A no-knead, versatile dough that’s quick, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Turn it into rolls, calzones, twists, pizza boats, garlic knots, and more — all from one simple base.
Ingredients (Makes 1 large loaf or 8–12 rolls)
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast or active dry yeast*
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Note: If using active dry yeast, dissolve in warm water with honey and let foam 5–10 mins before mixing.
Instructions
1. Mix It Up
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, salt, and honey.
- Add warm water and oil.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead (Just a Little!)
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add extra flour if sticky.
3. Let It Rise
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape & Bake
- Punch down dough and shape as desired (see variations).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
Why Crazy Dough Works
- No mixer needed — beginner-friendly
- Fast rise — ready in under 2 hours
- Soft, chewy texture — perfect for sandwiches or snacking
- Holds fillings well — won’t tear when stuffed
- Freezes beautifully — bake later
Storage
- Fridge: up to 2 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge)
10 Fun Crazy Dough Variations
- Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread
- Roll dough into rectangle, brush with butter + garlic, roll up, slice, bake 20 mins, sprinkle with parsley & Parmesan.
- Mini Calzones
- Flatten dough balls, add sauce, cheese, pepperoni/veggies, fold, seal, bake 15 mins.
- Cinnamon Sugar Twists
- Roll dough thin, brush with butter, sprinkle cinnamon + sugar, cut, twist, bake, drizzle icing.
- Cheesy Pizza Boats
- Roll logs, press center, fill with marinara, cheese, pepperoni, bake until bubbly.
- Sausage-Stuffed Crescents
- Mix cooked sausage + cream cheese, fill dough triangles, roll, bake.
- Herb & Olive Focaccia
- Press dough in pan, dimple, drizzle oil, sprinkle rosemary, sea salt, olives, bake 18 mins.
- Jalapeño Popper Rolls
- Mix jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon; spread, roll, slice, bake.
- Apple Pie Hand Pies
- Fill small rounds with apples + cinnamon sugar, top, crimp edges, bake, dust powdered sugar.
- Rainbow Pinwheels
- Divide dough, color with natural dyes, stack, roll, slice, twist.
- Sweet Nutella Swirls
- Roll dough, spread Nutella, roll, slice, bake, drizzle powdered sugar glaze.
Tips & FAQs
- Whole wheat flour? Substitute up to half; add 1–2 tbsp extra water.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter or oil; skip or use vegan cheese.
- Reheat leftovers? Wrap in foil, warm 350°F for 10 mins.
- Gluten-free? Use 1:1 GF flour blend, follow package yeast instructions.
Final Thoughts
Crazy Dough is creative, easy, and fun — perfect for playing, shaping, and sharing. One simple bowl can lead to endless delicious possibilities. Grab some flour, call the kids, and make magic in your kitchen.