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Copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread Recipe

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Copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread Recipe


Sliced copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread with browned melted cheese, parsley, and marinara on a wooden board.
Pull apart this buttery copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread while the cheese is still melty, golden, and begging for a dunk in warm marinara.

If you love warm, cheesy breadsticks from pizza night, this copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread recipe is about to make your kitchen very popular. It has a soft, fluffy base, loads of melty cheese, buttery flavor, and that golden baked finish that makes it hard to stop at just one piece.

This easy homemade version is made with simple grocery store ingredients and beginner-friendly steps. You do not need a pizza oven or special equipment. If you can press dough into a pan, sprinkle cheese, and bake until bubbly, you can make this.

It is perfect for game day, family movie night, party snacks, or as a side with pasta, soup, or salad. And honestly, it disappears fast. Every single time.

About Hungry Howie’s Pizza and Why Cheeser Howie Bread Is So Popular

Hungry Howie’s Pizza is a well-known American pizza chain that built a loyal following with pizza, bread, and its signature flavored crusts. For many people, it is one of those nostalgic takeout spots tied to football Sundays, birthday parties, and easy Friday dinners.

Cheeser Howie Bread is especially loved because it hits all the right comfort food notes. It is soft in the middle, golden on the edges, and topped with a thick layer of gooey melted cheese. The buttery finish and savory seasoning make it smell amazing the second it comes out of the oven. Think of it like the cozy middle ground between garlic bread and cheese pizza.

This is a copycat recipe inspired by Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread. It is not the original recipe, and we are not claiming any connection to Hungry Howie’s Pizza. We are simply recreating the flavors and texture at home in an easy, family-friendly way.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cheeser Howie Bread

  • Easy to make with store-bought or homemade pizza dough
  • Cheesy and buttery with lots of flavor
  • Budget-friendly compared to takeout
  • Perfect for sharing at parties or family meals
  • Customizable with different cheeses and toppings

If you have ever wanted to recreate that pizza shop flavor at home, this is a great place to start.

Ingredients

This recipe makes about 8 servings.

For the bread:

  • 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or nonstick spray for the pan

For the topping:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal, optional, for the pan
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional, for garnish

Optional dipping sauce:

  • 1 cup warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Serving Size

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Rise/rest time: 20 to 30 minutes if needed
  • Cook time: 14 to 18 minutes
  • Total time: about 35 to 45 minutes
  • Servings: 8 pieces

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are estimates and will vary based on the dough and cheese brands you use.

  • Calories: 260
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 430mg

How to Make Copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Set your oven to 425°F. If you have a pizza stone, you can use it, but a regular metal baking sheet or 9x13-inch pan works great too. Lightly grease the pan with olive oil or nonstick spray. If you like a slightly crisp bottom, sprinkle a little cornmeal in the pan.

Step 2: Let the dough relax.
If your pizza dough came from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. Cold dough fights back and springs into place when you try to stretch it. Room-temperature dough is much easier to work with. It is like trying to fold a warm blanket instead of a stiff one.

Step 3: Press the dough into the pan.
Place the dough in the prepared pan and gently press it out with your fingertips. Stretch it into a rough rectangle or oval about 1/2 inch thick. If it keeps shrinking, let it rest for 5 minutes, then try again. Do not tear it. Just be patient.

Step 4: Make the buttery seasoning.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Brush most of this mixture all over the top of the dough, saving a little for after baking if you want extra flavor.

Step 5: Add the cheese.
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the dough, then add the cheddar, and finish with Parmesan. Try to spread the cheese from edge to edge so every bite gets some. That full cheesy blanket is part of what makes this bread so craveable.

Step 6: Bake until golden and bubbly.
Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden in spots. The bottom should be cooked through and the edges should look lightly browned.

Step 7: Finish and cool slightly.
Brush the top with the remaining butter mixture if desired. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a little color. Let the bread cool for about 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. This short rest helps the cheese set just enough so the slices hold together better.

Step 8: Slice and serve.
Cut into strips or squares and serve warm with pizza sauce or marinara on the side. This bread is at its best while the cheese is still stretchy and melty.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cheesy Bread

  • Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
  • Do not overload the dough with too much cheese or the center may bake unevenly.
  • Watch the last few minutes closely. Cheese can go from perfect to too dark pretty fast.
  • Let it rest briefly before cutting so the cheese does not slide off.
  • Use fresh shredded cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

Food Safety Notes

Even simple recipes need safe kitchen habits. A few easy steps make a big difference.

  • Wash your hands before cooking and after handling raw dough packaging.
  • Use clean cutting boards, bowls, and brushes.
  • Bake the bread until the dough is fully cooked in the center and the top is hot and bubbly.
  • If you add meat toppings like cooked sausage or pepperoni, any poultry should reach 165°F and ground meats should be cooked to safe temperatures before adding them.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
  • Reheat leftovers to 165°F before eating.

Easy Shortcuts and Home Kitchen Options

Want to make this even easier? Here are some smart shortcuts.

  • Use refrigerated pizza dough: A great time-saver for busy weeknights.
  • Try string cheese in a pinch: Chop it up if that is what you have on hand.
  • Use an air fryer for a smaller batch: Press dough into a lined air fryer basket, top with cheese, and cook at 375°F until golden and cooked through. Check often since air fryers vary.
  • Make it on flatbread: If you are truly short on time, use naan or store-bought flatbread for a fast cheesy bread version.
  • Sheet pan method: For a crowd, double the recipe and use a large sheet pan.

I have made this with store-bought dough on busy school nights, and no one complained. In fact, it is usually quieter at the table when this comes out. That is always a good sign.

Flavor Variations

Once you get the base recipe down, you can have fun with it.

  • Garlic Parmesan: Add extra Parmesan and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture.
  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a few pickled jalapeño slices.
  • Bacon Ranch: Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon on top and serve with ranch.
  • Pepperoni Pizza Bread: Add a layer of chopped pepperoni under or over the cheese.
  • Extra herb: Finish with oregano, basil, or parsley after baking.

Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Modifications

This is where a homemade copycat recipe really shines. You can tweak it to fit your needs without giving up that warm, cheesy comfort.

Gluten-free:

  • Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough.
  • Some gluten-free doughs bake faster, so check the bread a few minutes early.
  • If the dough is sticky, press it out with lightly oiled hands or between parchment paper.

Dairy-free:

  • Use a plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
  • Choose your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and cheddar shreds.
  • Add a sprinkle of dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a more savory finish.
  • Because dairy-free cheeses can brown differently, keep an eye on the top while baking.

Vegan:

  • Start with vegan pizza dough. Some doughs contain dairy or egg, so always check the label.
  • Use vegan butter and vegan cheese shreds.
  • For extra flavor, add nutritional yeast to the topping.

Lower-lactose:

  • Try lactose-free mozzarella and cheddar if available.
  • Parmesan is often lower in lactose than softer cheeses, but always use what works best for your needs.

Lower-carb or keto-inspired:

  • Use a low-carb pizza crust or a keto-friendly flatbread base.
  • Watch the bake time closely since alternate crusts can crisp quickly.

Nut-free:

  • Most traditional versions are nut-free, but always double-check dough, cheese alternatives, and dipping sauces.
  • This matters most with dairy-free cheeses, since some use nut-based ingredients.

Soy-free:

  • Use soy-free dough and cheese alternatives if needed.
  • Always read labels on plant-based products because soy shows up often.

Vegetarian:

  • The base recipe is vegetarian as written.
  • Just check your Parmesan if you avoid animal rennet and choose a vegetarian-friendly brand.

Extra protein:

  • Add cooked chicken, turkey pepperoni, or lean sausage on top.
  • Make sure any meat you add is fully cooked before it goes on the bread.

What to Serve with Cheeser Howie Bread

This cheesy bread can be a snack, side dish, or part of dinner. Here are a few tasty ideas:

  • Marinara or pizza sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Caesar salad
  • Tomato soup
  • Spaghetti or baked ziti
  • Chicken wings for game day

If you ask me, a side of warm marinara is almost non-negotiable.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, here is the best way to keep them tasting good.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap pieces well and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven: Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until hot.
  • Reheat in the air fryer: Heat at 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Microwave: It works, but the bread will be softer and less crisp.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread recipe is one of those simple comfort foods that feels like a treat without being hard to make. It is cheesy, buttery, soft, and just crisp enough around the edges. Best of all, it is easy to tweak for your family, your schedule, and your pantry.

Are you making it for a party, pizza night, or just because you want something warm and cheesy? However you serve it, I hope it becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again.

If you try this recipe, please share it with friends and family and leave a comment with your favorite variation. Did you add pepperoni? Go heavy on the garlic? Use an air fryer? I would love to hear how you made it your own.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by Hungry Howie’s Cheeser Howie Bread. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of Hungry Howie’s actual proprietary recipe is implied. This post is created for educational and entertainment purposes for home cooks who want to recreate a similar dish at home.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no additional cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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