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Little Caesars Pizza Dough Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

Pizza lovers around the world have a special place in their hearts for Little Caesars’ delectable pies. Known for its hot and ready approach, the brand has made its mark with affordable, flavour-packed pizzas. But what if you could recreate that iconic pizza dough right in your own kitchen? In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through making Little Caesars-style pizza dough at home, so you can impress friends and family with your own homemade pizzas.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the method, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect pizza dough:

• 500g (4 cups) strong bread flour
• 320ml (1⅓ cups) warm water (about 37°C or 98°F)
• 7g (2 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 10g (1 tablespoon) sugar
• 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil

Equipment

You’ll also need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Kitchen scale (preferable for accuracy)
• Cling film or a damp cloth
• Baking tray or pizza stone
• Rolling pin (optional)

Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by adding the warm water to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the sugar and instant yeast on top of the water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as it proves that your yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the olive oil and salt to the bowl. Gradually add the strong bread flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or dough scraper. Continue until the mixture comes together and forms a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can test the dough by performing the ‘windowpane test’: take a piece of dough and stretch it; if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s ready.

Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with cling film or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions if you’re making two pizzas. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for another 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to stretch.

Step 6: Roll and Shape the Pizza Base
Using a rolling pin or your hands, stretch or roll out each ball into your desired pizza shape and thickness. If you enjoy a thicker crust, aim for a dough that’s about 1 cm thick.

Step 7: Pre-Bake (Optional)
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza base for about 5 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) before adding your toppings.

Step 8: Top and Bake
Once your base is ready, it’s time to add your favourite toppings. Classic options include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables. Bake in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Conclusion

Homemade pizza dough is simpler than it sounds, and with this Little Caesars-inspired recipe, you’ll have the foundation for an amazing pizza experience right in your kitchen. Experiment with your favourite toppings, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving up a fresh, hot pizza that rivals takeout. Gather your family or friends for a pizza night, and let creativity run wild as you create custom masterpieces. Happy cooking!