This pizza bread is a fun twist on the classic pizza we all love! With soft bread base, topped with gooey cheese and tasty toppings, it’s perfect for any snack or meal.
You can whip this up in no time, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I like to dip it in marinara sauce, but you can get creative with your favorite dips too. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is your main ingredient for the bread. If you prefer, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make it gluten-free.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing—just mix it in with the dry ingredients. Less waiting, yay!
Pizza Sauce or Marinara: Feel free to use store-bought for convenience, or homemade if you’re up for it! A pesto sauce can also be a fun substitute for a twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates that classic melt. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles. Vegan cheese is a great dairy-free option!
Pepperoni: While pepperoni is a favorite, sausage, diced ham, or veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms can make it just as delicious.
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Properly?
Getting the dough to rise is key for fluffy pizza bread. Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast.
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy—that’s your yeast activating!
- When kneading, aim for a smooth texture. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it. Too much flour can make the bread tough.
- When it’s time to rise, place the covered bowl in a warm spot. A slightly warmed oven works if you turn it off after a minute.
Let it rise until it doubles in size. Patience pays off with fluffy results!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 1/2 hours to let your dough rise. After that, you’ll bake it for 20-25 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours total, including the rising time. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Make the Dough:
Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form. It will be a little shaggy at first, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use that with a dough hook to save some effort—just mix on medium speed for about 6 minutes!
4. Let it Rise:
Lightly oil a large bowl, then place your dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Now, let it rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. This will keep your pizza bread from sticking.
6. Shape the Dough:
Punch down the dough gently to release any air bubbles. Now, press it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pushing it out to the edges.
7. Add Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Now it’s time to layer on the pepperoni slices and, if you like, the cherry tomatoes. Finally, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
8. Bake It Up:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Carefully remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Before slicing, garnish it with fresh parsley or basil for that beautiful touch.
10. Enjoy!
Cut the pizza bread into squares, and enjoy it warm! You can even serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-filled bite!
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pizza bread with your favorite toppings. You can use cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even olives. Just remember to keep the total amount of toppings balanced so the bread can cook evenly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this pizza bread vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni and adding more vegetables instead, like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach. For a delicious alternative, try using meat-free pepperoni or sausage!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze any leftovers. Allow the pizza bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
