I made a homemade version of Little Caesars deep dish pizza, and it honestly tasted just as good—maybe even better—than the takeout.
The crust baked up thick and golden with that perfect buttery edge, while the layers of gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce made every bite satisfying.
What I love most is how it feels like comfort food you can share, but it’s still easy enough to make on a weeknight. For me, it’s the kind of pizza that brings everyone to the table fast, and there’s never a slice left over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Little Caesars deep dish pizza copycat delivers everything you crave about the original. The crust is thick yet fluffy, the edges get that satisfying crispness from baking in oil, and the layers of cheese and pepperoni are perfectly balanced.
It’s fun to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and a great family activity for pizza night. The best part? You control the quality of ingredients, making it fresher and tastier than anything from the drive-thru.
What You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing pan)
For the pizza:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 20–25 slices of pepperoni
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use a well-oiled pan — that’s the secret to the crispy edges.
- Let the dough rise fully; a fluffy crust depends on it.
- Layer cheese first, then toppings, then sauce — just like Little Caesars.
- Don’t overload with toppings; too many can weigh down the crust.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan or cast-iron pan
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap pepperoni for sausage, veggies, or Canadian bacon.
- Use provolone or Monterey Jack cheese for a twist.
- Make it vegetarian with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the crust before baking.
- Try barbecue chicken or buffalo chicken toppings for a fun flavor variation.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan.
The pizza can also be assembled a few hours ahead, covered, and chilled until baking time.
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
2. Let it rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Prep the pan
Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. This creates the signature crispy crust.
4. Shape the dough
Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the oiled pan. Cover and let rise for 30 more minutes.
5. Assemble the pizza
Sprinkle cheese directly on the dough, going all the way to the edges. Add pepperoni slices, then spoon sauce in stripes across the top (like Little Caesars style).
6. Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake pizza for 18–22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
7. Serve
Let pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or breadsticks.
For the full Little Caesars experience, serve it with Crazy Sauce or Crazy Bread. It also makes a great game day meal alongside wings and soda.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the crust. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
Nutrition & Benefits
While this pizza is definitely an indulgence, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients.
Olive oil gives the crust healthy fats, and using your favorite sauce means you can reduce added sugar or sodium if you’d like.
Adding vegetable toppings can boost fiber and vitamins, making this meal a balance of comfort and nutrition.
Recipe FAQ
1. What makes Little Caesars deep dish different from regular pizza?
It’s baked in an oiled pan, giving it a crispy edge and fluffy center.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works — just press it into a greased pan.
3. What’s the best pan to use?
A 9×13-inch metal baking pan or cast-iron pan gives the crispiest results.
4. Do I put sauce or cheese first?
Cheese goes first, then toppings, then sauce — the Little Caesars way.
5. How do I know when the pizza is done?
The crust should be golden, and the cheese should be bubbling.
A Slice of Comfort at Home
This Little Caesars deep dish pizza copycat brings all the flavor and comfort of the restaurant version straight into your kitchen.
With its crispy edges, gooey cheese, and thick, fluffy crust, it’s the perfect recipe for family pizza night. Best of all, it’s fun to make and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
So next time you’re craving that signature deep dish, skip the carryout and bake one yourself. I’d love to know what toppings you tried — did you stick with classic pepperoni or create your own version? Share your experience and enjoy every slice.
