Who else is obsessed with Little Caesars’ Italian cheese bread? Now, you can satisfy that cheesy craving right in your own kitchen!
Imagine pulling a pan of golden, cheese-topped bread from your oven, the aroma of Italian herbs and melted butter filling your home.
With a blend of Mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan cheeses melted over pillowy soft dough, every bite is comfort food bliss.
You won’t be able to resist it!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
Cheesy Indulgence: It’s a gooey, savory experience that satisfies even the most intense cheese cravings.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Homemade bread is easier than you think!
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, it complements a wide variety of meals. Serve it with pasta dinners or an appetizer for casual gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of melted cheese and garlic butter guarantees this bread will be a hit at parties and family dinners.
Ingredients
- Italian Cheese Blend: A mix of Mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan melts beautifully and provides classic Italian flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast: It helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy texture. It must be activated in warm water before use.
- Sugar: It feeds the yeast, helping it activate and produce carbon dioxide for a better rise.
- Warm Water: It hydrates and activates the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Olive Oil: It adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, moist bread.
- Salt: It. enhances the flavor of the bread and helps control yeast activity for an even rise.
- All-Purpose Flour: It forms the structure of the bread.
- Unsalted Butter: Brush it on after baking to add rich, buttery flavor and a glistening sheen. Using unsalted allows control over the salt content.
- Garlic Powder: It gives the bread a pop of savory garlic flavor that complements the cheese.
- Italian Seasoning Blend: A mix of basil, oregano, and parsley adds aromatic Italian flavor.
How to Make Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
1. Prep. Preheat oven to preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
2. Activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the dough. Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. Add the remaining flour as needed. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the dough in the pan. Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly over the dough, spreading it to the edges.
6. Bake. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. While the bread is baking, mix melted butter with garlic powder.
7. Brush with butter. Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
8. Slice and serve. Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cut into 12 pieces using a pizza cutter. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Little Caesars-style Italian cheese bread!
Tips for the Best Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
Follow these simple tips for the very best cheese bread.
- Fresh is best. Always use fresh yeast and high-quality cheese for the best results.
- Proof yeast properly. Ensure your yeast is active by proofing it in warm water with sugar until it becomes foamy. Use water at 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Rise and shine. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure it doubles in size.
- Be generous. Spread the Italian cheese blend evenly to the edges to ensure every bite has cheese.
- Give it a rest. Let the bread cool for 5 minutes before cutting it into pieces using a pizza cutter for clean slices.
How to Store
If you have leftover cheese bread, here’s how to store it.
To Store: Place cooled cheese bread in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, separate slices with wax paper to prevent sticking.
To Freeze: Let the cheese bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm the bread for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. You can also microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, though this may result in a softer texture.
Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread
12
servings30
minutes18
minutes211
kcalThis copycat Little Caesars Italian cheese bread is just like the real deal! Recreate the classic pizza chain experience right in your own kitchen.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let 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 rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Let 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 melted butter with garlic powder.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cut into 12 pieces using a pizza cutter. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Little Caesars-style Italian cheese bread!
Notes
- Sticky dough handling. The dough may be sticky. Use a dough scraper and lightly flour your hands to manage it.
- Variations. Experiment with different cheese blends, add toppings like pepperoni, or incorporate herbs like rosemary into the dough for added flavor.
- Serving suggestions. Serve the bread with marinara sauce, soups, salads, or as a side to pasta dishes for a complete meal.
