This pizza bread is like a big warm hug for your taste buds! It’s filled with gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and your favorite toppings all tucked in a soft, fluffy loaf.
Perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here)! I love slicing it up for game nights or just when I need a cheesy pick-me-up. Who can resist the smell of fresh bread, right? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your pizza bread, providing structure and texture. If you prefer a whole grain option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the bread rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that too; it works the same way and doesn’t need to be activated beforehand.
Pizza Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought sauce, but homemade is so easy! Just mix crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and a bit of garlic powder. You can also swap in pesto for a unique flavor!
Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, mix it up with provolone or cheddar for a different taste. Just remember, different cheeses melt differently!
Pepperoni: You can substitute turkey pepperoni or even veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian option. Get creative!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting that perfect rise can be tricky, but a few tips can help. The environment matters! You want a warm, draft-free space for the dough to grow.
- Heat your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off. Place the covered bowl inside to create a cozy rising spot.
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
- Be patient! Give the dough at least an hour to double in size. If it’s not rising, it might be too cold—give it more time.
How to Make Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. The dough will need around 1 to 1 ½ hours to rise, making the total time around 2-2 ½ hours from start to finish. But trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy—this means the yeast is active and ready! In a larger bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough comes together.
2. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment for easier kneading.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking the bread.
5. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Transfer it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press the dough evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
6. Add the Sauce and Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce over the shaped dough, making sure to cover it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then arrange the sliced pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms (if using) over the cheese.
7. Bake the Pizza Bread:
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread edges are golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pizza bread to cool for about 10 minutes. Slice it into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!
This pizza bread features a delightful combination of soft, airy bread under melty cheese and your favorite pizza toppings—an exciting twist on traditional pizza!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that the texture might be denser, so you may need to add a bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without needing to activate it first. Simply mix it directly with the flour and salt for an easier process!
Can I Make This Pizza Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the rising step and place it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking. You can also bake the bread in advance and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispy texture.