If you’re a fan of cheesy, garlicky goodness, then you’re in for a treat! These Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Sticks are the perfect appetizer or snack that you can whip up in no time. Using simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate that delightful flavor right in your kitchen. Imagine pulling these golden, cheesy sticks out of the oven, the aroma wafting through your home, and your family and friends eagerly waiting to dig in. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because it captures the essence of those beloved cheese bread sticks from Little Caesars while being incredibly easy to make at home. Using just one can of pizza dough, you can create a fluffy, cheesy, and satisfying treat. The combination of melted Italian blend cheese, aromatic garlic, and Italian seasoning brings a burst of flavor that elevates this dish. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing (or not!) on movie nights, game days, or any casual gathering.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can pizza dough – This serves as your base and saves time.
- 1 1/2 cups Italian blend shredded cheese – A melty mix that adds richness.
- 3 tablespoons butter – For that irresistible buttery flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced – Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – To enhance the Italian flavor profile.
Appliances & Accessories
- Oven – Essential for baking your cheese bread sticks to perfection.
- Baking sheet – A flat surface to hold your dough while it bakes.
- Mixing bowl – For combining your garlic and butter.
- Spatula or pastry brush – To spread the garlic butter mixture evenly.
Make Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Sticks: A Simple Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your cheese bread sticks bake evenly and become beautifully golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open the can of pizza dough and carefully unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch the dough into a rectangle, roughly 12 inches by 8 inches. If you prefer thinner sticks, you can roll it out a bit more.
Step 3: Combine Garlic and Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, grated garlic, and Italian seasoning. This mixture will be the flavorful topping for your cheese bread sticks.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Spread half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the Italian blend shredded cheese over the buttered area. Be generous with the cheese to achieve that gooey, melty texture that you crave.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. You should have about 10-12 cheese sticks.
Step 6: Bake the Cheese Sticks
Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the tops of the cheese sticks for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy your homemade Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Sticks!
Make It Your Way
- Add toppings like crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone.
- Incorporate herbs like fresh basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or garlic butter.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not stretching the dough enough can result in dense bread sticks.
- Overbaking can lead to crispy rather than soft cheese sticks.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven may alter the baking time and texture.
- Skipping the garlic butter step will leave the cheese sticks lacking flavor.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the uncooked cheese sticks. Just prepare them up to the baking step, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can be used for this recipe, just make sure it has similar consistency to the store-bought version for best results.
What can I use instead of Italian blend cheese?
You can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Mixing different cheeses can also create a unique flavor.
How do I make these cheese sticks healthier?
To make them healthier, try using whole wheat pizza dough and reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim cheese options.
Can I make these cheese sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sticks, slice them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just allow for a bit of extra baking time if they are chilled.
Serve & Enjoy
Once your Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Sticks are out of the oven, it’s time to gather your friends and family. These cheesy delights are perfect for sharing, whether it’s during a game night, a cozy movie marathon, or a casual get-together. Don’t forget that marinara sauce on the side for dipping—it’s the perfect accompaniment that enhances the flavors even more. So, gather around, dip, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
With this simple recipe, you can bring the joy of Little Caesars into your home and indulge in a delightful cheesy experience. Happy baking!
Little Caesars Italian Cheese Bread Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Open the can of pizza dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface, stretching into a rectangle, roughly 12 inches by 8 inches.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, grated garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 4: Spread half of the garlic butter mixture over the dough and sprinkle with cheese.
- Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Step 6: Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet, brush with remaining garlic butter, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Freeze uncooked cheese sticks for later baking.
