Crazy Bread Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Apr 3, 2026 
My homemade crazy bread recipe is what I make when I’m craving soft, garlic-packed breadsticks. I bake tender dough until fluffy, then brush it with garlic butter and a sprinkle of parmesan for that classic restaurant-style flavor. These easy breadsticks taste just like your favorite versions from Olive Garden or Little Caesars.
On any given Friday night of my childhood, my dad would bring home pizza from Little Caesars. I was always way more excited about the crazy bread that came along with it, than the pizza. So, over the years I’ve been recipe testing to make those restaurant-style breadsticks at home, and I finally got it! This version of crazy bread is super simple, super fast, and my favorite part is that these soft breadsticks are coated in delicious garlic butter or rich parmesan cheese. Biting into these, you’d think they came fresh from a bakery (kind of like my Schlotzsky’s sourdough bread recipe). But no, no, these are homemade and honestly, better than the takeout version! I love to dip these breadsticks in some tangy marinara sauce, or serve them alongside a classic Italian pasta dish.
Jennifer – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ These were so easy to make and tasted delicious❤️
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Family Favorite – In my experience, everyone from adults to the pickiest of kid-eaters, absolutely loves these delicious breadsticks. That’s why I always make an extra batch because these disappear real fast!
Better than Takeout – Don’t get me wrong. I love both Little Ceasars and Olive Garden, but this version of the classic breadstick tastes even better. Plus, I always think homemade recipes are just a bit better for you than any takeout.
Soft and Fluffy – Biting into these warm breadsticks is just drool-worthy. They’re soft, light, and fluffy, and when dunked into that sweet and tangy marinara sauce…well, that’s chef’s kiss delicious!
Key Ingredients and Tips
- All-purpose flour – For the base of these breadsticks, I use a classic all-purpose flour. Nothing fancy here! Just be sure to measure properly using the “fluff, spoon-in, and level the cup” method.
- Active dry yeast – To get their signature fluffy and light texture, I always add active dry yeast to help these breadsticks rise.
- Granulated sugar – Just a dash of sugar gives the right amount of sweetness to every bite.
- Water – You’ll need both slightly warm water to help the yeast activate, and then hot water to add into the dough so it gets that chewy texture.
- Salt – I always, always add a pinch of salt to my bread recipes. It helps balance out the flavors.
- Butter – I love to brush some melted, unsalted butter over these freshly baked breadsticks.
- Garlic salt – A really simple blend of garlic powder and salt gives that classic restaurant flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Some grated parmesan cheese melts just perfectly over the freshly baked bread.
- Marinara – Whenever I’m short on time, I heat up a store-bought version of marinara sauce for dipping. Otherwise, my homemade marinara sauce recipe is delicious.
How to Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Prep the oven – I start off this recipe by heating up the oven to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I grab my baking sheets and cover them with some parchment paper.
Activate the yeast – Now, to get that yeast going, I add about a quarter cup of luke warm water to a bowl with yeast and sugar, and I let that foam for about 10 minutes. (If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast!)
Build the dough – While that yeast activates, I add the flour and salt to a bowl and I mix that up using an electric mixer. Once that’s combined, I pour in the hot water and I mix it all up once again. (This gives the dough a head start on rising, but it will cool enough not to disturb the yeast’s rising power.)
Combine yeast and dough – When the yeast is super foamy, I pour it into the bowl with the flour mixture. I slowly add in that last cup of flour, and I mix it all up again. I basically keep mixing until the dough is really smooth, and it no longer sticks to the bowl.
Cut the dough – I cut the dough into 12 equal portions.
Roll sticks – Then, I roll each piece into about a foot-long rope. I move all the rolled out sticks onto a baking sheet, making sure to leave enough space between them so that they don’t stick when they rise.
Bake – Pop the breadsticks into the oven, and bake them for about 12-14 minutes. For extra soft breadsticks and crazy bread, it’s important not to overbake the breadsticks. They should be just barely golden brown, so they are still tender and flexible in the middle.
Dress – Now it’s time to decide if you want garlic breadsticks or crazy bread. Parmesan cheese makes all the difference!
If you’re going for the crazy bread option, brush some melted garlic butter over the breadsticks and then sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Serve them with some marinara sauce! If you prefer the Olive Garden version of these, brush them some garlic butter and serve them warm.
Recipe Variations
- Seasoning options – Try adding Italian seasoning to the garlic butter. Or experiment with the herbs and spices you have on hand.
- Cheesy – For a surprising twist, stuff some mozzarella or shredded cheese into the dough before baking.
- Spicy – Top these breadsticks off with some crushed red pepper flakes after baking for an added kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
These warm and soft, crazy breadsticks are traditionally served with a side of marinara sauce. But you can also pair them with some delicious Italian classics to turn these into a fuller meal. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Pair with some spaghetti and meat sauce.
- These are perfect with some cheesy chicken spaghetti with rotel.
- Serve with a classic Caesar salad.
- Go crazy and pair these with some pizza, like this white pizza recipe or my favorite slow cooker deep dish pizza.
Storing
Store them in an airtight container and let them sit out at room temperature for up to 2 days. Otherwise, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze these, but make sure to thaw them at room temperature before rewarming them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! You should be able to fit up to a triple batch in a large stand mixer. Use our “servings slider” in the recipe form below to adjust the amount of ingredients.
Yep, and you can actually let the dough sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure that it gets to room temperature before you shape it.
Totally. And you can actually skip the activating step if you use instant yeast.
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Crazy Bread Recipe
Video
Ingredients
For the Homemade Breadsticks:
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Little Caesars Crazy Bread:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (1/4 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara
For Olive Garden Breadsticks:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (1/4 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup lukewarm (just barely above room temperature) water with the sugar and dry active yeast. Allow the mixture to bloom (foam) for 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric stand mixer add 2 cups flour and salt. Use the standard paddle attachment, not a bread hook. Turn on low and add very hot water. Mix to combine.
- Once the yeast is very foamy, pour it into the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on and slowly add the last cup of flour. Let the mixer run until the dough is very smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Dump the dough out onto a floured work surface. It should be very soft and tacky. Cut the dough into quarters. Then cut each quarter into 3 equal pieces, to make 12 equal portions.
- Use your hands to roll each piece of dough against the counter, into a long 10-inch rope. Gently move the dough ropes onto the baking sheets, leaving room in between for expansion.
- Once all the breadsticks are rolled out, place them in the oven for 12-14 minutes.
- For Little Caesars Crazy Bread: Place the butter and garlic salt in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt. Place the parmesan cheese in a large baking dish. Brush the garlic butter over 2-3 breadsticks at a time. Then move them to the parmesan cheese dish and shake to coat them in cheese. Move the Crazy Bread to a serving platter and repeat with the remaining breadsticks. Serve warm with marinara for dipping!
- For Olive Garden Breadsticks: Place the butter and garlic salt in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt. Brush the garlic butter over the breadsticks and serve warm!
Notes
- To Measure the Flour: Stir the flour in the bag, then spoon it into measuring cups and level the top with a flat butter knife. For more baking help, see our 100 Best Baking Tips!
- Nutritional facts are calculated for Crazy Bread with Marinara. Olive Garden Breadsticks would be lower in calories and fat.
- This recipe is super easy to double.
I haven’t made these yet but I want to confirm there is no rising period for this recipe?
Hi Stephanie,
That’s right! Because they are thin, if you let the yeast bloom well, they will rise in the oven with proofing ahead of time. :)
I was just wondering if i could make these by hand instead of with a Mixer? Thanks.
Absolutely! This recipe is great. I’ve been making it for years and always make it by hand.
These sound great but could I make the dough in a bread maker rather than a mixer?
Hi Amy,
Yes, you can use a bread-maker to mix the dough. Happy Baking! :)
turned out amazing, ive already made it a few times. my tip if youre making crazy bread: microwave it for about 30 seconds after they cool a bit, itll give it that slightly chewy texture you always get from crazy bread
These are fantastic. Made them for my kids on Christmas Day, made a second batch day after Christmas due to high demand. Definitely going to be a recipe I know by heart shortly. I made them the crazy bread style and definitely a good one.
Great recipe! I used bread flour so because it is a bit dryer I added 3 tablespoons of butter to the dough for extra flavor as well. Came out amazing!
These were so easy to make and tasted delicious❤️
E thank you for sharing this. I love both recipes and can’t wait to try them!