This Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread is a fun twist on classic pizza! It’s packed with gooey cheese and tasty pepperoni, all baked in a warm, crusty loaf. Yum!
Imagine tearing into this bread and pulling out stretchy cheese—it’s pure happiness! I love serving it warm with some marinara for dipping. Perfect for a cozy snack or a party treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: A crusty round loaf works best for this recipe. If sourdough isn’t available, you could use a ciabatta or Italian bread. Both provide a good texture and flavor for the cheesy filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that super gooey texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, a dairy-free mozzarella can be a good alternative, or you can use a blend of dairy-free cheeses.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty depth. If you prefer not to use cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a similar umami flavor without the dairy.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni is my favorite. If you’re looking for healthier options, turkey pepperoni or a vegetarian version can be substituted easily.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs really boosts flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, consider using a mix of oregano and basil for a similar taste.
How Do I Cut the Bread Without Messing It Up?
Slicing the sourdough can be tricky, but fear not! Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Start by slicing vertically, about 1-inch apart, without cutting all the way through the loaf.
- Next, make horizontal cuts in the same manner. The goal is to create squares that will form pockets for your cheese and pepperoni.
- Take your time. This way, you can stuff it with cheesy goodness without breaking the bread apart completely.
This method keeps everything together while allowing for the delicious fillings. Happy stuffing!
Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large round loaf of sourdough bread
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: fresh basil or dried parsley for garnish
- Marinara sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. In just under an hour, you’ll have a beautiful, cheesy loaf ready for dipping!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your bread gets that perfect golden crust when it’s baking.
2. Preparing the Bread:
Take your large round loaf of sourdough bread and place it on a cutting board. With a serrated knife, carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern. Slice vertically and horizontally, but don’t cut all the way to the bottom—leave the base intact so the loaf stays together.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This mixture adds a wonderful flavor to your bread, so make sure it’s well mixed!
4. Brush the Bread:
Gently open the cuts you made in the bread and use a brush or a spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture inside every slot. The more you get in there, the more flavor your bread will have!
5. Stuff It Up:
Next, it’s time to stuff the pockets. Take the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese and distribute them evenly into the slots. Then, insert pepperoni slices into the same pockets. Make sure to spread them out so every bite will be full of flavor!
6. Wrap and Bake:
Now, loosely wrap the stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Crisp the Top:
Remove the foil carefully (watch out for steam!) and return the bread to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for a crispy, golden top.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh basil or dried parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bread and serve it warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Get ready for everyone to dig in and enjoy this cheesy, savory delight!
Enjoy this deliciously cheesy and savory pepperoni stuffed sourdough bread that combines the best of pizza flavors in a pull-apart loaf!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Bread?
Absolutely! Store-bought sourdough bread works great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a round loaf to allow for the best stuffing. If you’re in the mood, you could even make your own if you have the time!
Can I Freeze Leftover Bread?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, you can use cooked sausage, diced ham, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust quantities according to your preference!
How Do I Make This Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using non-dairy cheeses and omitting the butter or replacing it with a plant-based butter alternative. Just ensure your marinara sauce is also dairy-free to match!
