Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

This copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread is the ultimate comfort food side dish that you can make right in your own kitchen. With its signature crispy edges, savory garlic butter, and gooey melted cheese, it tastes just like the restaurant version. Your family will be looking for the orange pizza box, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you made this cheesy masterpiece yourself!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation, especially if you are a fan of effortless comfort food.

• It is incredibly quick! By using pre-made frozen pizza dough, you can have the entire dish prepped and ready for the oven in just five minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need five basic items to create this recipe, most of which are likely already in your refrigerator or pantry.
• The Perfect Edges: By using a metal pan and pushing the cheese all the way to the sides, you achieve those iconic, crunchy, caramelized cheese edges that make Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread so famous.

Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Ingredients

This copycat recipe relies on five high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor.

• 16 oz frozen pizza dough (thawed)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy bread that rivals the “Pizza! Pizza!” classic.

1. Allow the frozen pizza dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to bake so it can come to room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heavily spray a metal cake pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush it generously with vegetable oil. For easier removal, you can also line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper.
3. Gently press the pizza dough into the cake pan. Make sure to keep the dough nice and thick rather than stretching it too thin.
4. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and exactly one teaspoon of the Italian seasoning.
5. Pour the melted garlic butter mixture over the dough and use a pastry brush to spread it evenly all the way to the edges.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, being careful to push plenty of cheese toward the edges of the pan.
7. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the top of the cheese.
8. Bake the cheese bread at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.
9. Switch the oven to a low broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch it very closely during this stage to prevent burning.
10. Remove the bread from the oven and then carefully lift it out of the pan. Using a pizza cutter, slice the loaf into 10 thick cheese sticks.
11. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce or extra garlic butter for dipping.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To get the most authentic result, always use a metal baking pan. Metal conducts heat more efficiently than glass or ceramic, which is essential for creating that dark, crispy crust on the bottom and sides. Additionally, if you want a sharper flavor profile, try adding a dusting of fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic version is hard to beat, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your cravings.

• Pepperoni Cheese Bread: Layer thin slices of pepperoni under the mozzarella cheese for a meat-heavy treat.
• Homemade Dough: If you are feeling ambitious, swap the frozen dough for your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe.
• Veggie Surprise: Sauté some finely chopped bell peppers and mushrooms and spread them under the cheese.
• Caprese Style: Use fresh mozzarella slices, tomato, and fresh basil leaves for a lighter, Mediterranean twist.
• Butter Alternative: You can substitute the butter with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, though the flavor will be more robust and less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Cheese Bread is a versatile side that pairs perfectly with a variety of Italian-inspired meals. It is an excellent companion to Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan or Olive Garden Giant Stuffed Shells. If you are hosting a pizza night, serve it alongside other favorites like Little Caesars Crazy Puffs or Pizza Hut Breadsticks. It is also the perfect tool for soaking up extra Olive Garden Meat Sauce.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the individual sticks in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat and maintain the crispy texture, avoid the microwave. Instead, place the cheese sticks in an air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp again.

Nutrition Information

The following values are estimates based on a serving size of two cheese sticks.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	402 kcal
Total Carbohydrates	46g
Protein	18g
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	988mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in the pan and top it with the garlic butter and cheese a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and simply pop it in the oven when you are ready to eat.

What if I don’t have a cake pan?

You can use a standard baking sheet, but the cheese won’t have a wall to melt against, so you might lose some of that signature crispy edge. A square or rectangular metal baking pan is the best substitute for a cake pan.

Is frozen pizza dough as good as fresh?

Yes! Frozen pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut. Once it is thawed and brought to room temperature, it has a great texture and rise that works perfectly for this thick-crust cheese bread.

What dipping sauces go best with this?

While marinara is the classic choice, many people love dipping these sticks in ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick.