Little Caesars Crazy Bread is one of those irresistible fast-food favorites that’s simple, comforting, and downright addictive.
There’s nothing fancy about it — just soft, fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled generously with Parmesan — yet somehow, you can never eat just one.
They’re the ultimate sidekick to pizza night, and now, you can make them fresh at home with this copycat Crazy Bread recipe that’s just as good (if not better) than the original. These breadsticks start with a soft homemade dough that bakes up pillowy and golden.
Once out of the oven, they get the signature treatment: a generous brush of warm garlic butter and a dusting of salty Parmesan cheese. The smell alone will have everyone in the kitchen before you can serve them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures the full Crazy Bread experience — soft and warm on the inside, slightly crisp outside, and loaded with buttery, garlicky flavor. It’s easy to make and freezer-friendly, and you can prep the dough ahead of time.
These are perfect for family dinners, game day, movie nights, or whenever a pizza craving hits and you want a side that truly delivers.
What You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tips
- Let your dough rise fully – A warm, draft-free area will give you the best rise and soft texture.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter – It’s what gives Crazy Bread its signature flavor. Brush it on while the bread is still warm.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and has more flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
- Shape carefully – Roll the dough evenly and don’t overwork it. Uneven shaping can lead to inconsistent baking.
- Double the batch – These freeze well and reheat beautifully, so make extra for later.
Tools Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Substitutions and Variations
- Garlic powder instead of fresh garlic: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the butter if you don’t have fresh.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and skip the cheese, or use vegan Parmesan.
- Add herbs: Mix in dried oregano or parsley into the butter for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Crazy Bread: Sprinkle mozzarella over the breadsticks during the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- No time for dough? Use refrigerated pizza dough as a shortcut.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping. The breadsticks also freeze well after baking. Just reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
2. Mix and knead the dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes or use a mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
4. Shape the breadsticks
Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Cut into 10–12 even strips and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 400°F.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. While baking, melt the butter with garlic in a small saucepan or microwave.
6. Brush with garlic butter and cheese
Remove from oven and immediately brush with garlic butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while still warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. You can also freeze baked breadsticks and reheat directly from frozen for 10–12 minutes.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, refrigerated pizza dough is a great shortcut and still delivers soft, tasty results.
2. What cheese does Little Caesars use?
They use a dry-style grated Parmesan cheese, which gives the bread its salty-savory finish.
3. Can I make this without yeast?
Not exactly. Yeast is key to getting that fluffy breadstick texture. You could use a baking powder-based dough, but it won’t be quite the same.
4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Yes — ½ teaspoon garlic powder works well mixed into the melted butter.
Just Like the Original, But Even Better
There’s something magical about recreating fast-food favorites in your own kitchen — especially when they turn out as delicious as these copycat Crazy Bread breadsticks.
They’re soft, flavorful, and totally addicting, just like the ones you remember, only fresher and customizable to your taste.
Give this recipe a try for your next pizza night or as a party snack, and watch them disappear faster than you can bake the next batch. Don’t forget to come back and let me know how they turned out — I’d love to hear how you served and shared your version of Crazy Bread.
