The ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza from Little Caesars features a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese atop a golden, hand-tossed crust, delivering a rich, cheesy flavor with a perfectly crispy and chewy texture.
Equipments
- Dough mixer
- Dough roller or sheeter
- Proofing cabinet (optional)
- Pizza peel
- Pizza oven (conveyor or deck)
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
- Sauce ladle
- Pizza cutter or rocker
- Baking screen or pizza pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) pizza sauce
- 4 cups (450g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Use bread flour for the dough to achieve a chewy and crispy crust similar to the ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza from Little Caesars. Instant yeast ensures a faster rise, while sugar helps activate the yeast and enhances the dough's flavor. Warm water at about 110degF (43degC) is ideal to properly activate the yeast without killing it. Olive oil contributes to a tender texture and adds richness to the dough. Your copycat ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza combines a generous layer of melted mozzarella on a hand-tossed crust with this balance of ingredients for an authentic taste.
Instructions
- Add bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water into the dough mixer.
- Mix until a smooth dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl; cover and let proof until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours) or use a proofing cabinet.
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide as needed (for one or two pizzas).
- Dust work surface and dough roller/sheeter with flour or cornmeal.
- Roll or sheet dough out to desired pizza size (about 14" for standard ExtraMostBestest).
- Transfer dough to a pizza pan or baking screen.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly using a sauce ladle, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading all the way to the edge.
- Slide pizza into the oven using a pizza peel.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven with peel and place on a cooling rack for a few minutes.
- Slice using a pizza cutter or rocker.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
The ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza from Little Caesars copycat recipe requires a rich layer of shredded mozzarella for that signature gooey texture, but you can substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile. If a dough mixer or roller isn't available, you can hand-knead the dough and shape it by hand, although this may affect crust consistency. When using a home oven instead of a conveyor pizza oven, preheat to the highest temperature and consider using a pizza stone or baking screen to mimic the commercial oven's even heat distribution. You can swap bread flour for all-purpose flour, but your crust might be less chewy and more tender. Use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking when transferring your pizza into the oven.
Tips
Ensure your dough is properly proofed, aiming for it to double in size to develop the right texture and flavor for the crust. Preheat your pizza oven to 475degF (245degC) to achieve that perfect golden, crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. Use cornmeal or flour to dust your work surface and pizza peel, preventing the dough from sticking during transfer. When spreading sauce and cheese, leave a small border around the edges to maintain a crispy crust without sogginess affecting Your pizza's structure.
Nutritions
The ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza from Little Caesars provides a high-calorie meal primarily due to its generous layer of mozzarella cheese, which contributes significant protein and calcium. The crust, made from bread flour and olive oil, adds carbohydrates and healthy fats to support energy needs. Pizza sauce adds minimal calories but offers some vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, especially lycopene. If you're watching your intake, be mindful that this pizza contains a notable amount of sodium and saturated fats from cheese, which can impact heart health when consumed in excess.
Storage
Store leftover ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to keep the crust crisp and cheese fresh. Refrigerate within two hours of baking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore its crispy texture and melted cheese quality.
Variation or Alternatives
For variation, substitute bread flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and a nuttier flavor to your crust. You may incorporate a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a slightly sharper and creamier cheese topping. Adjust your baking time by a couple of minutes if using a thicker crust to ensure even cooking without drying out the pizza. Using a pizza stone instead of a baking screen can enhance the crispiness of the crust, providing a more traditional pizzeria texture.
Allergies
Your ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza contains common allergens like wheat from the bread flour and dairy from the mozzarella cheese. People with gluten intolerance or milk allergies should avoid this pizza or seek suitable alternatives. Cross-contamination with other allergens may also occur during preparation, so it's important to check with Little Caesars if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The ExtraMostBestest Cheese Pizza from Little Caesars stands out for its generous amount of gooey mozzarella cheese layered over a crispy, golden crust, delivering a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. Its affordability and quick availability make it a convenient choice for those craving a hearty cheese pizza without compromising on taste. You can replicate this beloved recipe at home to enjoy a customizable, cost-effective alternative that matches the iconic cheesy goodness. Perfecting the crust and layering the cheese to achieve the signature blend ensures your copycat pizza captures the authentic Little Caesars experience.