Pepperoni pizza bread is one of those recipes that turns a few simple ingredients into something everyone wants a piece of. Warm, cheesy, and packed with all the familiar flavors of pizza, it’s the kind of comfort food that works for almost any occasion—whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, prepping game day snacks, or bringing something fun to a party.
This pull-apart pizza bread is made from a crusty loaf stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce. A drizzle of herbed butter soaks into every bite, making it irresistible. It bakes up golden and bubbly with the perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey cheese.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this recipe a favorite is how ridiculously easy and satisfying it is. You don’t need pizza dough, special pans, or any complicated techniques. It’s just bread, cheese, and classic pizza toppings baked into a handheld, pull-apart experience.
Here’s why people love it:
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Perfect for sharing
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Minimal prep with maximum flavor
It takes all the best parts of pizza—the melty cheese, spicy pepperoni, and bold seasoning—and delivers them in a crusty, buttery loaf that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this savory pizza bread, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to form bold flavor and a tempting texture:
- 1 loaf of Italian or French bread – A sturdy bread with a crisp crust and soft interior is ideal.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personalized touch.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The classic melty pizza cheese.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni – Adds spicy, savory flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty kick and added depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Classic pizza herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – For a subtle sweetness and herbal flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall savory vibe.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – Helps carry the seasoning and crisps the top beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Optional garnish for a pop of freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will catch any gooey cheese that escapes and make cleanup easier.
Slice the Bread
Take your loaf of Italian or French bread and use a serrated knife to make deep diagonal cuts in a crosshatch pattern. Cut nearly all the way through the bread but leave about 1 inch uncut at the base so the loaf stays intact. This creates little pockets for all the toppings to nestle into.
Place the sliced bread onto your prepared baking sheet.
Add the Sauce and Stuff the Bread
Spoon the pizza sauce into the cracks between the bread slices. Be generous—this is what gives the bread that classic pizza flavor.
Now stuff the shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices into the same cracks. Try to distribute them evenly throughout so every piece gets a good mix of cheese and meat.
Make the Herbed Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and melted butter. This mixture is packed with flavor and will soak into the bread as it bakes, delivering delicious results in every bite.
Drizzle this buttery herb mixture evenly over the top of the stuffed bread. Make sure it seeps into the cracks for maximum flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the loaf loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered to melt the cheese and let everything warm through.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and the cheese is bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Once the bread is out of the oven, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a bit of brightness.
Let it cool just slightly before serving. This bread is best enjoyed warm, with stretchy cheese and crispy edges.
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Bread
- Choose a sturdy bread: A rustic loaf with a crisp crust holds up best and won’t get soggy during baking.
- Don’t slice all the way through: Keep the bottom of the loaf intact so the toppings stay nestled inside.
- Customize it: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or switch up the meats with sausage or ham.
- Make it spicier: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes so it doesn’t get too crispy or burn.
Fun Variations to Try
If you’re feeling creative or want to suit different tastes, here are a few ways to remix this recipe:
- Veggie Pizza Bread: Skip the meat and add chopped bell peppers, red onions, black olives, or even spinach.
- BBQ Chicken Version: Swap out the pizza sauce for barbecue sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of pepperoni.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Style: Use only cheese and add more garlic and herbs to the butter for an upgraded garlic bread.
- Hawaiian Twist: Add diced pineapple and chopped ham for a sweet and savory combo.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 10 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. Any sturdy loaf with a firm crust and soft inside will work—baguettes, sourdough, or even ciabatta. Just make sure it’s wide enough to stuff.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread (without baking) a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge, wrapped in foil. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Not really. The texture of the bread may become soggy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
What can I serve with pizza bread?
It’s great as a snack or appetizer, but you can turn it into a meal by pairing it with a simple side salad, soup, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and gives a smoother texture. If you’re in a rush, pre-shredded works just fine.
What’s the best way to stuff the bread?
Use your fingers or a small spoon to push the sauce and toppings into the cracks. It’s a bit messy, but worth it for the flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This pepperoni pizza bread is everything you love about pizza, delivered in a warm, pull-apart loaf that’s ideal for sharing. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible enough to match your cravings. Try it once, and you’ll have a new favorite in your snack or dinner rotation.