Little Caesars Crazy Bread might get all the attention, but the real secret to that iconic flavor experience? The Crazy Sauce. This zesty, slightly sweet, and garlicky marinara-style dipping sauce is the perfect companion to warm, buttery breadsticks, and it’s just as good on pizza, pasta, meatballs, or even as a sandwich spread. If you’ve ever scraped the last bit from the container with your breadstick, you’re not alone.
This copycat Crazy Sauce recipe brings all the comforting flavor of the original — simple tomato goodness, balanced with herbs, a hint of sweetness, and a gentle kick of garlic and spice.
It’s easy to whip up in under 20 minutes with pantry ingredients, and once you make it, you’ll never reach for jarred marinara again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crazy Sauce isn’t just a dip — it’s a versatile, delicious marinara that’s kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and works with nearly anything savory.
The texture is smooth and scoopable, and the flavor is perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, with a savory backbone. Best of all, it’s inexpensive, fast, and made with ingredients you probably already have.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of baking soda (to reduce acidity)
Pro Tips
- Simmer slowly – Letting the sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes helps blend and deepen the flavors.
- Taste and adjust – Some tomatoes are more acidic or sweet than others, so tweak the sugar or salt as needed.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste – It adds richness and body that mimics the thick texture of the original.
- Use a pinch of baking soda – If your sauce tastes too acidic, baking soda will neutralize the sharpness without adding more sugar.
- Double the batch – It freezes beautifully, and you’ll want more on hand for future snacking.
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container or jar for storage
- Optional: immersion blender (if you want a smoother texture)
Substitutions and Variations
- No tomato paste? Simmer an extra 10 minutes to thicken the sauce naturally.
- Fresh garlic instead of powder: Use 1–2 cloves minced and sauté briefly in olive oil before adding sauce.
- Herb variations: Add Italian seasoning in place of oregano and basil for a simpler twist.
- Heat it up: Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
- Make it chunky: Add finely chopped onions and sauté in oil before adding the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
Crazy Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors get better the next day, so making it in advance is encouraged. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Instructions
1. Heat oil and add ingredients
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer the sauce
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors develop.
3. Adjust seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or pepper. If the sauce is too acidic, stir in a pinch of baking soda and let it simmer another 2 minutes.
4. Cool and serve
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving with Crazy Bread, pizza, or your favorite snack. Store leftovers in an airtight jar.
Leftovers and Storage
Store Crazy Sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm on the stove over low heat. To freeze, place in an airtight container, leaving space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQ
1. Is this sauce the same as pizza sauce?
Not exactly. Crazy Sauce is thinner and has more garlic and sweetness than typical pizza sauce. It’s meant for dipping, not spreading on dough.
2. Can I make this without tomato paste?
Yes, but the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich. You can simmer it longer to thicken it naturally.
3. What kind of tomato sauce should I use?
Plain, unsalted tomato sauce is best. Avoid anything pre-seasoned or labeled as “spaghetti sauce.”
4. Can I use this on pasta?
Absolutely. It’s delicious tossed with cooked pasta, especially if you like a slightly sweet, garlicky red sauce.
Your New Favorite Dipping Sauce
Little Caesars Crazy Sauce is the perfect companion for breadsticks, pizza, and beyond — and now you can make it anytime the craving strikes.
This recipe is simple, flexible, and better than anything that comes in a tiny plastic cup. You can customize the heat, the sweetness, or the herbs and make a sauce that works perfectly for you and your family.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out! Did you pair it with Crazy Bread, use it as a pizza dip, or stir it into your pasta? Drop a comment and share your favorite ways to use this craveable classic.