This pizza bread is like a cozy hug for your taste buds! Imagine warm, soft bread covered with melty cheese, zesty sauce, and your favorite toppings all in one bite.
It’s perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal. I love serving it with a side of extra marinara for dipping. What’s not to love about that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A soft white or Italian loaf works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or even gluten-free bread can work too. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce or marinara. If you’d like to make it homemade, simply mix canned tomatoes with some Italian herbs. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using pesto instead!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan mozzarella. I also like to mix in some sharp cheddar for added flavor!
Pepperoni: This is the traditional topping, but feel free to play around! Slices of salami, cooked sausage, or even veggies like bell peppers and olives can make great substitutes.
How Do You Get the Cheesy Topping Perfectly Golden and Delicious?
The key to achieving that perfect melty and golden cheese topping is to keep an eye on your bake time. Here’s how:
- Brush the bread with olive oil or butter. This helps brown the edges and adds flavor.
- Bake at a consistent temperature—375°F is perfect for melting cheese without burning it. Check after 12 minutes; you want the cheese bubbly and starting to golden.
- If the cheese isn’t browning enough, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Let your pizza bread sit for a minute after baking; this helps the cheese set a little for easier slicing. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 loaf of soft white bread or Italian bread (about 12×4 inches)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil or butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pizza bread takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, making it a quick and delicious option. In total, you’ll spend around 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and slice it into thick pieces, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. This will help hold all the delicious toppings! Place the slices side by side on the baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between them to allow for even cooking.
3. Add the Olive Oil:
Now, take a brush or spoon and lightly brush the tops of each slice with olive oil or melted butter. This will give your pizza bread a nice crispy edge as it bakes.
4. Spread the Sauce:
Grab your pizza sauce or marinara, and generously spread a spoonful on top of each slice of bread. Try to cover as much surface area as possible for that yummy flavor!
5. Top with Cheese:
Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each slice. Don’t be shy—more cheese usually means more happiness!
6. Add Pepperoni:
Lay several slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for that classic pizza taste. Feel free to get creative with your toppings if you want!
7. Season and Finish:
Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder over the top for an aromatic kick. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
8. Bake:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want the cheese to melt, bubble up, and turn a lovely golden color.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once you’re done baking, carefully remove the pizza bread from the oven. Allow it to cool for a minute or two. If you want to elevate it, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Serve Warm:
Slice the bread if you haven’t already and serve it warm. You can also set out some extra marinara sauce for dipping—what a treat!
Enjoy your cheesy, pepperoni-topped pizza bread! 🍕✨
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While soft white or Italian bread works great, you can also use whole wheat, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
Can I Make Pizza Bread Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pizza bread in advance by assembling the toppings on the bread and then covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and then bake it right before serving for the best freshness.
What Toppings Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
Feel free to get creative! You can use vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. You could also opt for cooked sausage, ham, or even different cheeses to mix up the flavor profile!
How to Store Leftover Pizza Bread?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the bread crispy!
