Crazy Bread Recipe

Hey there, fellow bakers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to Crazy Bread recipe that’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

I’ve honed this recipe over time, and let me tell you, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

One key tip: don’t skimp on the garlic butter brushing—it’s what gives the bread that irresistible aroma and flavor.

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of chewy and crispy, making it a versatile side that pairs with almost anything.

Plus, the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end isn’t just for show—it adds a savory punch that takes this bread to the next level.

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get that oven preheated—delicious Crazy Bread awaits!

How to Make Crazy Bread

Ingredients List

To make crazy Bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use bread flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (more for the bowl)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil
• Garlic salt or a combination of garlic powder and salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step process

Step 1 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast with warm water and let it stand for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil.

Mix with a dough hook attachment or by hand until the dough forms a ball.

If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed.

Step 2

Knead the dough either with the dough hook attachment or by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3

Lightly coat a large bowl with oil and place the dough ball in it, turning to coat the dough with oil.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Divide the dough into 12-15 even pieces.

Shape each dough piece into rounds like dinner rolls, then roll and stretch them along the work surface into breadsticks, about 6 to 8 inches in length.

Step 6

Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.

Step 7

Let the breadsticks rise for 15-20 minutes while preparing the garlic butter mixture.

Step 8

Prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter or olive oil with garlic salt (or a mixture of garlic powder and salt) to taste.

Step 9

Once the breadsticks have risen, brush them with the garlic butter mixture and then bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade Crazy Bread!

Side Dishes for Crazy Bread

Crazy Bread is a delicious and addictive treat on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes that complement its garlic and buttery goodness.

Here are a few side dishes that pair well with Crazy Bread:

Sauce for Dipping:

You can also experiment with various dipping sauces to find your perfect match for Crazy Bread.

Some popular options include garlic butter sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce.

The key is to select a sauce that highlights the Crazy Bread’s flavors without overpowering them.

Mozzarella Cheese:

If you’re in the mood for something extra cheesy, consider topping your Crazy Bread with some shredded mozzarella cheese.

Simply sprinkle the cheese on top of the breadsticks and bake them together until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

You can serve this cheesy Crazy Bread with any of your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the side dish further.

Pairing Crazy Bread with these delicious side dishes will surely make your meal more enjoyable and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutes

One of the things that make Crazy Bread so popular is its simple ingredients and versatility.

If you’re looking to personalize your favorite Crazy Bread recipe or simply don’t have certain ingredients, here are some substitutes you can consider.

All-purpose Flour

Bread flour is typically recommended because of its higher protein content, which creates a chewier texture.

However, if you don’t have bread flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

This simple swap will work just fine, but you may notice a slightly softer dough.

Instant Yeast

If your recipe requires active dry yeast, but you only have instant yeast, don’t worry!

You can make the swap without any issues.

To do this, use 25% less instant yeast than the amount of active dry yeast called for in your recipe.

Olive Oil substitutes

Olive oil is used in traditional Crazy Bread recipes to give it a unique flavor.

But if you’d like to switch things up or don’t have olive oil available, you can use other kinds of oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted butter in its place.

Each will impart a slightly different flavor to your Crazy Bread, so experiment to find your preference.

By using these ingredient substitutes, you can easily adapt your Crazy Bread recipe to suit your tastes and ingredient availability.

Enjoy the process of personalizing and experimenting with your recipe while maintaining the deliciousness of this classic favorite.

How to Store Crazy Bread

Storing Crazy Bread properly is essential for maintaining its freshness and taste.

Here are some instructions on how to store leftover breadsticks:

Cool down the breadsticks:

Before storing the breadsticks, wait for them to cool down to room temperature.

Storing warm breadsticks may cause condensation in the container, causing them to become soggy.

Choose an airtight container:

Using an airtight container helps preserve the breadsticks’ freshness and prevents them from drying out.

Place the leftover breadsticks in the container, ensuring that they fit comfortably without being squashed.

Add a paper towel:

Place a paper towel at the bottom of the airtight container to absorb any moisture that may be released during storage.

This will help keep the breadsticks crisp and delicious.

Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage:

If you don’t consume the breadsticks within a couple of days, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

Seal the airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or the freezer for up to a month.

Remember to label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftover Crazy Bread, reheat the breadsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp.

This will help restore their original texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Crazy Bread:

Over-flouring the Dough

When preparing the dough for your crazy bread recipe, avoiding using too much flour is important.

Over-flouring can make the dough stiff and difficult to work with.

Instead, keep a clean surface and have some patience while working with the dough.

As you knead the dough, gradually add flour only as needed until it reaches the right consistency.

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Ensuring your measurements are accurate will make a difference in the quality of your Bread.

Using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients in grams or ounces is recommended for the best results.

This will help produce a dough with the right balance and simplify kneading.

Unevenly Shaped Breadsticks

To create evenly shaped breadsticks, begin by dividing the dough into equal pieces.

Once each piece of dough is separated, roll each one into a cylinder on a clean surface before cutting the dough into strips.

This will help create uniform breadsticks that cook evenly in the oven.

Insufficient Oil

Using tbsp oil to coat the dough is essential for achieving a crispy texture on the outside.

Make sure to spread the oil evenly on each breadstick for the best results.

If you’re using a microwave-safe dish, you can also apply oil to the dish itself to prevent the breadsticks from sticking during cooking.

Improper Oven Preparation

Properly preparing your oven is crucial for achieving the best results in your bread recipe.

Make sure to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature before baking and, if needed, arrange the oven racks to create an even heat distribution.

Also, ensure that you bake the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent them from sticking and provide easy cleanup.