Description
Crazy Bread is a soft, buttery, garlic-infused pull-apart bread sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley flakes. Perfect as a savory snack or side dish, this homemade recipe features a tender yeast dough brushed with melted butter and garlic for a richly flavored treat that’s simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir just until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, essential for good gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Dough for Baking: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a 12 by 8-inch rectangle.
- Add Toppings: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, add dried parsley flakes for color and flavor.
- Cut the Dough: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1 to 2 inch squares or strips for easy pull-apart pieces.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the cut dough pieces in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly but ensuring they can be pulled apart easily.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Final Touch: Immediately after baking, brush the bread with additional melted butter to add shine and richness. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate yeast is not too hot or cold; 110°F/43°C is ideal.
- Kneading is important for texture, knead until dough is smooth and springs back.
- You can add extra garlic or cheese on top for a stronger flavor.
- Serve this bread warm as a side to soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
- Leftovers can be stored wrapped tightly and reheated in the oven to refresh softness.
