You know that late-night craving? The one that hits when all you want is something cheesy, garlicky, buttery—and absolutely addictive? That’s where this Pokey Stix Recipe comes in.
If you’ve ever had Pokey Sticks from Gumby’s Pizza, you already know the obsession is real. These gooey, golden cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort food and take me straight back to my college days—sharing a box of Pokey Stix with friends during movie marathons or study nights.
I’ve recreated the best Pokey Stix recipe at home, and honestly, it hits just right. Let me walk you through it step-by-step, with all the flavor and fun of the original, but fresh from your oven.
Quick And Easy Pokey Stix Recipe At Home
This Pokey Stix Recipe is a cheesy, buttery, pull-apart appetizer that mimics the famous Pokey Sticks from Gumby’s Pizza. It’s made with soft pizza dough, a mix of mozzarella and provolone, and a garlicky butter topping that bakes up melty and golden.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Calories Per Serving: ~210
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Pokey Stix at home:
- 1 pound pizza dough (fresh or canned – more on that below!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, ranch or marinara for dipping
Ingredient Notes:
- Pizza Dough: You can use homemade, store-bought, or canned. Fresh dough gives the best texture, but I’ve used canned in a pinch and it still turns out solid.
- Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic stretch. Provolone adds richness. Parmesan gives a salty kick.
- Butter & Oil Combo: Butter brings flavor, while olive oil helps crisp the bottom.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Shape The Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle or oval, about 1/4-inch thick. I aim for a 9×13-inch shape—like Gumby’s Pokey shape—so the pieces bake evenly and pull apart easily.
3. Butter It Up
Mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian herbs in a bowl. Brush this all over the top of the dough. Don’t skip the edges!
4. Add The Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan evenly across the surface. Make sure every bite gets some cheese love.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust edges start to brown.
6. Slice & Serve
Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice into thin strips—Pokey Stix-style. Serve with ranch, garlic butter, or pizza sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Canned Pizza Dough Instead Of Fresh?
Absolutely. I’ve done it many times, especially when time’s tight. While fresh dough gives a slightly better rise and chew, canned pizza dough works just fine for this recipe.
Just unroll it gently and press it out into shape. You might want to dock the dough (poke it with a fork) to prevent bubbles while it bakes.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Pokey Stix go great with:
- Ranch dressing – Gumby style!
- Garlic butter sauce
- Spicy marinara
- A side of Gumby’s Pokey Pizza (if you’re going all in)
- A cold soda or your favorite fizzy drink
They’re perfect for game nights, party appetizers, or solo movie nights when you just want a cheesy snack.
Tips For The Perfect Pokey Stix
- Don’t overload the cheese – It melts better in a moderate layer and keeps things from getting too greasy.
- Get that golden finish – Turn on the broiler for the last minute if you want some extra browning.
- Let it rest a bit – Cutting right away can drag the cheese. Give it 2 minutes to settle.
- Make it spicy – Add crushed red pepper before baking for a little heat.
And here’s my favorite tip: double the batch. They disappear faster than you think!
A Quick Personal Note
Back in college, Gumby’s was our go-to for everything—celebrations, stress-eating, or just Friday nights when no one wanted to cook. The smell of butter, garlic, and cheese takes me right back to those simple moments.
When I started making this Pokey Stix recipe at home, it wasn’t just about flavor—it was about bringing those memories into my kitchen. Now I get to share it with you, and I hope it brings you just as much joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Pokey Stix From Gumby’s Pizza?
Pokey Stix are Gumby’s take on cheesy breadsticks. They’re made with pizza dough, garlic butter, and cheese, then cut into strips and served with dipping sauces.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pokey Stix?
Yes! Let them cool, freeze in a single layer, then store in a bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm and crisp.
What’s The Difference Between Pokey Stix And Cheesy Breadsticks?
Pokey Stix are usually thinner, cut smaller, and have a distinct garlic-herb flavor that makes them addicting. The cheese blend also sets them apart.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free pizza dough to make a version that’s safe for gluten-free diets. Just watch the baking time—it may vary a little.
Can I Add Toppings?
Yes! Crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or even pepperoni slices can take your Pokey Stix to the next level.
I really hope you give this Pokey Stix Recipe a shot. It’s cheesy, comforting, and way easier than you might think. If you’re missing those late-night Gumby’s runs or just want a solid appetizer that never fails, this one’s for you.
Tried it? Tag me or drop a comment—I’d love to hear how your Pokey Stix turned out. Hungry for more? Check out my other copycat and appetizer recipes on Naznin’s Kitchen. Let’s keep the flavor coming!
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