Name: Cheesy Garlic Italian "Dunkers" (Using Pizza Dough)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 13.8 oz Can Pillsbury Pizza Crust (Thin or Classic Crust); 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheeses ((I like mozzarella and Monterey jack)); 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese; 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter; 1/2 Tsp Italian Seasoning; 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder; 1/2 Tsp Salt (if using unsalted butter)

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These Cheesy Garlic Italian "Dunkers" use Pillsbury's canned pizza dough so they are super easy to make! Serve with a side of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping and you've got an appetizer, snack or even lunch!

cheesy bread sticks with marinara sauce.

This is a nostalgic recipe for me.

It takes me back to my elementary school days where the cafeteria served 'Italian dunkers'.

They actually STILL serve them in schools today! Domino's has a similar item on their menu too that people go crazy for!

Both are always super cheesy and served with a tasty marinara sauce for dipping. I will say, when your 13 and starving, anything tastes delicious.

So I decided to make my own copycat recipe! I did not use homemade pizza dough in this recipe but you could totally use your own if you wanted!

How To Make Garlic Dunkers With Cheese

These dunkers are easy to make because I did not make my own dough.

I'm definitely someone who enjoys a good homemade pizza dough but for time sake, I chose a store-bought dough instead like I use for my mini stuffed calzones!

It's MUCH faster and more convenient especially if you have kids who are hungry or last minute company!

Throwing a pizza party? Check out these appetizers that pair well with pizza!

Storebought Pizza Dough

Like for my Mini Calzones, I used Pillsbury's canned pizza dough for this recipe but if you'd like to purchase other dough you can! Or make your own pizza dough!

I used store-bought dough for my popular stromboli recipe.

The Pillsbury canned dough is the perfect amount of dough and comes in both classic crust and thin crust!

Plus, I can freeze the dough until I am ready to use it. Just make sure you let it defrost in the fridge overnight!

Step 1: Open your can of pizza dough OR roll out your homemade pizza dough until you have a rectangle that is about 12" x 15".

Step 2: Brush your pizza dough with garlic butter seasoning mix. This is where you can get crazy and add any other seasonings or spices you love!

Step 3: Bake at 425 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.

Step 4: Add your cheeses all the way to the edges and bake another 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 5: Allow to slightly cool before cutting. Serve with marinara sauce on the side.

How To Add More Flavor To Your Dunkers

Pizza dough is so versatile and goes well with many flavors. Here are some suggestions:

add red pepper flakes
add fresh basil
add sriracha sauce
serve with ranch dressing
add anchovy butter for some umami
add roasted garlic to your dough
add a smoky or jalapeno cheese

What Is The Best Cheese To Use?

Any cheese that melts well is best! Some of these cheeses are, Monterey, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Fontina, Provolone, Fontina, Gouda and American. I use a mixture of these in my Cheesy Pull Apart Bread recipe.

Choose which cheese you like best! Personally, I love using the bags of mixed shredded cheeses that already have 3 or 4 different cheeses in them to add more flavor.

I also love adding Parmesan cheese to the top of my pizza! It adds a nice sharp bite.

Are You Look For More Cheesy Recipes?

Garlic Bread Dipping Oil

Disco Cheese Fries

Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer

Cheesy Stuffed Pizza Cones

Puff Pastry Pizza

Mini Spinach Ricotta Calzone Bites

If you love entertaining at home, subscribe to my YouTube channel!!

Aleka Shunk