Imagine the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and perfectly baked golden bread all wrapped into one delightful dish. The Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe is a game changer for pizza lovers and bread enthusiasts alike. This fun and interactive recipe transforms classic pizza ingredients into a shareable loaf that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Whether it’s for a casual family night, a party appetizer, or a cozy weekend treat, this Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe will soon become your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect dough base to adding that melty cheesy goodness and savory flavor that screams pizza perfection.
- 13 ounce pizza dough (defrosted): Provides the soft, pillowy structure that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 3/4 cup of pizza sauce: Offers that classic tangy tomato flavor that ties everything into pure pizza magic.
- 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give you that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or as desired): Adds a savory, slightly spicy bite that complements the cheese and sauce.
- 1 whole egg: Used in the egg wash, it gives the bread a shiny, golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the crust with a wonderfully aromatic garlic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a classic Italian herb note that enhances the pizza vibe.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter and minced parsley: For a luscious, buttery finish and fresh pop of green color.
How to Make Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that once your bread is ready, it will bake evenly and perfectly. On a floured surface, roll out your defrosted pizza dough into roughly a 15×9 inch rectangle. Trim the edges of the dough to get a nice, straight rectangle—it makes cutting the strips easier later on, plus your loaf will have a clean, polished look.
Step 2: Layer on the Classic Toppings
Next, spread that flavorful pizza sauce evenly across the dough. The sauce is your base for flavor so be generous to get every bite tasting like pizza heaven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce—this adds a creamy, melty layer. Finally, scatter mini pepperoni slices on top to provide bursts of savory, slightly spicy goodness in every piece.
Step 3: Cut and Stack the Dough Strips
With a pizza cutter, carefully slice the dough lengthwise into six equal strips. Then divide those into two stacks of three strips each. Cut each strip crosswise into three small squares. Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan well and turn it vertically. Now stack your dough squares upright in the pan, alternating the stacks to create that pull-apart effect once baked. This step is the secret to the “pull apart” magic and makes serving a joy.
Step 4: Brush on the Flavorful Egg Wash
Whisk together your whole egg, minced garlic, oregano, and salt to create a fragrant egg wash. Brushing this over the dough squares before baking enhances the bread’s color and adds a subtle garlic-herb aroma. This attention to detail gives the bread a golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 40 minutes, watching carefully so your bread turns a lovely golden brown without burning. The dough should be cooked through, the cheese melted inside, and the loaf slightly puffed up. If you want to add the optional butter topping, remove the bread about 5 minutes before the end of baking, brush melted butter on top, then return to the oven for that extra buttery shine.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle on minced parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch if desired. Then get ready to delight your friends and family with this stunning, shareable pizza bread!
How to Serve Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds lovely color and brightness. You can also dust a little grated Parmesan or drizzle some extra virgin olive oil for an added layer of richness and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy pickles, or a bowl of warm marinara sauce for extra dipping fun. It can also complement soups or roasted veggies when you want a comforting, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in the loaf pan for easy sharing right at the table. For a festive touch, add a side bowl of garlic butter or ranch dressing. You can even personalize each square by adding different toppings before baking, like veggies or different meats, ensuring there’s a favorite for everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Pull Apart Pizza Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will remain fresh for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the wrapped bread for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This way, you always have a convenient quick meal or party treat ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual squares or the whole loaf into a 350 degrees F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through or microwave slices briefly on medium power. This restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture and taste beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time while still giving you fantastic results with the Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe.
What if I don’t like pepperoni?
Feel free to customize your loaf with any toppings you love—sliced olives, mushrooms, cooked sausage, or even veggies like bell peppers and onions work wonderfully.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free pizza dough substitute can make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and make sure your pizza sauce doesn’t contain any hidden dairy products to keep it dairy-free and delicious.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure you trim the dough edges evenly and don’t overload with sauce to avoid sogginess. Also, baking it thoroughly ensures a crispy yet tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
This Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe is pure comfort food joy in loaf form. It brings together all your favorite pizza flavors in a fun, shareable way that’s perfect for any occasion. I promise once you try it, pulling apart those cheesy, pepperoni-studded bites will become your new favorite tradition. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this warm, gooey celebration of pizza goodness!
Print
Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pull Apart Pizza Bread is a delicious, shareable appetizer featuring layers of pizza dough, sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this savory bread is easy to prepare and fun to eat, with an optional buttery garlic herb glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 13 ounces pizza dough (defrosted)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or as desired)
Egg Wash
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Minced parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the defrosted pizza dough into approximately a 15×9 inch rectangle. Trim the edges to ensure the shape is straight and even.
- Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by an even layer of mini pepperoni slices.
- Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough lengthwise into six even strips. Arrange these strips into two stacks of three strips each. Then cut each strip crosswise into three equal squares, creating bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble in Loaf Pan: Grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan well. Stand the loaf pan vertically and carefully stack the individual pizza squares inside, arranging them to fit snugly together to build the bread.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the whole egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt to create the egg wash. Brush the mixture evenly over the top of the stacked bread in the loaf pan to promote a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 40 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. To add an optional buttery garlic topping, remove the bread about 5 minutes before finishing, brush with melted butter, then return to the oven for the remaining time.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Optionally, sprinkle minced parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, herby touch.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the pizza dough is fully defrosted and at room temperature before rolling.
- You can customize the toppings by adding vegetables or different meats as desired.
- The optional butter topping adds extra richness and a glossy finish.
- Be careful not to overcook to avoid a dry or burnt crust.
- Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and soft bread texture.
