This Pizza Bread is a fun twist on your favorite pizza. Using soft bread as a base, it’s loaded with gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and your favorite toppings. Yum!
It’s super simple to make and perfect for snack time or movie nights. I love how it’s like having pizza in finger-friendly bites. Just grab and munch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A good Italian or French loaf works best for this recipe. If you have a sourdough or whole wheat loaf, feel free to use that too. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without falling apart.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but you can use marinara sauce or even make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. For a kick, try adding some hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for this dish due to its meltiness. You can mix in some cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile—just know it will change the taste. Vegan cheese is a good substitute for dairy-free options.
Toppings: While mini pepperoni is a favorite, you can use cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, or even spinach for a veggie option. If you love heat, try jalapeños! Make it your own based on what you have on hand.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Cutting the bread correctly is key for keeping this Pizza Bread intact while allowing for maximum cheese and toppings. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. This helps avoid squishing the bread.
- Make even cuts, about 1.5 inches apart. Go down until you’re nearly at the bottom but stop before you cut through completely, so the loaf stays connected.
- If you want, you can slice it both ways (horizontally and vertically) to create smaller pieces that are easier to pull apart, but again, be careful not to cut all the way through!
With these tips, your bread will be ready to hold all those delicious toppings while staying easy to serve and share.
How to Make Pizza Bread with Pepperoni and Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Bread:
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread (about 12 inches long)
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 slices mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pizza Bread takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pizza bread cooks evenly and gets that perfect, golden crust.
2. Cut the Bread:
Carefully cut the loaf of bread crosswise into 1.5-inch thick pieces. Be careful not to cut all the way through! You want the bottom of the loaf to stay intact so it holds its shape and can be pulled apart easily after baking. If you prefer, you can also slice it vertically a few times for smaller pieces.
3. Prepare for Baking:
Place the bread on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle all the yummy toppings!
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce or marinara evenly over the top surface of the bread, making sure to get it into the slices so each piece gets flavorful sauce.
5. Load in the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top of the bread, letting some cheese fill in between the cuts to create a cheesy goodness in every bite.
6. Pack on the Toppings:
Now it’s time to add the toppings! Place the mini pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, and black olives on top of the cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle the Italian seasoning generously over the whole thing to add that classic pizza flavor!
7. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the edges of the bread with olive oil. This will help it achieve a beautiful, golden crust while baking.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put the bread in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to watch it closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and maybe even starting to brown a little.
9. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you want a little extra browning on the cheese, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
10. Enjoy and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the pizza bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Pull apart the pieces and serve immediately. If you like a little spice, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes as you serve!
Enjoy this gooey, flavorful pizza bread that’s perfect for sharing and dipping! It’s a guaranteed hit for any gathering.
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While Italian and French bread are the most common choices, you can also use sourdough or whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings without falling apart.
How Can I Make This Pizza Bread Vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also boost the flavor with extra herbs and spices!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Bread?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the cheese gets nice and melty again.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza bread up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy!