Crazy Bread from Little Caesars features warm, golden-baked breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with flavorful parmesan cheese, delivering a soft inside with a crispy, savory crust that perfectly complements its zesty marinara dipping sauce.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Dough hook (if using stand mixer)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Cheese grater
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Small saucepan (for butter)
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Ensure your warm water is precisely 110degF (43degC) to activate the 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast effectively, which is crucial for achieving the soft, airy texture Little Caesars' Crazy Bread is known for. Use 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon sugar to balance the dough's flavor and texture. Brushing the golden-baked breadsticks with a mixture of 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances the savory crust and aroma. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese evenly for authentic flavor that complements the zesty marinara sauce. You can recreate the iconic Crazy Bread experience at home with this copycat recipe, capturing the perfect blend of soft inside and crispy outside.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and olive oil to bowl.
- Mix until a dough forms (use stand mixer with dough hook or mix by hand).
- Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice dough into breadstick strips.
- Place strips spaced apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Cover with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While baking, melt butter in small saucepan.
- Stir garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt into melted butter.
- Remove breadsticks from oven and place on cooling rack.
- Brush warm breadsticks generously with garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly over breadsticks.
- Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce.
Substitution
Crazy Bread from Little Caesars copycat recipes use simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and garlic powder to replicate the signature soft yet crispy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. If you lack parmesan, pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can provide a similar nutty, salty flavor. When active dry yeast is unavailable, instant yeast can work, but reduce warm water slightly and add yeast directly to flour. Your breadsticks will come out softer if you substitute olive oil with melted butter in the dough, enhancing richness but altering texture slightly. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and ensures even baking, which is crucial for achieving the desired crust.
Tips
Make sure the warm water used to activate the yeast is around 110degF (43degC); water that's too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will slow its activation. Knead the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure necessary for soft, chewy breadsticks. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place and doubling in size ensures the breadsticks have a light texture. When brushing the warm breadsticks with garlic butter, do it immediately after baking so the flavors absorb better and your Parmesan cheese sticks perfectly.
Nutritions
Crazy Bread from Little Caesars offers a combination of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from parmesan cheese, making it a moderate energy source. The garlic butter topping adds some saturated fat and sodium, so portion control is important for your daily dietary needs. Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and small amounts of vitamins A and B12, supporting bone health and metabolism. Pairing these breadsticks with marinara sauce can add lycopene and vitamin C, enhancing the meal's overall nutritional value.
Storage
Store your leftover Crazy Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and flavor. For longer storage, wrap the breadsticks tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust and warm interior.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add a nutty flavor and increase fiber content. To enhance garlic aroma, try roasting fresh garlic and mixing it into the melted butter instead of using garlic powder. For extra crispiness, brush the breadsticks with a thin layer of olive oil before baking. Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different cheesy taste.
Allergies
Crazy Bread contains wheat flour and parmesan cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to gluten or dairy. The presence of butter and garlic powder could also cause issues for those with milk allergies or garlic intolerance. You should carefully check the ingredients if you have any food allergies before consuming this product.
Why this recipe?
Crazy Bread from Little Caesars is loved for its soft, buttery texture paired with a rich garlic and buttery flavor that makes it a comforting snack. The warm, golden breadsticks are complemented by a side of tangy marinara sauce, adding a perfect balance of savory and zesty tastes. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this popular treat at home, saving money while enjoying fresh, customizable breadsticks anytime. Your kitchen becomes a local pizzeria, offering the satisfaction of a beloved comfort food that's simple yet indulgent.