If you’ve ever ordered a pizza from Little Caesars, chances are you’ve added a side of Cheese Bread Sticks to your order — and maybe even wished you ordered two. These warm, pillowy breadsticks covered in gooey melted cheese are practically irresistible.
They’re golden on the edges, buttery on top, and perfect for dipping in Crazy Sauce or marinara. The good news? You don’t have to wait for pizza night to enjoy them. This Little Caesars Cheese Bread Sticks copycat recipe brings that soft, cheesy goodness right to your kitchen.
Made with a simple pizza dough base, plenty of mozzarella cheese, and a buttery garlic topping, these breadsticks are ideal for family movie nights, game days, or even a fun weeknight side dish.
Plus, they’re easy enough to make even if you’re not a confident baker. Whether you use store-bought dough or make it from scratch, you’ll love how quickly they come together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheese bread sticks are everything you want in a side dish: cheesy, soft, slightly crispy on the bottom, and loaded with flavor.
They’re kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have. They’re also incredibly versatile — serve them as a snack, appetizer, or alongside soup or salad.
What You’ll Need
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (optional, for color)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Room temp dough is key – Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes so it’s easier to stretch.
- Use parchment or oil generously – This keeps the bottom crisp and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overload with cheese – Too much cheese can create greasy puddles. Stick to the amounts listed for a perfect melt.
- Add the butter after baking – Brushing the garlic butter on after baking keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
- Slice before serving – Cut into sticks while hot so the cheese doesn’t pull off.
Tools Required
- Baking sheet (9×13 or similar)
- Rolling pin or hands for stretching dough
- Parchment paper or oil for greasing
- Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
- Pastry brush
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Substitutions and Variations
- No cheddar? Use all mozzarella, or add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
- Store-bought dough: A pre-made dough ball or crescent roll sheet can work in a pinch.
- Add herbs: Sprinkle Italian seasoning or oregano over the cheese before baking.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free butter and mozzarella alternative.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the dough and cheese layer up to 12 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
The garlic butter can also be made ahead and reheated. Fully baked breadsticks can be cooled, wrapped, and frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prepare pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. Shape the dough
Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches to fit the pan. Press gently to fill the corners and create an even surface.
3. Add the cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by cheddar if using. Leave a small border along the edges.
4. Bake the breadsticks
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the edges of the dough are crisp.
5. Make the garlic butter
While the breadsticks bake, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in garlic powder and salt. Set aside.
6. Brush with garlic butter
Remove breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using.
7. Slice and serve
Use a pizza cutter to slice into strips. Serve warm with marinara or Crazy Sauce for dipping.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp.
To freeze, wrap cooled breadsticks in foil and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought dough works great and makes this recipe super easy.
2. What cheese does Little Caesars use?
They use a mozzarella-muenster blend. Mozzarella with a touch of cheddar gets you very close in flavor and melt.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I prep these ahead and bake later?
You can assemble the dough and cheese in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
A Cheesy Classic, Homemade and Better Than Ever
Now you don’t have to wait for pizza night to enjoy Little Caesars-style cheese bread sticks at home. With stretchy cheese, golden edges, and garlicky butter, these breadsticks are comfort food at its best.
Easy, crowd-pleasing, and freezer-friendly — they’re perfect for everything from snacks to sides to party appetizers.
Try them once, and you’ll be hooked. When you do, leave a comment — did your family polish off the whole tray in one sitting? Did you pair them with homemade sauce? Share your version below!