(Soft, Buttery, Garlic-Parmesan Breadsticks)

This recipe recreates the texture and flavor profile of the iconic breadsticks from Little Caesars: soft interior crumb, lightly crisp base, heavy garlic-butter coating, and a generous dusting of Parmesan.

The defining characteristics:

• Pillow-soft interior
• Slight chew from high-gluten development
• Brushed butter immediately post-bake
• Surface seasoning (not baked into dough)
• Served with warm marinara

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Yield

8–10 breadsticks

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Dough Formula (Most Authentic Texture)

Ingredients

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (105–110°F)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for more chew)
• 1 tsp salt

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Garlic Butter Topping

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 tsp fresh minced garlic sautéed)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼–½ cup finely grated Parmesan

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Method

1. Activate Yeast

Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry).

2. Mix & Knead

Add oil, flour, and salt.
Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Proper gluten development is essential for that chewy-soft texture.

3. First Rise

Cover and let rise 60–75 minutes until doubled.

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4. Shape

Roll dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches.

Transfer to lightly oiled baking sheet.

Using a pizza cutter, lightly score into breadstick strips (do not fully separate).

This mimics the “tear-apart” style.

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5. Second Rise

Proof 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

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6. Bake

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden on bottom.

They should remain pale on top—over-browning dries them out.

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7. Finish (Critical Step)

Immediately brush generously with garlic butter.

Sprinkle heavily with Parmesan.

Cut fully along score lines.

Serve warm.

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Shortcut Version (Quick Weeknight)

Use store-bought pizza dough.

Proceed from shaping step.

Texture will be slightly denser but still good.

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Authentic Texture Tips

Problem	Cause	Fix
Dense crumb	Under-proofed	Allow full rise
Dry breadsticks	Overbaked	Remove when pale
Weak garlic flavor	Butter not seasoned enough	Increase garlic
Tough texture	Overworked after rise	Handle gently

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Flavor Variations

Extra Cheesy

Add shredded mozzarella before baking.

Stuffed Crazy Bread

Add mozzarella inside dough before rolling.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes to butter.

Herb Blend

Mix Italian seasoning into butter.

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Serving

Serve with:

• Warm marinara
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic dip

Best consumed within 1–2 hours for optimal softness.

Reheat at 325°F wrapped in foil for 5–7 minutes.

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Nutritional Estimate (Per Stick)

Approximate:

• 160–190 calories
• 6–8g fat
• 24–28g carbs
• 4–5g protein

Varies by butter amount.

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Technical Summary

The signature Crazy Bread profile depends on:

1. Proper yeast fermentation
2. High hydration for softness
3. Minimal browning
4. Immediate post-bake buttering
5. Surface-level Parmesan

Executed correctly, these are soft, buttery, garlicky, and highly tearable—ideal as a pizza side, game-day snack, or comfort-food add-on.

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