These Cheesy Garlic Italian “Dunkers” are made with Pillsbury canned pizza dough for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack. Serve with warm marinara for dipping and you have a simple appetizer, lunch, or party treat.
This recipe brings back cafeteria memories for me — those classic school “Italian dunkers” that were always cheesy and paired with marinara. I wanted a homemade version that’s quick to pull together, so I used store-bought pizza dough. If you prefer, you can swap in your favorite homemade pizza dough instead.
These dunkers are perfect when you need something fast for hungry kids, last-minute guests, or a relaxed weeknight meal. Use Pillsbury canned pizza dough for a reliable, easy base, though other store-bought doughs work well too.
How to Make Garlic Dunkers with Cheese
Using canned pizza dough makes this recipe fast and fuss-free. Here’s a straightforward method to get hot cheesy sticks on the table in about 20 minutes.
Store-Bought Pizza Dough
I use a 13.8 oz can of Pillsbury pizza crust (thin or classic) because it’s the right size and easy to keep on hand — you can even freeze unopened cans until needed. Let frozen dough thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Step 1: Open the can of pizza dough and roll it into a roughly 12″ x 15″ rectangle on a baking sheet (sprinkle the sheet with cornmeal for added crispness, if desired).
Step 2: Make the garlic butter seasoning: melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and stir in 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt if your butter is unsalted. Brush the mixture over the dough.
Step 3: Bake the dough at 425°F (218°C) on the middle rack for 10–12 minutes, until lightly browned.
Step 4: Remove from the oven, spread 1½ cups shredded cheese (a blend like mozzarella and Monterey Jack is great) and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan all the way to the edges, then return to the oven for another 4–6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Let the cheese set a few minutes, then cut into sticks with a pizza cutter (you should get about 12–14 sticks). Serve hot with marinara, garlic butter, or ranch for dipping.
How to Add More Flavor
Customize these dunkers to suit your taste. A few ideas:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Toss on fresh basil after baking
- Drizzle sriracha or add pickled jalapeños for spice
- Serve with ranch or garlic dipping oil
- Spread anchovy butter for umami
- Mix roasted garlic into the butter before brushing
- Use a smoky or pepper jack cheese for extra character
What Is the Best Cheese to Use?
Choose cheeses that melt well. Good options include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, cheddar, provolone, fontina, gruyère, gouda, or American. I often use pre-mixed shredded cheese blends for convenience and balanced flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharp, salty bite.
Pick the cheese or combination you enjoy most — that’s what will make these dunkers irresistible.
Looking for More Cheesy Recipes?
Try other indulgent snack ideas like garlic bread dipping oil, disco cheese fries, grilled cheese sticks with tomato soup, cheesy stuffed pizza cones, puff pastry pizza, or mini spinach ricotta calzone bites.
Cheesy Garlic Italian “Dunkers” (Using Pizza Dough)
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 13.8 oz Can Pillsbury Pizza Crust Thin or Classic Crust
- 1 ½ Cups Shredded Cheeses (mozzarella and Monterey Jack recommended)
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt (if using unsalted butter)
Equipment
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Pizza Cutter
Method
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Open the pizza dough and roll it onto a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornmeal for extra crispness (optional).
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Melt the butter and stir in the seasonings. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the dough.
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Bake on the middle rack for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned.
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Remove from oven, top with shredded cheeses and Parmesan, covering the edges, then return to the oven 4–6 minutes until melted.
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Let cool briefly, then cut into sticks with a pizza cutter (about 12–14). Serve hot with marinara, garlic butter, or ranch for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
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