Copycat Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust Pizza

Total Time

Prep: 25 in. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

8 servings

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon pretzel or coarse salt
• PIZZA:
• 1/2 cup salsa con queso dip, such as Tostitos
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. In a stand mixer, stir together warm water, sugar and yeast; let stand until foamy, 4-5 minutes. Add flour and 1 teaspoon table salt. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until dough comes together, 1-2 minutes. Increase speed to medium and mix for an additional 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 425°. Punch down dough; press into a 12-in. circle onto an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan. Let stand 10 minutes. Stir together hot water and baking soda; brush mixture over outer 1-in. Let stand 5 minutes; repeat. Sprinkle coarse salt over edge.
3. Spread queso dip over inside of crust. Top with cheese and pepperoni. Bake until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted, 16-18 minutes. Brush crust with melted butter before serving.

Copycat Pretzel Crust Pizza Tips

Does this recipe taste like Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust Pizza?

One of the mysteries of the corporate world is when a company discontinues a much-loved item. The Little Caesar’s pretzel crust pizza was one of those things. It has become a cult classic and is coveted by many when it’s rereleased occasionally. While Little Caesar’s doesn’t share the recipe, we feel this pretzel crust pizza recipe comes pretty close. We’re not sure if this is the same method they use to achieve that characteristically dark, salty exterior you look for in a delicious soft pretzel, but our Test Kitchen went gaga over it when it came out of the oven.

Can you make pretzel crust pizza with premade pizza dough?

We feel homemade pizza dough always tastes better than store-bought, but we completely understand not everyone has the time to mix, proof, and roll out their own dough every time they want pizza. If you’re short on time, go ahead and use premade pizza dough. Just follow the package directions. When ready, just proceed with the pizza recipe as directed.

Can you swap regular pizza sauce for the cheese sauce?

This pretzel crust pizza recipe is delicious no matter how you top it (but the cheese sauce really does make it just like Little Caesar’s version). However, if you’d like to use your own homemade pizza sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce, go ahead; we won’t say a thing!

—James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 414 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.

source https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/copycat-little-caesar-s-pretzel-crust-pizza/

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