Little Caesars Breadsticks Nutrition Facts and Copycat Recipe

Little Caesars breadsticks are soft, savory breadsticks topped with garlic butter and Parmesan; this homemade version recreates that familiar pizza-chain style with simple dough and pantry ingredients. The recipe makes 12 sticks, with nutrition estimates included per stick so you can compare portions more easily.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) warm water, about 105–110°F (41–43°C)
2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon (4 g) granulated sugar
2½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, plus up to ¼ cup (31 g) for kneading
1 teaspoon (6 g) fine salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, plus a little for greasing the bowl
3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder
¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) dried oregano
¼ cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon (3 g) coarse salt, or to taste

Instructions

Stir the warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a large bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. If it does not foam, the yeast may be inactive; start again with fresh yeast and water at the correct temperature.
Add the flour, fine salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour a tablespoon at a time only if the dough is too sticky to handle; too much flour can make the breadsticks dense.
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60 minutes, or until roughly doubled in size.
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches (15 cm) long, then arrange them on the sheet with space between each.
Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden on top. For an evenly tender texture, avoid waiting for a deep brown crust.
While the breadsticks bake, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, and oregano. Brush the mixture over the hot breadsticks, then sprinkle with Parmesan and coarse salt. Serve warm.

Nutrition estimate: One breadstick, based on 12 servings, has approximately 190 calories, 5 g protein, 31 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 1 g fiber, and 390 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from the listed ingredients, not official Little Caesars nutrition data. The restaurant’s exact nutrition varies by product, serving size, and recipe; check its current nutrition information for an official figure.

Tips

Measure flour by weight when possible. If using cups, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down.
Water that is too hot can damage yeast. Aim for warm, not hot, water; a kitchen thermometer makes this easy.
For a softer finish, brush on the garlic butter as soon as the sticks come out of the oven. For less salt, omit the coarse salt and use unsalted butter and a modest amount of Parmesan.
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free grated topping. The flavor will be less rich and cheesy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these breadsticks alongside pizza, pasta, or a hearty soup, or offer them as a shareable appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping. A green salad or roasted vegetables help balance a meal built around bread and cheese. If serving a group, keep the sticks covered with a clean kitchen towel for a short period so they stay warm without trapping too much steam.

Variations

For a cheesier top, add up to ½ cup (50 g) grated mozzarella during the final 2 minutes of baking, watching closely so it melts without over-browning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for gentle heat, or swap the oregano for dried parsley. For a more pronounced garlic flavor, use 1 small clove of finely grated fresh garlic in the butter; warm it gently in the melted butter for about 30 seconds rather than leaving it raw. You can also shape the dough into 8 larger sticks, but increase the bake time by a few minutes and check for a lightly golden surface.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover breadsticks cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container within 2 hours of baking. They keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on a baking sheet at 325°F (165°C) for about 5–8 minutes, or until hot; microwaving for 15–25 seconds works for a quick, softer result. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Discard breadsticks left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Little Caesars breadsticks?
Nutrition depends on the specific breadstick product and serving size. This homemade recipe is estimated at about 190 calories per stick, but that is not an official Little Caesars figure. Check the restaurant’s current nutrition listing for the exact item you are ordering.

How many breadsticks does this recipe make?
It makes 12 breadsticks, enough for 6 people at two each. Cut the dough into fewer portions for larger sticks or more portions for smaller ones, keeping in mind that size changes the baking time.

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. After kneading, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature until easier to shape, then form the sticks and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes before baking. The refrigerated rise may be slower than the room-temperature rise in the instructions.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Use 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour. You can skip the separate foaming step, though allow the dough to rise until doubled rather than relying only on the clock.

Why did my breadsticks turn out tough?
Common causes are adding too much flour, kneading in extra flour for too long, or baking until deeply browned. Keep the dough soft and slightly tacky, add flour sparingly, and remove the sticks when they are lightly golden.

Can I make them without Parmesan?
Yes. Leave it off, or use a dairy-free grated alternative. The breadsticks will still have garlic-butter flavor, but the topping will be less salty and savory.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).