By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 6, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Little Caesars is a household name when it comes to pizzas. The restaurant chain dates back to 1959 when Mike and Marian Ilitch opened the first store in Garden City, Michigan.
Over the years, they have become one of the most popular pizza chains in the United States and beyond. One of their most iconic dishes is their pizza dough, which is used to make all kinds of delicious pizzas from their classic cheese to specialty pies.
Now you can bring the restaurant experience into your own home with this easy-to-follow guide for homemade Little Caesars Pizza Dough. Get creative with toppings and flavorings to have some fun with the family.
What is Little Caesars Pizza Dough?
Little Caesars Pizza Dough is the signature pizza dough that is used to make all of Little Caesar’s classic pizzas. It is made with simple, yet flavorful ingredients such as warm water, dry active yeast, sugar, honey, olive oil, and both bread flour and whole wheat flour.
The best part about this is that it’s incredibly easy to make at home! All you need is a few basic ingredients and you’ll have your own homemade Little Caesars Pizza Dough in no time. Plus, you can choose whatever toppings and flavorings you like to make it your own.
What does it taste like?
Little Caesars Pizza Dough has a light, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with all kinds of toppings and flavorings. It has a nice crunch on the outside and is tender and fluffy on the inside.
The whole wheat flour adds nutty notes to the dough while the olive oil keeps it from sticking when rolling out. Overall, Little Caesars Pizza Dough is a delicious and versatile dough that can be used to make all kinds of pizzas.
Whether it’s classic cheese pizza, a white pizza, or even a dessert pizza, this dough will have you coming back for more.
How did I first get introduced to the Little Caesars Pizza Dough?
I remember my first trip to Little Caesars like it was yesterday. I had heard a lot of good things about their pizzas, so I decided to give it a try. As soon as I walked in, the aroma of freshly baked dough filled the air and made my mouth water.
I ordered a large cheese pizza and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The crust was perfectly crisp and had just the right amount of sweetness, while the cheese was gooey and flavorful. It was love at first bite!
As I finished my pizza, I had to know what kind of dough they used in their pizzas. After asking the staff, they explained that Little Caesars uses a special, homemade pizza dough recipe. This intrigued me and I knew I had to try making it myself at home.
So, I went online and did some research. After finding out about the list of ingredients needed for the dough, I immediately went to the grocery store and bought everything I needed.
I followed the instructions on how to make Little Caesars Pizza Dough and was amazed by the results. The dough rose perfectly, it had a light sweetness, and it tasted just like their pizzas!
I was so proud of myself for successfully replicating the classic Little Caesars taste that I knew then and there that this would become my favorite pizza dough.
From that day I vowed to master the art of making Little Caesars Pizza Dough and share it with friends, family, and anyone else who wanted the same amazing taste at home.
And now here I am, sharing this perfect pizza dough recipe with you! So get ready to make some delicious homemade pizzas!
How to make Little Caesars Pizza Dough?
Making Little Caesars Pizza Dough at home is easier than you would think. All you need are a few simple ingredients and some patience as the dough needs to rise before baking. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be biting into your own homemade pizza in no time!
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
Ingredients
- Warm water: This is used to activate the yeast.
- Dry active yeast: This helps the dough rise and adds flavor.
- Sugar: This helps feed the yeast for a better rise.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps form a nice crust.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking when rolling out the dough.
- Kosher Salt: Adds flavor and helps bring out the sweetness in the dough.
- Bread flour or All-purpose flour: This is used to give the dough structure and shape.
- Whole wheat flour: This gives the pizza a nutty, wheaty flavor and makes for a healthier crust.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, honey, olive oil, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and mix well. Add in both flours and mix until a soft, pliable dough is formed.
Step 3
Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Step 4
Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down, then knead for an additional 3 minutes before shaping it into whatever shape you like. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent drying out while rising for 1 hour.
Step 5
Bake the dough
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake your Little Caesars Pizza Dough for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Make sure to use warm water when activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold can damage it and your dough won’t rise.
- If you’re not a fan of using whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour instead.
- To make the pizza crispier, brush some olive oil on the pizza before baking.
- For a thicker crust, let the dough rise for an additional hour.
- To give the pizza even more flavor, sprinkle some Italian herbs on it before baking.
- If you’re using store-bought pizza sauce, try adding some extra olive oil and garlic to give it an upgrade in flavor.
Issou Spice Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 5/8 cup warm water 4.85 ounces, providing the ideal temperature to activate the yeast and help the dough rise to perfection.
- 1/2 tablespoon aster honey adding a delicate floral note and a touch of natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the bread.
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil enriching the dough with a luscious and fruity taste, while also adding moisture and enhancing the bread’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt enhancing the flavors of the bread and contributing to a well-balanced taste.
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 4 ounces (optional, can use 100% bread flour or all-purpose flour), adding a nutty and hearty flavor, as well as boosting the nutritional value of the bread.
- 3/4 cup bread flour or all-purpose flour 4 ounces, providing structure and a chewy texture to the bread, resulting in a satisfying bite.
- 3/1 teaspoons dry active yeast a key leavening agent that creates pockets of air, resulting in a light and airy texture in the final bread.
- 1 tablespoon sugar nourishing the yeast and aiding in the fermentation process, contributing a subtle sweetness to the bread.
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Make the dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar, honey, olive oil, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and mix well. Add in both flours and mix until a soft, pliable dough is formed.
- Knead the Dough Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes or until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Shape the dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down, then knead for an additional 3 minutes before shaping it into whatever shape you like. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent drying out while rising for 1 hour.
- Bake the dough Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake your Little Caesars Pizza Dough for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make sure to use warm water when activating the yeast. Too hot or too cold can damage it and your dough won’t rise.
- If you’re not a fan of using whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour instead.
- To make the pizza crispier, brush some olive oil on the pizza before baking.
- For a thicker crust, let the dough rise for an additional hour.
- To give the pizza even more flavor, sprinkle some Italian herbs on it before baking.
- If you’re using store-bought pizza sauce, try adding some extra olive oil and garlic to give it an upgrade in flavor.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Little Caesars Pizza Dough?
Little Caesars Pizza Dough goes great with all kinds of toppings and sides. Whether you like traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and veggies, or you prefer something a little more creative like BBQ chicken or carnitas pizza, this dough can handle it!
Pair your homemade pizza with some side salads, roasted vegetables, breadsticks, appetizers, or even desserts.
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, why not make some garlic knots to go along with your Little Caesars Pizza Dough? This will definitely take your pizza night to the next level!
How to store leftover Little Caesars Pizza Dough?
If you have some leftover Little Caesars Pizza Dough, don’t worry! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To do so, wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top bag.
When ready to use, take it out from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. If you want to store the dough for a longer period of time, you can freeze it as well.
To do so, shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-top bag. When ready to use, move it from the freezer to the fridge and thaw overnight before using.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Little Caesars Pizza Dough. However, it’s important to take note that some of the ingredients used in the recipe may contain allergens such as dairy or wheat that could potentially cause harm during pregnancy.
Therefore, please consult with your doctor before consuming the pizza dough. Additionally, make sure to monitor how much you consume as eating too much of any food during pregnancy could lead to complications. Enjoy your homemade pizza with caution!
FAQs
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer as well if you prefer not to knead the dough by hand. Just make sure to use the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until all of the ingredients are combined and a soft, pliable dough is formed.
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can substitute the bread flour or all-purpose flour with other types like whole wheat, rye, spelt, einkorn, or even a combination of different types. Keep in mind that some of these flours may require a slight adjustment in the amount used as each type absorbs liquids differently.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Little Caesars Pizza Dough ahead of time and store it for later use. After shaping the dough into your desired shape, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before baking.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out the Little Caesars Pizza Dough recipe! We hope that it was a delicious addition to your pizza night.
Now that you’ve mastered this dough, why not try experimenting with different types of flours and other unique toppings like figs, prosciutto, or even apples? The possibilities are endless!
Please share this article and let us know how it went! We’d love to hear your feedback.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
