Name: Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 cup warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups Italian cheese blend (Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

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why make this recipe

Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread is a delicious treat that brings the classic pizzeria taste right to your kitchen. This recipe lets you enjoy the cheesy, buttery goodness of Italian Cheese Bread without needing to leave your home. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a side dish to your favorite pasta. Plus, making it yourself means you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!

how to make Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups Italian cheese blend (Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Add remaining flour as needed.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly over the dough, making sure to spread it to the edges.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
While the bread is baking, mix the melted butter with garlic powder.
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush it with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then remove it from the pan and cut it into 12 pieces using a pizza cutter. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Little Caesars-style Italian cheese bread!

how to serve Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

Serve this Italian Cheese Bread warm, straight from the oven. It’s excellent on its own, but you can also pair it with a marinara sauce for dipping. It works well as an appetizer, a side dish for pasta, or a snack during game day.

how to store Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

To store leftover cheese bread, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and it will last for about a week. You can also freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, for up to three months.

tips to make Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast correctly.
Knead the dough well for the right texture. It should be smooth and elastic.
Don’t skip the brushing of garlic butter after baking to get that extra flavor.
Feel free to customize the cheese blend or add toppings like pepperoni or olives if you want to change it up!

variation

You can experiment by adding different herbs or additional toppings like jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheese blends to give this bread your personal touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can be delicious alternatives.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and the water is the right temperature (around 110°F). If the dough seems cold, try placing it in a warm area.