Little Caesars Bacon Crust Pizza Recipe (Better Than Restaurant)

You know those busy evenings when everyone’s hungry and you’re craving something cheesy, crispy, and downright satisfying? That’s exactly why I brought this Little Caesars bacon crust pizza recipe to my kitchen—and now to yours.

This one takes me straight back to my teenage years. Back then, Little Caesars was just down the street, and their hot-and-ready bacon crust pizza was my go-to treat after school.

So I rolled up my sleeves and put together a recipe that comes very close to the real thing. It’s loaded with cheese, has that signature pepperoni topping, and yes—crispy bacon right around the crust.

If you liked my Fancy Mac and Cheese or Pickled Ham, this one’s right up your alley. Make sure to SAVE this.

What Flour are Best for Little Caesars Bacon Crust Pizza

For this recipe, I use strong bread flour because it gives the dough a nice chewy texture, just like the real pizza from Little Caesars. Bread flour has more protein than regular all-purpose flour, and that helps the dough stretch without tearing.

It also holds up really well when baked at high heat. I tried using all-purpose once, but the crust didn’t rise the same way, and it felt too soft.

So if you want that classic pizza bite and a strong base to hold your cheese and bacon, stick with bread flour.

Ingredients For Little Caesars Bacon Crust Pizza

For the Pizza Dough (makes 2 pizzas)

• 3 leveled cups (16 oz) strong bread flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 300 ml warm water (just under, about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 packet (10g) instant yeast

For the Pizza Sauce

• 350g tomato paste (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp MSG (optional, but makes it taste more “chain pizza”)

Cheese Blend

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded Muenster cheese (can sub with all mozzarella if you prefer less tang)
  

Toppings

• 30–40 slices of pepperoni (enough to cover generously)
• 6–8 slices of bacon (cooked until almost crispy)

Other

• Cornmeal + flour for dusting pan
• Olive oil (for bowl and dough)
• Pizza pan or pizza stone

How To Make Little Caesars Bacon Crust Pizza

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by adding warm water, sugar, honey, and half the flour into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir gently. Let it rest a few minutes until bubbly. Now add olive oil, salt, and the rest of the flour. Mix using a dough hook or your hands for about 5 to 6 minutes, until smooth.

Step 2: Let it Rise

Rub olive oil in a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball, coat it with a little oil, and place it in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for at least 3 hours, or refrigerate it overnight (up to 3 days).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While dough is rising, combine tomato paste and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add all the spices. Stir well. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for 30 to 35 minutes until it thickens. Stir now and then.

Step 4: Prep the Pan and Dough

Preheat your oven to 500°F. Mix cornmeal and flour, then sprinkle it on your pizza pan. Take half the dough (save the rest), and shape it to fit the pan. Tuck your bacon slices along the edge of the dough so the ends stick out. Press dough over the bottom of the bacon.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Toppings

Spread a layer of sauce over the dough. Sprinkle your cheese blend (2/3 mozzarella, 1/3 Muenster). Lay out the pepperoni starting at the edge and working inward.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Bake on the bottom rack or pizza stone for 7 to 10 minutes. Watch closely. The crust should be golden and the cheese bubbling. Bacon should be crisp.

Step 7: Let it Rest and Slice

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and keeps your cheese from sliding off.

Notes From The Chef

• Let the dough rest in the fridge for 24 hours if you want even better flavor.
• If Muenster is too strong, use more mozzarella instead.
• Press the bacon in well or it may curl away from the dough.
• The sauce gets better as it cools.
• Keep the oven very hot to get a crispy crust.

How Does This Little Caesars Bacon Crust Pizza Taste

This pizza tastes very close to the real thing. The bacon along the edge gives every bite a salty crunch, while the soft but chewy crust holds everything up.

The mozzarella melts smooth, and the Muenster gives a tangy kick. The sauce is rich and thick—a little sweet, a little spicy, just like the original.

When I took a bite, I felt like I was back in the Little Caesars parking lot, eating from the box with my car windows down.

What To Enjoy With Bacon Crust Pizza

I always serve this hot right from the oven, with a little ranch on the side for dipping. If you like a little crunch, reheat leftovers in a skillet instead of the microwave. It brings the crust back to life. Add a cold drink, refreshing any drink and dinner is done.

FAQs

Can I make this dough without a mixer?

Yes! Mix everything with a spoon, then knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes. It’ll take a little muscle but works just fine.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. After the first rise, wrap it tight and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Is it okay to skip the MSG?

Yes. MSG gives that fast food flavor, but it’s not required. The sauce still tastes great without it.

Can I use store-bought dough?

You can, but the texture might not be the same. This homemade version is softer and chewier.

How do I keep the bacon from falling off the crust?

Make sure to press the dough around the bacon edges. You can also partially cook the bacon so it lays flat.

What can I use instead of Muenster cheese?

Try Monterey Jack or even provolone. Any good melting cheese will work.

Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?

Yes! Just preheat the skillet first and use the same cooking time. It gives a nice crispy bottom.

What temperature should the water be for the yeast?

It should be warm, about 105–110°F. Not hot, or it might kill the yeast.

Can I make it less salty?

Skip the MSG and go easy on the bacon if you’re watching sodium.

If you’ve been missing that bold and salty taste of the Little Caesars bacon crust pizza recipe, this homemade version will hit the spot.

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