When it comes to comfort food, few things are as universally loved as warm, cheesy bread fresh from the oven. And Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread is one of the most craveable versions out there.
With its thick, pillowy crust, golden cheesy topping, and edge-to-edge flavor, it’s the ultimate sidekick to pizza — and honestly, it often steals the show.
This copycat Italian Cheese Bread recipe captures all of that pizzeria magic right at home. You’ll start with a soft dough (store-bought or homemade), cover it edge to edge with shredded cheese, and bake it until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned.
A quick brush of garlic butter over the top finishes everything off for that authentic Little Caesars flavor — and the best part is, it’s way easier than it looks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something memorable.
Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, serving it as a game-day snack, or enjoying it as a standalone meal, this recipe delivers crisp edges, cheesy goodness, and rich garlicky flavor every single time. And it’s easy to scale up or make ahead.
What You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Garlic Butter Finish:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use room temp dough – Cold dough will resist stretching and bake unevenly. Let it rest before shaping.
- Cheese edge-to-edge – Spread the cheese all the way to the pan edges to get those signature crispy, browned cheese corners.
- Pan matters – A metal baking pan helps crisp the bottom better than glass or ceramic.
- Don’t skip garlic butter – It adds moisture, flavor, and that pizzeria aroma everyone loves.
- Let it rest before slicing – This helps the cheese set slightly, making for cleaner slices.
Tools Required
- 9×13-inch baking sheet or metal pan
- Rolling pin or hands to stretch dough
- Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
- Pastry brush
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- No cheddar? Use all mozzarella or substitute Monterey Jack or provolone for a similar melt.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
- Use crescent roll dough: For a shortcut version, press crescent dough into the pan as your base.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free shredded cheese.
- Add toppings: Pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles can turn this into a full meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can stretch and shape the dough and assemble the cheese topping up to 8 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until baking.
Baked cheese bread keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer. You can also freeze slices individually for easy reheating later.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and prep pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet with olive oil.
2. Stretch the dough
Gently stretch or roll the dough to fit the pan. Press it into the corners with your fingers to create an even base.
3. Add cheese and seasoning
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges. Top with garlic powder and oregano.
4. Bake the cheese bread
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
5. Brush with garlic butter
While baking, melt butter and stir in garlic powder. When the bread comes out of the oven, brush garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
6. Slice and serve
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into 12 square or rectangular pieces. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 6–8 minutes, or use an air fryer for a crispier result.
To freeze, wrap slices individually and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! It’s a perfect shortcut and gives great results. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping.
2. What type of cheese should I use?
Mozzarella gives that signature stretch. Adding cheddar or Monterey Jack adds flavor and color. Pre-shredded cheese works fine.
3. Can I bake this on a pizza stone?
You can, but you’ll need to transfer the dough carefully and adjust bake time to avoid over-browning the cheese.
4. Is this the same as Crazy Bread?
No — Crazy Bread is thinner, buttery, and usually served without cheese. This version is thicker and all about the cheesy top.
A Slice of Cheesy, Garlicky Perfection
This Italian Cheese Bread is everything we love about Little Caesars — crispy edges, soft dough, layers of cheese, and a big punch of flavor.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, snack, or main event, it’s bound to be a hit. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes any night feel like pizza night.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results. Did you stick to the classic or add your own twist? Leave a comment and tell me how it turned out!