This pizza bread is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors. Soft bread topped with gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and pepperoni makes it a cheesy delight.
It’s like having pizza in a bread form! I love to serve it warm with extra marinara for dipping—perfect for a quick snack or game day munching!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your pizza bread, providing structure. If you want to try something different, you could use bread flour for a chewier texture or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
Active dry yeast: Yeast is what makes the dough rise. Instant yeast can be used as a substitute, and you won’t have to proof it first! Just mix it straight into your dry ingredients.
Pizza sauce: Any marinara or pizza sauce works well. Feel free to use homemade sauce or store-bought. If you’re short on sauce, try using pesto for a uniquely delicious twist!
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella is classic, but don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for enhanced flavor. Fresh mozzarella can also give a nice touch but has a higher moisture content.
Pepperoni: If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey pepperoni or even sliced veggies can work great! I sometimes add olives or bell peppers to mix things up.
How Can I Ensure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting the dough to rise is critical for light pizza bread. Here are some key pointers:
- Make sure your water temperature is just right—about 110°F (43°C) is ideal. Too hot can kill the yeast!
- Don’t rush the rising process. Give your dough at least an hour in a warm area with minimal drafts.
- If your kitchen is cold, preheat your oven for a minute, turn it off, and place your dough inside covered with a towel to encourage rising.
Once your dough is doubled in size, you’re ready to press it into the pan. This method ensures a fluffy and airy base for your pizza bread. Enjoy the baking!
Pizza Bread with Pepperoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, chopped for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep the dough and assemble the toppings. You’ll need about 1 hour for the dough to rise, plus baking time of 20-25 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy warm, homemade pizza bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is active! In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir together until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, which gives it that lovely chewy texture.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
4. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Shape the Dough and Add Toppings:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, stretching it right to the edges. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Next, arrange the sliced pepperoni in a nice layer over the cheese, followed by a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. For a tasty touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the top.
6. Bake the Pizza Bread:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with some patches of browning. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor. Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy pepperoni pizza bread!
This recipe yields a thick and fluffy bread base topped with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, just like you see in the pictures. Each bite is a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may make the dough denser. You might want to increase the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture!
Can I Freeze Pizza Bread Before or After Baking?
You can freeze pizza bread after baking! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. If freezing unbaked, shape the dough, add toppings, and freeze before the rising stage. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The great thing about pizza bread is its versatility! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, or even switch up the meats with sausage or ham. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if the toppings are particularly watery!