Craving Little Caesars pizza? This homemade recipe captures the iconic taste and texture. Learn the secrets to perfect crust, plus tips & variations for your dream pizza.
The Quest for the Perfect Little Caesars Clone
We’re on a mission to bring the beloved taste of Little Caesars to your kitchen. Their signature pizza dough is a game-changer, and we’ve cracked the code to recreate it at home.
The Secret to Little Caesars’ Magic
It all starts with a unique blend of ingredients and a special kneading process. Our copycat recipe uses a combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and yeast to create a crust that’s both crispy and chewy.
- Flour: 360g / 2 1/4 cups
- Sugar: 10g / 2 tsp
- Yeast: 15g / 1 tsp active dry yeast
To achieve that signature Little Caesars flavor, we recommend using a high-protein flour, such as bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content.
With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a homemade pizza dough that’s remarkably similar to Little Caesars. Perfect for pizza night or a quick dinner solution, this dough is sure to become a family favorite.
Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe
This recipe provides the foundation for a classic Little Caesars-style pizza. To make the dough, combine 240 g / 1 cup of warm water, 7 g / 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 10 g / 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is activated and foamy.
- 450 g / 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 10 g / 2 teaspoons of salt
- 15 g / 3 teaspoons of olive oil
Mix the dry ingredients and olive oil with the yeast mixture, then knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place at 25°C / 77°F for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Punch down the dough and shape it into the desired form. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes, then top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Ready to make your own Little Caesars-style pizza dough? This recipe is surprisingly simple, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Let’s get started!
- 300 g / 2.1 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons (4 g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 180 ml / 3/4 cup warm water (around 40°C / 105°F)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk (for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried oregano (for a hint of Italian flavor)
Step-by-Step Dough Making
Follow these steps to create the perfect Little Caesars Pizza Dough.
- Combine 500g / 2 1/4 cups of warm water (22°C / 72°F) in a large mixing bowl with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast to the bowl and stir to dissolve.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of salt and 240g / 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Add the remaining 320g / 2 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place (24°C / 75°F) for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on desired pizza size.
- Shape each portion into a ball and let it rest for 10 minutes before shaping into a circle or rectangle.
Pro Tips for Pizza Perfection
To achieve the perfect Little Caesars-style pizza crust, it’s essential to master the art of dough preparation. Here are some insider secrets to elevate your dough game:
- Kneading technique: Knead the dough for 10 minutes at room temperature (21°C / 70°F) to develop the gluten, then let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the dough.
- Proofing temperature: Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment at 25°C / 77°F, or 1-2°C / 2-4°F above room temperature, to promote yeast activity.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to a dense, tough crust. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together.
- Use a digital scale to measure ingredients accurately, ensuring the right balance of flour (240 g / 1 cup), water, yeast, and salt.
- Don’t overproof the dough, as this can cause it to collapse or become misshapen. Check the dough regularly and punch it down when it has doubled in size.
By following these pro tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, authentic Little Caesars-style pizza crust with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior.
Making it Your Own: Substitutions & Variations
This Little Caesars Pizza Dough recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
Flour Power
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (240 g / 1 cup). Keep in mind that gluten-free doughs can be a bit more delicate, so handle it gently and let it rest longer.
Yeast Options
Active dry yeast can be swapped for instant yeast. Use the same amount (7 g / 2 1/4 teaspoons) and simply add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Dairy Dilemmas
For a vegan dough, replace the milk with an equal amount of non-dairy milk (240 ml / 1 cup). Unsweetened almond milk or soy milk work well.
Flavor Twists
Add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough for a sweeter crust. For a more savory flavor, try adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder.
Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe Variations
Take your pizza game to the next level with these creative dough variations. From savory to cheesy, we’ve got you covered.
Garlic Herb Pizza Dough
Add a depth of flavor to your crust by mixing in minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary. This variation takes about 10-15 minutes longer to rise due to the added ingredients.
- 1 tsp garlic powder (3 g / 0.1 oz)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (5 g / 0.2 oz)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (5 g / 0.2 oz)
Cheesy Pizza Dough
Get a gooey, cheesy crust by mixing in grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This variation takes about 5-10 minutes longer to rise due to the added moisture from the cheese.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (115 g / 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (30 g / 1 oz)
Spicy Pizza Dough
Add a kick to your crust by mixing in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This variation takes about 5-10 minutes longer to rise due to the added spiciness.
- 1-2 diced jalapeños (15 g / 0.5 oz)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (1 g / 0.04 oz)
Remember to adjust the rising time and temperature according to your dough variation, and always preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for a crispy crust.
Storing Your Dough for Future Pizzas
To maintain the freshness of your Little Caesars Pizza Dough, proper storage is essential. After the dough has risen and been punched down, it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Refrigeration
Place the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F. The dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
- Divide the dough into portions of 240 g / 1 cup each, depending on desired pizza size.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Store in the freezer at a temperature of -18°C / 0°F for up to 3 months.
When freezing pizza dough, it’s crucial to label the bags with the date and contents. This ensures that the oldest dough is used first, maintaining optimal freshness and quality.
Common Dough Dilemmas & Solutions
Making pizza dough can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some common dough dilemmas and easy solutions:
Dough Too Sticky
If your dough is too sticky, it likely needs a bit more flour. Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour at a time, kneading well after each addition, until the dough becomes manageable.
Dough Not Rising
There are a few reasons why your dough might not be rising. Make sure your yeast is active by dissolving it in warm water (around 37-40°C / 99-104°F) with a pinch of sugar. Also, ensure your dough has enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off) can be a good spot.
If you’re still having trouble, your dough might need a bit more yeast. Try adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon to the recipe.
Nutritional Information
This Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings. Nutritional values are per serving.
- Calories: 220-330 per serving (depending on serving size)
- Macronutrients: 4g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 4g protein
- Total Fat: 0.6g saturated fat, 0.2g polyunsaturated fat, 0.2g monounsaturated fat
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Dietary tags: This recipe is suitable for a Gluten-Free diet, but please note that it is not Dairy-Free or Vegan due to the use of wheat flour and eggs.
- What is the best flour for pizza dough? Use a high-protein flour, such as bread flour (240 g / 1 cup) or all-purpose flour with a high protein content.
- How long should the dough proof? Let it proof for 1-2 hours at 21°C / 70°F, or until it has doubled in size.
- To speed up the proofing process, place the dough in a warm environment, around 27°C / 80°F.
- For a crisper crust, bake the pizza at 230°C / 450°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- How long can I store the dough in the refrigerator?
Key Takeaways for Pizza Success
Crafting a delicious Little Caesars-style pizza dough at home comes down to a few key steps. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a crispy, flavorful crust:
- Kneading is Crucial: Spend at least 8-10 minutes kneading the dough. This develops the gluten, resulting in a strong, chewy crust.
- Proofing Power: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This gives the yeast time to work its magic and create air pockets for a light and airy texture.
- Don’t Overwork: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Be careful not to knead it too much, as this can make the crust tough.
- Temperature Matters:
For optimal results, use warm water (around 40°C/105°F) to activate the yeast. - Time It Right: Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping it. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
With a little patience and these tips, you’ll be enjoying homemade pizza with a crust that rivals Little Caesars!
Time to Get Baking!
Now that the Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe is at your fingertips, it’s time to preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F and get baking! This homemade pizza recipe is a game-changer for pizza lovers, allowing for a delicious, crispy crust that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
To make the most of this recipe, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of warm water, 15 g / 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. With these simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you’ll be on your way to creating mouthwatering pizzas in no time.
- Follow the recipe carefully to achieve the perfect crust texture.
- Experiment with various toppings to create your signature pizza style.
- Share your baking results and experiences with others to inspire new creations.
By trying the Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe and sharing your results, you’ll be joining a community of pizza enthusiasts who appreciate the joy of homemade pizza baking. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delicious flavors of your very own homemade pizza creations!
