Description
Crazy Bread is a deliciously soft and buttery pull-apart bread infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It features a light yeast dough that’s perfectly risen and baked to golden perfection, then brushed with extra garlicky butter for an irresistible taste. Perfect as an appetizer or side, this recipe makes a wonderfully fragrant and crowd-pleasing bread that is best served warm.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
- 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 warm water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until the dough begins to form a rough ball.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean 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) to prepare for baking.
- Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
- Add Toppings: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese on top. If desired, sprinkle dried parsley flakes for added color and flavor.
- Cut Dough: Cut the dough into 1-2 inch squares or strips, depending on your preferred shape for pull-apart pieces.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the dough pieces in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly but arranged to remain pull-apart friendly.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Final Butter Brush and Serve: Right after baking, brush the bread with additional melted butter to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is not too hot, as temperatures above 120°F can kill the yeast.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
- For a softer crust, cover the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain freshness.
- Optional dried parsley adds color but can be omitted if unavailable.
