Italian Cheese Bread | Homemade pizza dough topped with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese, baked until melty and browned, then generously sprinkled with Italian seasoning. This homemade Italian cheese bread is the perfect appetizer or side. Inspired by Little Caesars Italian cheese bread.
Italian cheese bread is made by pressing homemade pizza dough into a baking pan and topping it with garlic butter, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
I can’t take full credit for this cheese bread recipe. Little Caesars, a popular pizza chain and my personal guilty pleasure, offers Italian cheese bread on its menu. This is my homemade copycat Italian cheese bread.
This easy Italian cheese bread is just like the restaurant version. Soft pizza dough topped with garlic butter, melty mozzarella cheese, browned and bubbling, and a bunch of Italian seasoning.
Italian cheese bread is the perfect side for dinner, or can be served as an appetizer for game nights and other gatherings.
What is Italian seasoning?
Italian seasoning is an aromatic dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Sometimes red pepper flakes are included, like in my homemade Italian seasoning.
Italian seasoning is herby, earthy, and savoury. It’s often used in Italian cooking, hence the name. It evokes the flavours and taste of classic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.
How to make copycat Italian cheese bread
This Italian cheese bread recipe is inspired by Little Caesars Italian cheese bread. You can easily make it homemade, too.
As someone who frequently enjoys Italian cheese bread, I would consider myself an expert in achieving that perfectly browned mozzarella with those crispy edges.
Start with homemade pizza dough and press it into an 8×8 baking dish. It should be about 3/4 of an inch thick. Brush it with garlic butter- this provides flavour throughout the entire bread.
Top with a cup and a half of shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake for about 25 minutes until melty, browned, and bubbling. Then top with a generous amount of Italian seasoning (the best part).
Ingredients
More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.
Substitutions
Instructions
Prep tips:
Combine the yeast, sugar, olive oil, and water. Add the flour and salt, mixing on medium speed until a rough dough forms.
Mix on low speed for 5 minutes until the dough becomes soft and round. The dough should bounce back when you press your finger into it.
Brush an 8×8 pan with oil and press the dough into it.
Brush with the garlic butter.
Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes, until melty and browned.
When the bread comes out of the oven, sprinkle it with Italian seasoning and slice into 8 pieces.
Serve with marinara sauce as an appetizer, or as a delicious side for dinner.
Tips for Making Italian Cheese Bread
What to Serve with Italian Cheese Bread
Serve the cheese bread alongside pasta for a delicious, Italian inspired dinner.
This Italian cheese bread is perfect for sharing. Serve as an appetizer at your next gathering, with a side of marinara sauce.
Storage
Store the Italian cheese bread covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To heat a few pieces, microwave until warm. To reheat the entire bread, bake at 350°F/180°C until heated through.
I recommend very lightly splashing the bread with water to keep it moist and soft while reheating.
FAQ’s
Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, including oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
Yes, you can make copycat Little Caesars Italian cheese bread. Follow my instructions for the best homemade Italian cheese bread.
Italian Cheese Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8×8 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ¾ cups warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, water, and olive oil. Then add the flour and salt, mixing on medium speed, or by hand, until a rough dough forms.
- Mix on low speed, or knead by hand, for 5 minutes, until a smooth dough forms. The dough is ready when it bounces back after pressing your finger into it.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
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Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
