Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Recipe You Can Make At Home

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Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Recipe (Easy, Cheesy & Oven-Ready!)

If you’ve ever opened a Little Caesars box and been hit with that warm, garlicky, cheesy smell from their Italian Cheese Bread, you know it’s hard to stop at just one piece. Today I’m sharing my copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread recipe you can bake at home with basic ingredients. It’s soft, extra cheesy, brushed with buttery garlic, and topped with a sprinkle of Italian herbs. No fancy equipment, no special bread skills. If you can stir, press, and sprinkle, you can make this.

A Quick Background: Little Caesars & Their Iconic Italian Cheese Bread

Little Caesars started back in 1959 in Michigan and quickly became known for affordable, family-friendly pizza. Over time, one side item quietly developed a fan club of its own: the Italian Cheese Bread. Thick, fluffy dough. A golden, slightly crisp bottom. A blanket of melted cheese that stretches when you pull each piece apart. And that buttery, garlicky finish that smells like every good pizza night should. It’s simple comfort food, but the texture and flavors make it feel special: warm, soft, salty, cheesy, and a little bit smoky from the browned cheese edges. This recipe is my home-style version inspired by that classic. It’s not the restaurant’s actual formula, but it gets deliciously close for a cozy pizza night at home.

Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread: Overview

  • Servings: About 12 breadsticks (1 sheet pan)
  • Prep time: 20 minutes active, plus 45–60 minutes rise time
  • Cook time: 14–18 minutes
  • Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Copycat Little Caesars Italian cheese bread with melted mozzarella, garlic butter, and Italian herbs in a baking pan
Soft, cheesy copycat Little Caesars Italian cheese bread baked until golden and finished with buttery garlic and herbs

What you’ll love:
  • Soft, pillowy interior with crispy cheese edges
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect with pizza, pasta, salad, or soup
  • Easy to customize: more garlic, extra cheese, herbs—you decide

Ingredients for Copycat Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet, 0.25 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F – warm but not hot to the touch)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)

For the Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Garlic Butter & Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for flavor)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (if you like it extra garlicky)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Special equipment (nice to have, but not required):

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  • In a medium bowl, add the warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast.
  • Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
  • The mixture should turn foamy and bubbly on top. If it stays flat, your yeast may be dead; start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the flour and salt.
  • Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 6–8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium-low for about 5 minutes.
  • The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not super sticky. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time if it’s too wet.

Step 3: First Rise

  • Lightly grease a clean bowl with a bit of olive oil.
  • Place the dough ball in the bowl, turning once to coat it with oil.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  • Let it rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Tip: A turned-off oven with the light on, or a warm corner of your kitchen, works well.

Step 4: Prep the Pan

  • Generously grease a 9x13-inch pan with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  • This oil helps create that slightly crisp, flavorful bottom like you get from takeout.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  • Gently punch down the risen dough to release extra air.
  • Place it in the greased pan.
  • Using your fingertips, press and stretch the dough evenly to the edges of the pan.
  • If it keeps springing back, let it rest for 5 minutes, then try again.
  • Cover loosely and let it rest for another 10–15 minutes while you prep the toppings.

Step 6: Mix the Cheese Topping

  • In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
  • Toss them together so the cheeses are well mixed. This helps with even melting and browning.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter

  • In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil (if using), minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder (if using), and salt.
  • Set aside. It will smell amazing already.

Step 8: Assemble the Italian Cheese Bread

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • Lightly brush or spoon about half of the garlic butter mixture over the surface of the dough.
  • Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the entire top, making sure to go all the way to the edges—those browned, crispy cheese edges are the best part.

Step 9: Bake

  • Place the pan on the middle rack.
  • Bake at 425°F for about 14–18 minutes, or until:
    • The cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
    • The edges are deeply golden and slightly crisp.
    • The bottom of the bread is lightly browned.
  • If you have an instant-read thermometer, the center of the bread should be around 190–200°F for a fully cooked, soft interior.

Step 10: Finish & Slice

  • Remove from the oven and immediately brush the remaining garlic butter over the top.
  • Let it cool for 5–10 minutes so the cheese sets a bit and slicing is easier.
  • Cut into 12 sticks or rectangles using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
  • Serve warm, ideally with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Food Safety Tips

  • Use warm, not hot water for the yeast. Around 105–110°F is safe. If it feels too hot on your finger, let it cool slightly.
  • Bake until the internal temperature of the bread reaches at least 190°F for best texture and safety.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat to at least 165°F before serving again for best quality and safety.

Approximate Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

This will vary depending on brands and exact amounts, but here’s a rough estimate for 1 of 12 pieces:
  • Calories: ~200
  • Protein: ~9 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20 g
  • Fat: ~9 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5 g
  • Sodium: ~340 mg
If you load on extra cheese or butter (no judgment), the calories and fat will go up a bit.

Super Simple Shortcut Version (Busy-Night Hack)

Need that cheesy bread fast? Here’s a shortcut using store-bought dough.

Option 1: Using Refrigerated Pizza Dough

  • Use 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz).
  • Grease a 9x13-inch pan and press the dough evenly into the pan.
  • Skip the yeast activation and first rise—the dough is already prepared.
  • Brush with garlic butter, top with cheese as in the main recipe.
  • Bake at 400–425°F for 12–16 minutes (check early), until golden and bubbly.

Option 2: Air Fryer Italian Cheese Bread Bites

  • Use store-bought pizza dough or canned biscuit dough.
  • Cut into small pieces (about 1 ½-inch squares).
  • Brush lightly with garlic butter and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Air fry at 350°F for 6–9 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  • Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket.
This won’t be a perfect match for Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread, but it hits those same flavors with half the work.

Allergy-Friendly & Special Diet Swaps

Everyone deserves cheesy bread night. Here are some ideas if you or your guests have specific needs.

Gluten-Free Option

  • Use a gluten-free pizza crust mix or ready-made gluten-free pizza dough.
  • Follow the same topping steps: garlic butter + cheese mixture + herbs.
  • Check labels on all ingredients to confirm they’re certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option

  • Use a dairy-free shredded cheese blend that melts well (look for ones labeled “mozzarella style”).
  • Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
  • Skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Vegan Option

  • Use the dairy-free swaps above.
  • Make sure your pizza dough is vegan (most simple flour/yeast/oil doughs are).
  • Use plant-based cheese and vegan butter for the garlic topping.

Lower-Carb / “Lighter” Option

  • Use a thin crust style dough instead of a thick, fluffy one.
  • Use a little less cheese and butter, and add extra herbs for flavor.
  • Serve with a big salad so the meal feels more balanced.
Always check ingredients and labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies—especially gluten, dairy, or nut sensitivities.

Serving Ideas & Leftover Tips

  • Serve with:
    • Warm marinara or pizza sauce
    • Ranch dressing
    • Tomato soup or minestrone
    • Your favorite pasta dish
  • Storing leftovers: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheating:
    • Oven or toaster oven: 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
    • Air fryer: 325°F for 3–5 minutes.
    • Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crisp.

Let’s Talk: Your Turn to Make It!

Have you tried the original Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread recently? How close does this copycat version come for you? If you make this recipe:
  • Leave a comment and tell me how it turned out.
  • Share your tweaks—extra garlic, different cheeses, gluten-free versions, all of it!
  • Snap a photo and share it with friends or on social—homemade cheesy bread deserves the spotlight.
Your feedback helps other home cooks, and it helps us keep improving our copycat recipes.

Important Disclaimers

This is a homemade copycat recipe inspired by Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread. It is not the original recipe, and we have no affiliation with, sponsorship from, or endorsement by Little Caesars or any of its brands. All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.

Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Always follow proper food safety practices and consult a healthcare professional for dietary advice specific to you.

Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases when you buy through recommended links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the recipes and content we share.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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