Pizza Bread is a fun and tasty treat that’s simple to make! You start with a loaf of bread, add pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Just toast it for a melty finish!
This dish is perfect for a quick snack or a party! My kids love to help with the toppings, and they argue over who gets the first slice. It’s always a hit in our house! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for your dough. If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent!
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade is quick and easy! You can even use marinara sauce in a pinch. If you’re into spicy, add some crushed red pepper to your sauce!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy goodness. You can mix it with cheddar for a sharper taste or use vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Pepperoni: Classic choice, but don’t hesitate to swap it for veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even cook up some sausage for a meaty twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting your dough to rise well is key to a fluffy pizza bread! Here are a few tips to ensure it rises perfectly:
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot—between 100°F and 110°F is ideal. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Allow your dough to rise in a warm place. You can turn your oven on for a minute, then turn it off and place the bowl inside.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to keep the dough moist while it rises.
Check after an hour to see if it doubles in size. If not, give it some extra time. Happy baking!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50-60 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes or fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pepperoni Pizza Bread will take about 1 hour and 50 minutes to prepare, with 1 hour of rising time and 20 minutes of baking. It’s a fun and tasty recipe to make for family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to use!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Next, add the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir everything together until it comes together as a dough. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is where your dough gets fluffy and awesome!
4. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a square or rectangular baking pan with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a thick base that rises a bit around the edges.
6. Add the Sauce and Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Finish by placing the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle oregano or Italian seasoning over everything!
7. Bake It:
Place your pizza bread in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve warm. Add a garnish of fresh basil or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pepperoni Pizza Bread with that fluffy base and melty cheese on top! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Toppings for Pizza Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pizza bread with your favorite toppings. Try veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, or use different meats like sausage or ham instead of pepperoni!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through!
Can I Freeze Pizza Bread?
Yes, you can freeze pizza bread! After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure your water is at the right temperature. If the dough is in a cold spot, try moving it to a warmer location for better results.
