Copycat Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza Recipe

When the Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza was introduced, it was like the pizza gods answered all our prayers. A melty cheese-filled crust paired with a crispy, garlicky breadcrumb topping? It’s the perfect marriage of indulgence and texture that we didn’t know we needed until now.

How to make Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza

Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza is a type of pizza featuring a cheese‑filled crust that’s baked until the outer edge is extra crispy.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F for activating yeast)

For the Stuffed Crust

2 cups mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut into shorter pieces, if needed)
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

For the Pizza Toppings

1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for an extra cheesy kick!)
1 cup pepperoni or preferred toppings (optional)

For the Crunch Topping

½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for its crunchiness)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, or thyme)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy (this step ensures your yeast is alive).
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. (You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer!)
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Pizza and Make the Stuffed Crust

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside the oven while preheating to get it nice and hot.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a 12-14-inch circle. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
Stuff the Crust: Place the mozzarella string cheese pieces along the edges of the pizza dough. Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese and pinch tightly to seal the cheese inside. Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil to help it turn golden and crispy.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed-crust edges bare.
Load on the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (and optional cheddar) across the top of the sauce.
Add Additional Toppings: This is your time to get creative—pepperoni, sausage, veggies, or even more cheese!

Step 4: Add the Crunch Topping

Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Mix well until evenly coated.
Sprinkle on the Crust: Generously sprinkle this mixture over the top of the stuffed crust. Use your fingers to press it gently so it adheres well.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Transfer to Oven: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the crunchy topping is lightly toasted.
Cool and Slice: Allow your pizza to cool for 5 minutes before slicing—it’s hard to wait, but this helps the cheese set a little.

Tips for Success

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you can’t find them, lightly toast your breadcrumbs beforehand for extra crunch.
Cheese for the Crust: While mozzarella string cheese is convenient, you can also roll fresh mozzarella sticks or any meltable cheese you prefer into the crust for extra flavor.
Get the Crust Extra Crunchy: After brushing the crust with olive oil, sprinkle a light dusting of flour before adding the breadcrumb mixture. This helps everything stick better and enhances the crunch.
Baking Surface: Using a pizza stone will give you an authentic pizzeria-style crust. Heat the stone in the oven during preheating for the best results.
Season the Crust: For added flavor, use garlic butter instead of plain olive oil to brush the stuffed crust before it bakes.

What to serve with

When you’re making a big, bold pizza like the Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza, it’s only fitting to serve it with sides and drinks that complement, elevate, and balance the meal.

Garlic Breadsticks or Garlic Knots: Garlic breadsticks or garlic knots are pizza night classics that pair perfectly with the cheesy and crunchy goodness of the Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza. Their buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the buttery crust while providing that extra starch to curb your carb cravings. Serve these with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for a fun and flavorful addition.
Classic Caesar Salad: Balance out the richness of the Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza with the crisp freshness of a Caesar salad. Romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing complement the savory, cheesy flavors of the pizza without overwhelming your palate.
Caprese Salad: For a lighter and refreshing option, serve a Caprese salad made with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Its simple yet bold flavors are the perfect contrast to the heaviness of loaded pizzas.
Mozzarella Sticks: Because you can never have too much cheese, fry or bake some mozzarella sticks to serve alongside your Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza. Offer marinara sauce as a dipping option to tie it all together.
Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: For a spicy twist, pair the pizza with stuffed jalapeño poppers. These bring a little heat, which contrasts nicely with the cheesiness of the pizza. Bonus—they’re crunchy, just like the crust, so they complement the texture beautifully!

Ingredients Substitutes

Making the Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza at home means you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have available in your pantry.

1. Substitutes for Pizza Dough

Pre-Made Dough Options

Store-Bought Pizza Dough: If you don’t have time to make dough from scratch, grab a pre-made pizza dough from the bakery section of your local grocery store. Many shops also sell frozen dough that you can thaw and use.
Flatbreads and Naan: These work wonderfully for a thinner crust alternative. Choose naan, pita bread, or even tortillas for smaller, individualized pizzas.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough Kits: Many brands offer gluten-free pizza dough mixes or frozen gluten-free dough for those with gluten intolerance.
Cauliflower Crust: Low-carb cauliflower pizza crusts are an excellent healthy and gluten-free base.
Almond Flour Dough: You can make pizza dough by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour for a keto-friendly crust.

Whole-Wheat Dough

For a healthier crust, substitute all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour. Use the same measurements, but add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten (optional) to improve the dough’s elasticity and texture.

2. Substitutes for Cheese in the Stuffed Crust

Mozzarella String Cheese Alternatives

The gooey, cheesy stuffed crust is what makes this pizza special, but you can experiment with other types of cheese:

Shredded Mozzarella: Instead of using string cheese sticks, roll shredded mozzarella into the crust. Use a slightly firmer mozzarella for easier handling.
Cheese Blocks or Cubes: Slice semi-firm cheeses (like cheddar or Gouda) into sticks or cubes to stuff the crust. These cheeses add a richer, sharper flavor.
Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella sticks or shredded vegan cheese, which melts beautifully. Brands like Daiya or Violife work great.
Cream Cheese: For a creamy twist, place small dollops of cream cheese along the crust before folding. Pair it with garlic powder for added flavor.

3. Substitutes for Pizza Sauce

Basic Tomato Sauce Alternatives

Homemade Marinara: If you don’t have store-bought pizza sauce, make a quick marinara by simmering canned crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and Italian herbs.
Pesto Sauce: For a non-traditional twist, spread basil pesto on the base and skip the tomato altogether. Its rich, herbal flavors pair beautifully with cheese and toppings.
Alfredo Sauce: Opt for creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent, white pizza experience.
BBQ Sauce: Want smoky sweetness? BBQ sauce adds a unique flavor profile that works especially well with chicken or bacon toppings.
Salsa: If you’re out of traditional sauces, mild salsa or taco sauce can work as a substitute for tangy heat.

4. Substitutes for Toppings

Cheese Toppings

Cheddar Cheese: Combine shredded cheddar with mozzarella for sharper, richer cheese coverage.
Parmesan or Asiago: Mix shredded Parmesan or Asiago with traditional mozzarella for added depth and saltiness.
Vegan Cheese: Use shredded vegan cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.

Protein Options

Instead of classic pepperoni, try these alternatives:

Chicken: Cooked, shredded, or grilled chicken works beautifully, especially with BBQ sauce or Alfredo sauce.
Italian Sausage: Crumbled or sliced Italian sausage adds spice and flavor.
Vegetarian Proteins: Add cooked soy crumbles, seitan, or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Vegetables

Classic Veggies: Swap in bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, or mushrooms to amp up the health factor.
Roasted Vegetables: For extra depth, roast veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or sun-dried tomatoes and scatter them across the pizza.

5. Substitutes for Crunch Topping

Breadcrumb Alternatives

The crunchy breadcrumb topping is one of the standout features of this pizza. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, don’t worry—here are some great alternatives:

Crushed Crackers: Crush salty crackers like Ritz or saltines finely to mimic breadcrumbs.
Cornflakes: Lightly crush cornflakes for a crispier and slightly sweeter topping.
Grated Bread: Don’t have pre-made breadcrumbs? Take some leftover bread, toast it until dry and lightly crumble by hand or blitz in a food processor.

Butter Alternatives for Binding

Olive Oil: Use olive oil instead of melted butter to bind the crunchy topping ingredients, adding a light, Mediterranean touch.
Ghee: If you prefer a richer butter flavor, ghee works just as well.
Vegan Butter: For vegan options, replace regular butter with plant-based alternatives like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery butter.

Final Thoughts

Your Little Caesars Stuffed Crunch Crust Pizza is already a star on its own, but serving it with well-paired sides, drinks, and desserts can create a restaurant-quality dining experience right in your home.

More Pizza Recipes:

[penci_recipe]

Little Caesars Recipes Pizza Recipes