Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread (Copycat Recipe)
If you’re a fan of Little Caesars, you’re going to love this Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread copycat recipe. This recipe recreates the delicious, cheesy, and buttery breadsticks that are a favorite at the restaurant. With a golden brown crust, a blend of mozzarella cheeses, and a buttery sauce, this bread is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (100-110°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1.5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 3/4 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Topping:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1.5 cups shredded pizza cheese (a blend of mozzarella cheeses, provolone, and parmesan cheese)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic or garlic powder. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking sheet. Press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges of the crust.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded pizza cheese blend evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning if using.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into breadsticks.
- Serve:
- Serve the Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread warm with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Italian Cheese Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated parmesan cheese and a blend of mozzarella cheeses will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Even Layer of Cheese: Ensure the cheese is spread evenly to cover the entire surface of the dough for a consistent cheesy experience.
- Garlic Butter: Using a combination of minced garlic and garlic powder in the butter mixture enhances the garlic flavor.
Variations and Additions
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add more garlic powder to the butter mixture for an extra garlicky kick.
- Herb-Crusted Bread: Sprinkle additional Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano over the cheese before baking.
- Stuffed Cheese Bread: Add a layer of cheese inside the dough before baking for a gooey, cheesy center.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve alongside pasta dishes, salads, or soups for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: Perfect for parties and gatherings, this bread is a crowd-pleaser.
- Snack: Enjoy as a delicious snack any time of the day.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use any cheese blend you prefer. A mix of mozzarella cheeses, provolone, and parmesan cheese works best for an authentic taste.
Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q: How can I make the bread more buttery? A: Increase the amount of butter in the topping mixture for a richer, more buttery sauce.
Q: Can I add toppings to the bread? A: Yes, feel free to add toppings like pepperoni, olives, or jalapeños before baking for a customized version.
Conclusion
This Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread copycat recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your home. With its cheesy, parmesan-crusted chicken and rich, buttery sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the process of making it and savor every bite!
More Delicious Recipes
- Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Recipe
- Coconut Margarita Recipe
- Strawberry Pina Colada Recipe
- Little Caesars Jalapeno Cheese Sauce
Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) Active Dry Yeast
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Flour
- 2 cups pre-shredded Italian Blend Cheese
- 3 tablespoon Butter
- Garlic Salt
- Italian Seasoning blend
Instructions
- Combine the yeast with the warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Give it five minutes to activate.
- Add the salt, olive oil, and 2 cups of flour.
- Combine and knead until sticky dough forms. The dough will be soft and won't come together in a ball. If you need more flour, add it.
- Cover the dough and let the dough rest for 20 to 30 minutes until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lining it with tin foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- While your oven preheats, lightly press the risen dough into the prepared baking dish and cover to let it rise for 10-15 minutes.
- You will need to preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Sprinkle the 2 cups of Italian cheese blend evenly over the dough once your oven has been preheated.
- For 12 to 15 minutes, bake at 400 degrees. The cheese will mostly be golden brown when it is done.
- Brush the hot cheese bread with melted butter.
- Sprinkle garlic salt over the top. Generous amounts are our favorite.
- On top, sprinkle the Italian seasoning.
- Remove the hot cheese bread from the baking dish and place it on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 pieces with a pizza cutter.
- Serve and Enjoy.
