Homemade Pokey Sticks: The Best Cheesy Breadsticks for Your Next Pizza Night (Gumby’s Pizza Copycat!)
There’s nothing quite like the irresistible appeal of warm, cheesy breadsticks, especially when they’re homemade. These aren’t just any cheese breadsticks; they’re a copycat version of the legendary Pokey Sticks from Gumby’s Pizza, a nostalgic favorite for anyone who spent time in a big Midwest college town like Madison or Iowa City. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or discovering them for the first time, these thick, airy, and perfectly seasoned cheesy delights are guaranteed to elevate your next pizza night. Forget ordering takeout – with this easy recipe, you can recreate the magic right in your own kitchen.
For many, Gumby’s Pizza was more than just a place to grab a late-night slice; it was an institution, especially known for its unique and utterly addictive sidekick: Pokey Sticks. These weren’t your average thin, crispy breadsticks. Gumby’s served up a hearty, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying cheesy creation that perfectly complemented their pizzas. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing Gumby’s original, don’t worry! This recipe delivers a strikingly similar experience, capturing that distinct texture and savory flavor that makes them so special. Think of them as the ultimate cheesy breadsticks, but even better, because you made them yourself.
My college days may be a distant memory, but the craving for those iconic Pokey Sticks never truly fades. Once I moved on from campus life, I realized that getting my hands on Gumby’s famous breadsticks wasn’t as easy as it used to be. Many locations, including the one in Madison, eventually closed their doors, leaving a delicious void in the hearts of former students. This inspired me to embark on a culinary quest to recreate them at home. It took some experimentation, but shortly after getting married, I perfected this recipe, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Now, it’s one of those recipes I know by heart, pulling it out every time we crave that nostalgic taste or want to impress friends with a truly fantastic pizza night spread.
What Makes These Homemade Cheese Breadsticks So Special?
What sets these Pokey Sticks apart from other cheesy breadsticks you might find? It all starts with the dough. We’re aiming for a wonderfully thick and airy crust – think a substantial, fluffy pizza crust rather than a delicate dinner roll. This gives them a satisfying chewiness and ensures they can stand up to a generous blanket of cheese and a flavorful seasoned butter topping. The secret lies in a carefully crafted dough that’s light yet substantial, providing the perfect canvas for all that cheesy goodness.
Once the dough is prepared, it’s brushed with a delectable seasoned butter mixture. This isn’t just plain melted butter; it’s infused with a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper, along with a touch of Parmesan cheese. This savory blend deeply permeates the dough, creating layers of flavor that make every bite incredibly satisfying. Finally, a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese is spread across the top, melting into a glorious, golden-brown crust during baking. The edges get wonderfully crispy, and the cheese bubbles up to perfection, creating that classic irresistible cheesy breadstick experience.
The Perfect Dipping Companions
No batch of cheesy breadsticks is complete without the ideal dipping sauce, and these Pokey Sticks are incredibly versatile. Back in the day, when you ordered from Gumby’s, they often provided both ranch dressing and pizza sauce – and that’s exactly how we serve them at home! The creamy, tangy ranch offers a cool contrast to the warm, savory breadsticks, while a classic marinara or pizza sauce provides that familiar, comforting tomato-based flavor. Offering both ensures everyone can enjoy their breadsticks exactly how they like them, making your pizza night even more interactive and fun.
Demystifying Yeast: Easy Homemade Breadsticks from Scratch
Making cheese breadsticks from scratch might seem a little daunting, especially when yeast is involved. Many home cooks shy away from yeast doughs, fearing they are too complicated or time-consuming. However, I’m here to tell you that these Pokey Sticks are surprisingly simple to make! The process is straightforward and forgiving, even for beginners. You won’t need hours of rising time or extensive kneading. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy fresh, hot breadsticks with minimal fuss.
The entire dough-making process involves just a few minutes of mixing, followed by about 2-3 minutes of kneading. The key is to achieve a dough that is smooth and no longer sticky, but you don’t need to work it endlessly. Unlike some bread recipes that require a long, slow rise for a light and airy texture, these breadsticks aim for the thickness and slight density of a classic pizza crust. This means the rising time is relatively short – typically 20-25 minutes, or until the dough has roughly doubled in size. This short rise prevents the breadsticks from becoming too fluffy like a dinner roll, ensuring they retain that satisfying, substantial texture characteristic of Pokey Sticks.
Tips for Perfect Pokey Sticks Every Time
Achieving perfect homemade cheese breadsticks is easier than you think. Here are a few tips to ensure your Pokey Sticks turn out amazing:
- Yeast Activation: The temperature of your water is crucial. Aim for 110-115 degrees F (43-46 degrees C). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here!
- Flour Wisely: When kneading, liberally flour your counter and hands, but avoid adding too much extra flour to the dough itself unless it’s excessively sticky. You want a dough that’s pliable and smooth, not stiff and dry.
- Seasoning the Topping: Don’t skip or skimp on the seasoned butter mixture. This is where a lot of the signature flavor comes from. Ensure the melted butter is evenly brushed over the dough before adding the cheese for maximum deliciousness.
- Baking Sheet Prep: Greasing your baking sheet and sprinkling it with cornmeal creates a slightly crispy bottom crust, preventing sticking and adding a subtle texture that mimics classic pizzeria breadsticks.
- Cheese Choice: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses if you like, such as a mix of mozzarella and provolone for added depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the breadsticks as they bake. You want them golden brown on the edges and bubbly, melted cheese, but not burnt. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
How to Make Homemade Pokey Sticks: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rapid rise yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Activate Yeast: Measure your hot water (110-115°F is ideal) and combine it with the canola oil. Pour this liquid mixture into your dry ingredients. Mix until everything comes together to form a shaggy ball of dough.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured counter. Knead for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is for the dough to become smooth and elastic, losing its stickiness.
- First Rise: Lightly spray a clean bowl with non-stick spray, place the dough in it, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 20-25 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a large baking sheet and evenly sprinkle it with cornmeal. Set aside.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
- Shape Dough: Once risen, gently press the dough out onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to stretch and shape it into approximately a 12-inch circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
- Apply Topping: Melt the margarine (or butter) and combine it with the prepared Parmesan cheese and seasoning mixture. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to get to the edges.
- Add Cheese: Liberally sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the seasoned dough.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into strips, and serve immediately with warm pizza sauce and/or ranch dressing for dipping.
One of the greatest joys of cooking is getting to recreate beloved dishes that are no longer easily accessible. For me, perfecting these copycat Pokey Sticks has been a fantastic way to keep those cherished college memories alive, especially since Gumby’s Pizza in Madison is now closed. There’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing this recipe with friends who remember the original, or introducing it to those who’ve never experienced the delight of these unique cheesy breadsticks. It’s more than just food; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a shared experience that brings people together around the table.
I’m a big fan of copycat recipes, and I’ve developed a ton of them for the blog! If you have a particular restaurant favorite you’d love to see recreated at home, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I love the challenge of reverse-engineering flavors and bringing those iconic dishes to your kitchen. Until then, these homemade Pokey Sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a regular feature on your pizza night menu!
More Delicious Copycat Recipes to Try
If you loved making these Gumby’s Pizza copycat Pokey Sticks, you’re in for a treat! Our blog is packed with more amazing recipes that bring your restaurant favorites home. From iconic fast-food nuggets to beloved pasta dishes and indulgent desserts, there’s something here for every craving. Dive into these popular copycat recipes and discover new ways to enjoy familiar flavors:
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets: Crispy, juicy, and just like the original – perfect for a quick family meal.
- Macaroni Grill’s Pasta Milano: A rich and creamy pasta dish that’s a true comfort food classic.
- Noodles & Company’s Pesto Cavatappi: A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish with a delicious pesto sauce.
- Cheesecake Factory’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake: Indulge in this decadent dessert, just like the famous restaurant version.
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa: Tender, flavorful shredded pork perfect for salads, tacos, or burritos.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks: Recreate these famously soft and garlicky breadsticks at home.
Pokey Sticks
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Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp Rapid Rise Yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup Hot water, 110-115 degrees F (43-46 degrees C)
- 1 Tbsp Canola oil
Topping
- 2 Tbsp 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 (or unsalted butter)
- 1 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 Tbsp cornmeal
- Butter or Shortening for greasing the pan
Instructions
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Whisk together flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the hot water and canola oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until it starts to come together to form a shaggy ball.
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Generously flour your counter or a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes, just until it becomes smooth, elastic, and is no longer sticky. Place the dough into a bowl that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 20-25 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
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While the dough is rising, prepare your baking sheet. Grease a large baking sheet and evenly sprinkle it with cornmeal. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.
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Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
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In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder for the topping.
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Once the dough has risen, gently press it onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, carefully stretch and shape the dough into approximately a 12-inch circle or rectangle, making sure it’s evenly thick.
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Melt the margarine (or butter). Combine the melted margarine with the Parmesan cheese and seasoning mixture. Brush this flavored butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, slice into strips, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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