Copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread Recipe at Home

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Copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread Recipe


Golden copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread cut into sticks, topped with garlic butter, Parmesan, parsley, and served with dips.
Soft, pull-apart bread brushed with buttery garlic herbs and Parmesan brings that pizzeria aroma home, especially warm with marinara or ranch on the side.

If you love warm, buttery breadsticks with plenty of garlic flavor, this copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread recipe is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and covered with that savory seasoning blend that makes every bite hard to resist.

This easy homemade version is perfect for pizza night, game day, or those evenings when you want a simple side dish that makes dinner feel a little more fun. The best part? You do not need a pizza oven or any fancy equipment to make it at home.

What Is Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread?

Hungry Howie’s is a well-known pizza chain in the United States, especially famous for its flavored crust pizzas and crowd-pleasing sides. Over the years, the brand has built a loyal fan base with comfort food that is affordable, familiar, and full of bold flavor.

One of the standout menu items is Howie Bread, a soft and chewy breadstick-style side that comes coated in buttery garlic goodness. It’s often served with dipping sauce, and it has that cozy pizzeria smell that fills the whole kitchen before you even take a bite.

Think about it: warm bread, melted butter, a little salt, fragrant garlic, herbs, and that tender pull-apart texture. It’s the kind of food that disappears fast. If you have ever opened a pizza box and reached for the bread first, you already know the feeling.

This recipe is inspired by that classic side and made for the home kitchen. It is not the original recipe, but it captures that same soft, fluffy, buttery, garlicky vibe people love.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Howie Bread Recipe

  • Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
  • Easy steps for beginner cooks
  • Great for dipping in pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic butter
  • Perfect side dish for pizza, pasta, soup, or salad
  • Family-friendly and easy to customize

I love making this on Friday nights when we do homemade pizza. It makes the kitchen smell like a pizza shop in the best possible way. And honestly, tearing off a hot piece of bread and dipping it in sauce feels a little like winning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes about 8 servings, depending on how large you cut the breadsticks.

  • 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal, optional for the pan
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
  • Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, optional

Optional extra buttery topping:

  • 1 more tablespoon melted butter
  • Pinch of garlic powder

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Yield

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Rise time: 20 to 30 minutes if your dough is cold
  • Cook time: 12 to 16 minutes
  • Total time: About 35 to 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are approximate and can vary based on the dough and toppings you use.

  • Calories: 185
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 310mg

How to Make Copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread

Do not worry if you have never worked with pizza dough before. It’s more forgiving than it looks. If the dough fights you while stretching, just let it rest for 5 minutes and try again. Dough is a lot like a rubber band. When it tightens up, it just needs a little break.

  1. Preheat the oven. Heat your oven to 425°F. If you have a pizza stone, you can use it, but a regular baking sheet works perfectly well. Lightly grease the pan with olive oil or sprinkle it with cornmeal to help prevent sticking.
  2. Bring the dough closer to room temperature. If your dough has been in the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes. Cold dough is harder to stretch and tends to spring back.
  3. Shape the dough. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to gently press and stretch it into a rough rectangle, about 9x13 inches. It does not need to be perfect. Rustic is totally fine here.
  4. Brush with oil. Brush the top lightly with the 2 tablespoons olive oil. This helps the bread bake up golden and gives the seasoning something to cling to.
  5. Mix the topping. In a small bowl, stir together the 3 tablespoons melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, basil, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Add the buttery seasoning. Spoon or brush the butter mixture all over the top of the dough. Try to spread it evenly so every piece gets flavor.
  7. Pre-score the bread. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, lightly score the dough into breadstick shapes. Do not cut all the way through. This just makes it easier to pull apart later.
  8. Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the bread is puffed, lightly golden, and cooked through. Ovens vary, so start checking around the 12-minute mark.
  9. Finish with extra butter if you want. As soon as it comes out of the oven, brush the top with the extra tablespoon of melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder. This gives it that glossy, fresh-from-the-pizza-shop look.
  10. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then cut through the scored lines and serve warm with marinara sauce, pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic dip.

Food Safety Tips

Even simple bread recipes should be handled safely.

  • Use clean hands and clean work surfaces before handling the dough.
  • If using refrigerated store-bought dough, keep it chilled until you are ready to use it.
  • Bread is done when it is fully baked, golden, and no longer doughy in the center. If you want to be extra sure, the internal temperature of baked bread is typically around 190°F to 200°F.
  • Do not leave prepared dough or finished bread out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving for the best texture.

Easy Shortcuts for Busy Nights

If you want this easy copycat Howie Bread recipe to be even simpler, here are a few helpful shortcuts.

  • Use store-bought pizza dough: The kind from the deli or refrigerated section works great.
  • Use canned pizza crust dough: The texture will be a bit different, but it still makes a tasty quick version.
  • Mix the seasoning ahead: Make a small jar of garlic herb seasoning and keep it in your pantry.
  • Use an air fryer: For smaller portions, cook at 375°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, checking often so it does not overbake.
  • Use pre-shredded Parmesan: Not fancy, but very convenient on rushed nights.

If your weeknights are hectic, this recipe is one of those little kitchen wins. It feels homemade without asking too much from you.

Helpful Tips for the Best Homemade Howie Bread

  • Do not overbake it. You want soft, tender bread, not dry breadsticks.
  • Let the dough rest if it shrinks back. A short rest makes shaping much easier.
  • Brush after baking too. That finishing butter layer adds flavor and softness.
  • Serve it warm. This bread is at its best when it is fresh and warm from the oven.
  • Pair it with sauce. Marinara adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich buttery topping.

Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Modifications

One thing I really like about making copycat recipes at home is how easy they are to adjust. Restaurant food can be tricky when you have food sensitivities or dietary needs. At home, you’re in charge.

For gluten-free:

  • Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough.
  • Check that your garlic powder, spices, and Parmesan are labeled gluten-free if needed.
  • Gluten-free dough can be softer and stickier, so press it into the pan with lightly oiled hands instead of trying to stretch it too much.

For dairy-free:

  • Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
  • Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
  • Serve with dairy-free marinara instead of creamy dipping sauces.

For vegan:

  • Use vegan pizza dough. Most basic pizza dough is naturally vegan, but always check ingredients.
  • Swap in vegan butter.
  • Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

For lower sodium:

  • Reduce the added salt.
  • Use unsalted butter.
  • Choose a lower-sodium dough and dipping sauce.

For garlic-sensitive eaters:

  • Cut the garlic powder in half.
  • Add more dried herbs for flavor without making it too sharp.

For a cheesier version:

  • Add a light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella during the last 3 minutes of baking.
  • This is not the classic style, but it is delicious if you want something closer to cheesy breadsticks.

For a spicier version:

  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
  • Serve with spicy ranch or hot honey on the side.

For a more herb-forward flavor:

  • Double the oregano and basil.
  • Add Italian seasoning if that is what you already have in the pantry.

What to Serve with Howie Bread

This homemade Howie Bread goes with almost anything comfort-food related. Here are a few easy serving ideas:

  • Homemade or frozen pizza
  • Spaghetti and meatballs
  • Baked ziti
  • Chicken Alfredo
  • Tomato soup
  • Garden salad
  • Marinara, ranch, or garlic dipping sauce

It also makes a fun appetizer for parties. Just slice it into smaller sticks and set out a few dips. People always gather around the bread first, don’t they?

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat in the oven: Warm at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes.
  • To reheat in the air fryer: Heat at 325°F for 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Microwave: It works in a pinch, but the bread may be softer and less crisp around the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, absolutely. Homemade dough works great and can add even more flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can shape the dough and mix the topping a few hours ahead. Keep the dough covered in the fridge, then add the topping right before baking.

Can I make this without Parmesan?
Yes. It will still taste great. The Parmesan adds a little salty, cheesy richness, but it is not required.

What dipping sauce tastes best?
Classic marinara is always a good choice, but ranch and garlic butter are also very popular.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Hungry Howie’s Howie Bread recipe is one of those easy side dishes that feels special without being difficult. It’s buttery, soft, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you make it for pizza night or just because you are craving warm garlic breadsticks, it delivers that familiar pizzeria-style comfort in a very doable home version.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you keep it classic, or did you add cheese or extra herbs? Leave a comment and share your twist. And if you know someone who loves copycat restaurant recipes, send this recipe their way too.

Disclaimer

This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by a popular restaurant dish. It is not the original recipe, and no affiliation with or endorsement by Hungry Howie’s Pizza is claimed or implied. This post is based on general food knowledge and home cooking testing, and no knowledge of the restaurant’s actual proprietary recipe is implied.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. That means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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