Do you want to know how to make pretzel crust pizza? Little Caesars’ pretzel pizza recipe is a dream come true.
It is topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and plenty of pepperoni.
This pretzel crust pizza recipe is very simple, and its taste is much better than delivery pizzas, so I’m sure that you will make it again and again.
Pretzel crust pizza with mouth-watering pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni satisfies every meat lover’s cravings.
You only need 50 minutes to serve this delicious pretzel crust pizza to your loved ones.
It’s a little bit tough to make a pizza with a pretzel crust, but the effort is worth it.
Little Caesars Pretzel Crust Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Baking Soda Bath
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
Toppings
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in baking soda and let it simmer.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a parchment-lined pan. Carefully dip the edges of the dough into the baking soda bath for 20-30 seconds, then place it back on the pan.
- Brush the crust with melted butter. Spread pizza sauce evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then add pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and paprika. Brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle the seasoning over it.
- Slice and serve hot!
Tips For The Best Pretzel Crust Pizza
Making a perfect pretzel crust pizza at home is easy with the right techniques. Here are some simple tips to get the best results:
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Use warm water, not hot or cold. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step gives the crust its signature pretzel taste and color. Dip the crust edges in the solution for about 20-30 seconds.
- Use a Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar makes the pizza extra flavorful and gooey. You can also sprinkle some parmesan for extra richness.
- Brush with Butter for Flavor: Melted butter on the crust enhances the taste and gives it a soft, golden texture. Adding a little garlic powder and oregano makes it even better.
- Bake on a Pizza Stone or Preheated Pan: This helps the crust cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness on the bottom.
- Let the Pizza Cool for a Few Minutes: Right after baking, let the pizza sit for a couple of minutes before slicing. This keeps the cheese from sliding off and helps the crust hold its shape.
Variations
If you want to change up the toppings, there are plenty of options to make this pizza even more exciting:
- Cheesy Overload: Use extra mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or provolone for an ultra-cheesy experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Lovers: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and tomatoes for a flavorful veggie-loaded pizza.
- BBQ Style: Swap the pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and top it with grilled chicken and caramelized onions.
- Creamy Twist: Replace tomato sauce with a white garlic sauce for a rich, creamy alternative.
What To Serve With Pretzel Crust Pizza?
A great meal isn’t just about the pizza. Pair it with some delicious sides for a complete dining experience:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic breadsticks
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato wedges
- Mozzarella sticks
- Tomato basil soup
- Antipasto platter
How To Store And Reheat Pretzel Crust Pizza?
To keep your pizza fresh, store it the right way:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To maintain a crispy crust, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soft and chewy instead of crisp.
Why Does My Pretzel Crust Fall Apart?
A pretzel crust can sometimes fall apart, making the pizza difficult to handle. Here are the most common reasons this happens and how to fix them:
- Not Enough Kneading: The dough needs to be kneaded well to develop enough gluten, which gives it strength and elasticity. If it’s too weak, the crust may crumble.
- Wrong Flour-to-Water Ratio: Too much flour can make the dough dry, while too little water can prevent proper gluten formation. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet.
- Skipping the Baking Soda Bath: The signature texture of pretzel crust comes from dipping the dough in a baking soda solution before baking. If this step is missed, the crust can turn out dry and brittle.
- Overbaking: Baking for too long or at too high a temperature can dry out the crust, making it more likely to crack or fall apart.
To avoid these issues, make sure to knead the dough properly, use the right ingredient ratios, and follow all steps carefully, including the baking soda bath.
Is Pretzel Dough The Same As Pizza Dough?
While pretzel dough and pizza dough share some common ingredients, they are not exactly the same. Here’s how they differ:
- Baking Soda Bath: Pretzel dough is dipped in a baking soda solution before baking. This process gives it a chewy texture and a slightly crisp outer layer. Pizza dough does not go through this step.
- Texture and Taste: Pretzel dough is denser and has a distinct pretzel-like flavor, while pizza dough is softer and more neutral in taste.
- Salt Crust: Pretzel dough is often topped with coarse salt, which enhances its classic pretzel flavor.
If you want to turn regular pizza dough into pretzel dough, simply give it a baking soda bath before baking. This small step makes a big difference in flavor and texture!
