Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars features a soft, chewy pretzel dough crust topped with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a blend of Italian herbs, delivering a unique twist on classic pizza with a golden-brown, glossy finish.
Equipments
- Dough mixer
- Dough sheeter or rolling pin
- Pizza peel
- Pizza oven
- Dough cutter or bench scraper
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater (if grating cheese)
- Baking tray or pizza screen
- Pastry brush (for egg wash or butter on crust)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for brushing)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 10 cups water
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt (for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Warm water between 105degF to 115degF is crucial for activating active dry yeast for the pretzel dough. Using coarse sea salt on the crust ensures the signature savory crunch Little Caesars' Pretzel Crust Pizza is known for. Baking soda in the boiling water bath is essential to achieve the golden-brown, glossy pretzel crust texture. Your cheese blend should combine both shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan for authentic flavor. The copycat Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars replicates this classic with a soft, chewy pretzel dough crust topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and Italian herbs.
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in mixing bowl; let sit until foamy (5-10 min).
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to yeast mixture; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic (about 6-8 min).
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Dissolve baking soda in 10 cups water; bring to boil in large pot.
- Punch down dough; turn onto floured surface; divide and shape into pizza round with sheeter or rolling pin.
- Carefully dip shaped dough into boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds; place on baking tray or pizza screen.
- Brush crust edge with egg wash (egg yolk + 1 tbsp water).
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt onto crust edge.
- Spread pizza sauce over inner crust using sauce ladle.
- Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Dust with Italian seasoning.
- Bake in preheated oven 12-15 min, or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven using pizza peel; brush crust with melted butter.
- Cool slightly on rack; slice and serve.
Substitution
Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars copycat recipes rely on a baking soda bath to achieve the signature chewy, golden crust; if you don't have baking soda, a substitute is baking powder, but it may slightly alter texture and flavor. Your yeast must be fresh and properly activated in warm water to ensure the dough rises adequately, otherwise the crust could be dense. When rolling out the dough, lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring which can toughen the crust. If you lack a pizza oven, a conventional oven preheated to its highest temperature with a pizza stone or baking tray can mimic the crispy finish. Consider swapping coarse sea salt with pretzel salt or kosher salt for topping to maintain authentic pretzel flavor and appearance.
Tips
Ensure your yeast mixture becomes foamy within 5 to 10 minutes to confirm active yeast, which is crucial for dough rising. When dipping the shaped dough into the boiling baking soda solution, do so carefully and only for 30 seconds to achieve that signature pretzel crust without compromising the dough's structure. Use an egg wash on the crust edges before sprinkling coarse sea salt to help it adhere better and create a glossy, golden finish. After baking, brushing the crust with melted butter enhances flavor and gives your Pretzel Crust Pizza an irresistible shine.
Nutritions
Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars offers a calorie-dense meal with carbohydrates primarily from the all-purpose flour and pretzel crust, providing energy for your body. The mozzarella and parmesan cheeses contribute a good amount of protein and calcium, supporting muscle function and bone health. The tomato-based pizza sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene, which supports cardiovascular health. Sea salt on the crust enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation to maintain healthy sodium levels in your diet.
Storage
Store leftover Pretzel Crust Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil to maintain its chewy texture and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking to keep the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses fresh and safe to eat. When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crust's golden-brown, glossy finish and melty cheese topping.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone or smoked gouda for a richer flavor profile that complements the pretzel crust. Instead of boiling the dough in a baking soda bath, try a combination of baking soda and baking powder for a slightly lighter crust texture. For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle jalapeno slices on top before baking. Experimenting with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter for brushing the crust will add an extra layer of savory aroma.
Allergies
Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) from all-purpose flour and dairy from mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. If you have allergies to eggs, be cautious because the recipe includes egg yolk in the egg wash for the crust. Your sensitivity to these ingredients could trigger allergic reactions, so it's essential to check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare provider if needed.
Why this recipe?
The Pretzel Crust Pizza from Little Caesars restaurant is popular for its unique combination of soft, salty pretzel dough and savory pizza toppings that create a satisfying flavor contrast. Its distinctive crust appeals to those seeking a twist on traditional pizza, offering a chewy texture with a hint of saltiness that complements the cheese and sauce perfectly. You will find it worth making a copycat version at home to enjoy this innovative pizza experience anytime, customizing toppings to your preference while saving money. Replicating this menu item allows pizza lovers to experiment with a creative recipe that stands out in the crowded pizza market.