When I first tried making Little Caesars garlic butter dipping sauce at home, I realized how easy it was to recreate that creamy, savory dip that everyone in my family loves. The kids instantly started dunking breadsticks, my husband went straight for his pizza crusts, and before I knew it, the bowl was empty. It’s the kind of sauce that makes any pizza night feel extra special.
This sauce is smooth, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch for breadsticks, pizza, or even roasted veggies. The best part? You only need a few pantry staples to whip it up in less than 10 minutes. Once you try making it yourself, you may never want to skip dipping sauce again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic butter dipping sauce copycat is rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. You’ll love how versatile it is — it works with pizza, breadsticks, chicken, and even vegetables. It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and tastes fresher than anything in a takeout cup. Plus, you can adjust it to your taste by making it more garlicky, more buttery, or even adding herbs for variety. It’s a simple recipe that makes pizza night feel restaurant-worthy.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for silkier texture)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the boldest flavor, but garlic powder works for convenience.
- Simmer butter gently — don’t let it brown unless you want a nuttier taste.
- Add olive oil for a smoother texture that stays liquid longer.
- Make a double batch and refrigerate leftovers for up to a week.
- Serve warm — the flavor shines best when the sauce is freshly melted.
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh garlic)
- Small serving ramekins or bowls
Substitutions & Variations
- Use margarine instead of butter for a closer fast-food taste.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese for a richer, cheesier dip.
- Try Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a herby version.
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make this sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. If it separates, whisk it back together with a splash of olive oil or melted butter.
Instructions
1. Melt butter
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until smooth.
2. Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, onion powder, and parsley if using. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Blend in olive oil
Stir in olive oil if desired for extra smoothness. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Taste and adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning — add more salt or garlic to your liking.
5. Serve
Pour into ramekins and serve warm with pizza, breadsticks, or other sides.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is made for dipping breadsticks and pizza crusts, but don’t stop there. It’s fantastic with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp. Drizzle it over pasta for a quick garlic butter spaghetti, or brush it on toasted sandwich rolls for an easy upgrade. My kids love it as a dip for homemade pretzels, too.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover garlic butter sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze it in small portions — just thaw and reheat when needed. If the butter separates, whisk it back together while warming.
Nutrition & Benefits
This sauce is indulgent, but it does offer some benefits. Garlic is packed with antioxidants and supports immune health, while butter and olive oil provide healthy fats when enjoyed in moderation. Making it at home means you skip preservatives and can use quality ingredients. Since it’s so flavorful, a little goes a long way.
Recipe FAQ
1. Does Little Caesars use real butter in their sauce?
Most fast-food chains use margarine, but this recipe uses butter for a richer taste.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter or margarine.
3. What’s the best way to keep the sauce warm?
A small slow cooker or fondue pot works great for parties.
4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, garlic powder is a convenient substitute.
5. Can I turn this into a spread?
Yes, chill the sauce in the fridge until solid and use it as a garlic butter spread for bread.
A Dipper Worth Making
This Little Caesars garlic butter dipping sauce copycat is rich, garlicky, and versatile — the kind of sauce that makes even a simple pizza night feel indulgent. It’s quick to whip up, customizable to your taste, and goes with so much more than breadsticks.
So the next time you want that signature Little Caesars flavor, skip the tiny dipping cup and make your own at home. I’d love to hear how you used it — did you keep it classic with pizza, or try it on pasta or veggies? Share your version and enjoy every garlicky bite.
