The Soft Pretzel Crust Pizza with Cheese Sauce – Little Caesar’s Copycat Recipe is the ultimate twist on your favorite comfort foods combined into one unforgettable dish. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy pretzel crust hugging a luscious, creamy cheese sauce topped with melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni—it’s practically a flavor party in your mouth. This recipe masterfully recreates that iconic Little Caesar’s crust texture but brings it home with a rich, homemade cheese sauce that elevates every bite. Get ready to impress friends or treat yourself to a cozy night in with this show-stopping pizza that’s just begging to be shared.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, approachable, and each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of soft pretzel texture and rich cheesy goodness. From the dough to the cheese sauce, every component is essential in building flavor, texture, and that signature golden crust color.
- 2 refrigerated pizza crusts (not thin crust): The foundation of the pretzel crust—thicker dough gives that chewy, soft bite.
- 1 egg: Used for the egg wash, it helps achieve the glossy, deep brown pretzel crust.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with egg to create the perfect wash consistency.
- 1/2 cup baking soda: Creates the alkaline bath essential for that authentic pretzel exterior.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled generously to give that classic savory crunch atop the crust.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and provides the perfect stretchy cheese topping.
- 24 pepperoni slices: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy punch with every bite.
- 8 ounces extra sharp Cheddar cheese: Brings richness and sharpness to the cheese sauce.
- 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese: Adds creamy texture and a subtle kick for depth.
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the cheese sauce to a smooth, luscious consistency.
- 12 ounces evaporated milk: Creates a creamy, velvety sauce base without heaviness.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s): Balances the cheese sauce with a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Crust Pizza with Cheese Sauce – Little Caesar’s Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Boiling Water
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F—this high heat ensures that pretzel crust gets that irresistible golden crust and soft interior. Meanwhile, bring 3 to 4 inches of water in a large stockpot or dutch oven to a rolling boil; this water will be your alkaline bath, so get it ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Crusts
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough right on its paper. If it’s not pre-rolled to about half an inch thick, take a rolling pin and gently press it out to that thickness. For pre-rolled dough, folding it in half and pressing firmly gets you the same perfect thickness. Using a 6-inch bowl as a guide, cut two round pizza crusts from the dough — this ensures consistent size and shape for even cooking.
Step 3: Egg Wash Preparation
Whisk the egg together with water to create a smooth egg wash. This glossy mixture will help your crust get golden and sticky enough to cling to that beautiful sea salt topping, giving it an authentic soft pretzel look.
Step 4: Boil the Pizza Crusts in Baking Soda Water
Slowly add the baking soda to your boiling water (careful as it bubbles intensely). Gently submerge each pizza crust in the baking soda bath. It will sink immediately, so use a wooden spoon to lift it back up and keep it afloat. Boil each side for about 25 seconds, then flip and boil the other side for 20 seconds to get that pretzel signature texture.
Step 5: Brush and Salt Your Crusts
Remove the boiled crusts carefully with spatulas and place them on parchment paper. Then, generously brush each one again with egg wash, paying special attention to the edges. Immediately follow with a hearty sprinkle of coarse sea salt for that perfect pretzel crunch and flavor burst.
Step 6: Initial Baking
Pop these salted, brushed crusts into the oven and bake for 8 minutes at 425°F. This step locks in the chewy pretzel crust while giving it a satisfying firmness before you add your luscious toppings.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the crusts bake, whisk extra sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack cheese, and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Slowly add evaporated milk and hot sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick, bubbly, and utterly creamy. If it feels too thick, just add extra evaporated milk until it’s silky and smooth—pure cheesy perfection.
Step 8: Assemble and Finish Your Pizza
Once the crusts are out of the oven and cooled slightly, spoon your amazing cheese sauce onto each crust, leaving about an inch border to showcase that pretzel edge. Sprinkle about a cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce and scatter on the pepperoni slices. Return to the oven for 6 minutes, until everything is melted, bubbly, and golden. Then slice and dig in!
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Crust Pizza with Cheese Sauce – Little Caesar’s Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or finely minced green onions adds a burst of color and fresh flavor against that rich cheesy backdrop. For a spicy kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot honey or sriracha elevates the experience delightfully.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside some crunchy garlic dill pickles for that briny balance. A light cucumber salad or roasted veggies also complement the hearty pizza wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pizza into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve with a side bowl of the extra cheese sauce as a dip for veggies or soft pretzel sticks. You can even turn this copycat recipe into mini pretzel crust pizzas using biscuit cutters for a fun, snackable twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Soft Pretzel Crust Pizza with Cheese Sauce – Little Caesar’s Copycat Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crust retains much of its chewiness, and the cheese sauce stays creamy when reheated gently.
Freezing
Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To retain the best texture, avoid freezing the crust before boiling and baking since pretzel texture requires that fresh step right before baking.
Reheating
Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust chewy rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough can work beautifully as long as you roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Just be sure to boil the dough in the baking soda bath to get that authentic pretzel crust texture.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk for the cheese sauce?
Regular milk can be used but evaporated milk adds extra creaminess without watering down the sauce. If using regular milk, you might want to reduce it slightly on the stove before adding cheese to achieve a thicker sauce.
Is the hot sauce necessary in the cheese sauce?
Not strictly, but it adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of the cheese. Feel free to adjust the amount or skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the pepperoni or substitute it with your favorite plant-based meat alternatives or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Why do we boil the crust in baking soda water?
That step is what transforms regular dough into a soft pretzel crust by raising its pH level and giving it the signature chewy texture and deep brown color when baked.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow everyone with something fresh yet nostalgically comforting, the Soft Pretzel Crust Pizza with Cheese Sauce – Little Caesar’s Copycat Recipe is your new go-to. It’s fun to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing—whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a cozy treat. Give this recipe a whirl and prepare for plenty of compliments and seconds at your table!
