This Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread is a fun twist on classic pizza, blending tasty pepperoni and gooey cheese into soft, crusty bread. It’s perfect for sharing with friends!
Some might say it’s the ultimate snack. I love pulling off pieces and dipping them into marinara sauce. Just beware: it tends to disappear fast! 🍕
Making this bread isn’t hard. Just mix, shape, and bake! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be so proud to serve it warm right out of the oven.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: A whole, unsliced sourdough loaf is great for this recipe as its sturdy texture holds up well when stuffed. If you can’t find sourdough, try a rustic Italian or French bread as a substitute.
Cheeses: I use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for the stringy melt and sharp flavor. If you want to switch it up, consider using Cheddar or a shredded Mexican cheese blend for a different taste.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds flavor and is easy to work with. For a healthier twist, you might try turkey pepperoni or even veggies like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Herbs and Spices: The combination of oregano, basil, and garlic powder gives a nice pizza flavor. If fresh herbs are on hand, feel free to use them. Italian seasoning is also a great shortcut!
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
When cutting the bread, a sharp serrated knife is key. The goal is to slice through the crust without cutting all the way to the bottom. Holding the loaf steady helps, but a tip is to cut at a diagonal. This makes a beautiful crosshatch pattern for stuffing!
- Hold the bread firmly on a cutting board.
- Make 1-2 inch diagonal slices, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
- After cutting, you can slightly pull apart the slices to make more room for the fillings.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bread:
- 1 loaf of sourdough bread (whole, unsliced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil or Italian herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty cheesy pepperoni sourdough pizza bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 35 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for a fun appetizer or a delightful pizza night treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready for the bread when you’re done preparing it.
2. Cut the Sourdough Bread:
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully make diagonal cuts in the sourdough loaf. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom! Make these cuts about 1-2 inches apart to form a lovely crosshatch pattern that will hold all those yummy fillings.
3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder. This will be your delicious sauce that adds flavor to the bread.
4. Layer the Fillings:
Begin with the first cut in the bread and spread some of the pizza sauce mixture inside the cracks. Next, place slices of pepperoni in between the cuts, adding them intermittently for every other slice.
5. Stuff with Cheese:
Now, generously stuff shredded mozzarella cheese into all the cracks of the bread. Make sure to fill in well between the slices for that gooey cheese effect! Then, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top and tuck some into the cuts for extra cheesy goodness.
6. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the top of your stuffed loaf with olive oil. This will help the bread crisp up nicely while baking.
7. Bake the Bread:
Wrap the loaf loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes covered. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, while the bread turns toasty.
8. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once done baking, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for some extra flavor and color. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy this cheesy delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re in a hurry, grab your favorite brand and skip the mixing step. You can also use marinara sauce for a slightly different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the bread from getting too hard or dry.
Can I Freeze the Cheesy Pizza Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake it as instructed.
What Other Fillings Can I Add?
You can customize your cheesy pizza bread with other favorite toppings! Consider adding cooked sausage, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for some extra kick.