby’s, these will be similar to the cheesy breadsticks at your local pizza restaurant.
Since I am no longer in college, I had to figure out a way to make them at home! I came up with this recipe shortly after I got married and we have been making them ever since. It is one of those recipes that you make so often, you just have memorized.
If cheese breadsticks are on a menu at a pizza restaurant, I am going to order them. I am always interested in trying new versions to see what people come up with. Sometimes they are super thin, sometimes thick, sometimes just tons of cheese…you never know until you try them what their style is. Well these are a thick and airy crust that is light and fluffy. Topped with a seasoned butter mixture and then plenty of cheese.
You can dip in either ranch dressing or pizza sauce, that is up to you! Back in the day you got both when you ordered for Gumby’s, so at our house both are on the table when we make these.
Cheese breadsticks from scratch might sound a little intimidating because their is yeast involved. But trust me, they are super easy! Just a little mixing, 2 minutes of kneading and you let it rest. Because it is similar to a pizza crust you don’t let it rise for very long. You don’t want the texture and thickness of a dinner roll, just a thick pizza crust.
How to Make Homemade Pokey Sticks
- The first step is to make the dough. Whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and the yeast.
- Measure the temperature of your water. You want to make sure it is not too hot it will kill the yeast and not too cold that it won’t activate the yeast. 110-115 degrees is perfect!
- Add water and oil to the flour mixture and mix until it starts to come together in a ball.
- Generously flour your counter and turn the dough onto the floured surface. Now you will knead the dough for about 2 minutes. You want it to come together and be smooth and no longer sticky.
- While the dough rises mix together the seasonings for the topping. This gets combined with the melted butter and brushed over the dough once you roll it out.
- Cover with cheese and bake. It will get golden on the edges and the cheese will be all melted.
- Serve with pizza sauce or ranch dressing.
I love getting to make copycat recipes like this at home. The Gumby’s in Madison closed, so we can’t even go visit when we go back home anymore. So getting to pass this recipe on and share it with friends who have never had it is always fun!
I have made a ton of other copycat recipes on the blog as well! And if you are looking for one, be sure to let me know so I can see if I can recreate it!
More Copycat Recipes
- Chick Fil A Nuggets
- Pasta Milano
- Cavatappi Noodles
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
- Cafe Rio Chicken
- Olive Garden Breadsticks
Pokey Sticks
Pokey Sticks - Homemade cheese breadsticks that are the perfect addition to your next pizza night!
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 Tbls Rapid Rise Yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup Hot water (115 degrees)
- 1 Tbls Canola oil
Topping
- 2 Tbls Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted
- 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tbls cornmeal
- Butter or Shortening for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, yest, salt and sugar. Combine the water and oil, and mix into the flour mixture. Mix until it forms a ball.
- Turn onto floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes. Just until it is no longer sticky. Put into a bowl sprayed with non-stick spray and let rise for 20-25 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with cornmeal. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- While the dough is rising mix together the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and onion powder.
- Spread the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands gently shape into about a 12 inch circle.
- Combine melted margarine and Parmesan cheese mixture. Brush evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Notes
The recipe calls for margarine because I think this closely mimics the taste of the Gumby's original. But you can definitely use butter instead.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 486Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 30mgSodium 716mgCarbohydrates 58gFiber 3gSugar 1gProtein 14g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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Cristi says
O.K. Erin I am making these tonight. Is it really 1 Tablespoon of yeast? Sounds like a lot. I use a lot less when a make 2 pizza dough crusts(2 teaspoons)Just double checking. I will tell you how it turns out!!
Krissy says
This looks so good. Who doesn't love dough and cheese. We love to dip in ranch and Franks Red Hot Sauce 🙂 Sometimes we pile up a salad right on top of the pizza with buttermilk ranch. Can't wait to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Krissy says
This looks so good. Who doesn't love dough and cheese. We love to dip in ranch and Franks Red Hot Sauce 🙂 Sometimes we pile up a salad right on top of the pizza with buttermilk ranch. Can't wait to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Spicie Foodie says
Oh yes I could really eat these as a meal. Thanks for sharing the recipe and I can't wait to try it soon. Also Thanks for participating in this month's YBR 🙂
Spicie Foodie says
Oh yes I could really eat these as a meal. Thanks for sharing the recipe and I can't wait to try it soon. Also Thanks for participating in this month's YBR 🙂
Katherine says
Yum! We had a similar-ish food at a local place called Esperantos where I went to college (Saratoga) called dough boys that I still crave! Love this post. Great YBR entry.
Katherine says
Yum! We had a similar-ish food at a local place called Esperantos where I went to college (Saratoga) called dough boys that I still crave! Love this post. Great YBR entry.
Betty @ scrambled henfruit says
I've never heard of Pokey Sticks- where have I been? Now that I've heard of them though, I must make them. They look really good! 🙂
Betty @ scrambled henfruit says
I've never heard of Pokey Sticks- where have I been? Now that I've heard of them though, I must make them. They look really good! 🙂
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Erin, sorry I missed Gumby's during my year and a half at Coe College in Cedar Rapids! I remember visiting Madison and Iowa City, but most of all I remember how COLD it was! These look terrific – would have went well with all the beer I drank while there 🙂
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Erin, sorry I missed Gumby's during my year and a half at Coe College in Cedar Rapids! I remember visiting Madison and Iowa City, but most of all I remember how COLD it was! These look terrific – would have went well with all the beer I drank while there 🙂
amy says
My friend and I went to 2 different colleges, but both had a Gumby’s and of course LOVED Pokey Sticks (called “Hokie Sticks” at my school.) We have been searching for a copycat and will definitely be trying this when we get together for dinner this weekend.
Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Courtney O'Dell says
I miss pokey sticks from Missouri!!!! These tasted just like them!
Sara Welch says
Love all the ooey cheesy goodness in this recipe! Perfect with our favorite pizza!
Allyson Zea says
I have never heard of a Pokey Stick but I am down to eat ALL OF THE STICKS!!!! GIMME!
Tanya Schroeder says
I can’t wait to make these for my kids, they will LOVE them!
Chrissie Baker says
This is a good idea and amazing recipe too. Definitely something I’m going to have to make!
Becky Hardin says
Love these! And love the name of them too! All that yummy cheese!
Shannon Graham says
I love recipes like that. The ones that you make so often you make it from memory. These look delish!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
I can’t wait to try these! They look absolutely amazing!! YUM!!
Beth Pierce says
Love how mouthwatering these are! Definitely a crowd pleasing appetizer!
Cathy says
Oh my gosh…my kids would devour these!
jengd says
I had TOTALLY forgotten about Gumby’s Pizza- we had one at Penn State. I’ll definitely have to give these a whirl and see if my husband gets any flashbacks. 🙂