Pizza Pull-Apart Bread

Oh, do I have a treat for you today! Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is everything you love about pizza, but in the most fun, shareable, and delicious form. Imagine warm, soft bread oozing with melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and a flavorful marinara sauce—each pull is like getting your very own cheesy pizza bite! Whether you’re serving it for a game day snack, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something cheesy, this bread is going to disappear faster than you can say “extra cheese”!

Why You’ll Love Pizza Pull-Apart Bread

Super Easy to Make

This recipe may sound fancy, but don’t let that fool you—it’s simple! You don’t need to be a pizza pro to pull this off. With minimal prep and basic ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that everyone will rave about.

Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese

This pull-apart bread is a cheesy dream come true! With melty mozzarella, gooey sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite is like a little piece of pizza heaven.

Customizable

The beauty of this bread is that it’s so customizable. Not a fan of pepperoni? No problem—swap in sausage, veggies, or even bacon. Want it extra cheesy? Go for it! You can make it your own and load it up with your favorite pizza toppings.

Perfect for Sharing

This bread is built for sharing. Gather around with friends and family and enjoy pulling apart this cheesy, saucy masterpiece together. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Makes the House Smell AMAZING

There’s just something about fresh bread baking with pizza toppings that fills the house with the most mouthwatering aroma. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like an Italian pizzeria!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Pull-Apart Bread:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread or a round boule (you want something that can hold up to being pulled apart)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza topping!)
• Pizza sauce (for dipping and drizzling)
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• Parmesan cheese (optional for sprinkling on top)
• Italian seasoning (for that authentic pizza flavor)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cheesy? Let’s dive into making this easy, irresistible Pizza Pull-Apart Bread!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and become golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and cheesy on the inside.

Step 2: Slice the Bread

Take your loaf of Italian bread and slice it in a crisscross pattern. You want to make sure the cuts don’t go all the way through—just enough to create little pockets for the cheese and toppings. If you’re using a round boule, cut it into wedges, but don’t slice all the way through the bottom.

Step 3: Stuff the Bread

This is the fun part! Gently pull apart the slices of bread and stuff the pockets with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (or your favorite topping), and a little sprinkle of Italian seasoning. You can also add a bit of Parmesan cheese in each pocket for extra flavor. Repeat this process until all the slices are stuffed and loaded with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Once the bread is stuffed with all that deliciousness, drizzle the top of the bread with olive oil. This will help the bread crisp up nicely in the oven and give it that beautiful golden color.

Step 5: Wrap and Bake

Cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to get that golden, crispy crust.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Take your pizza pull-apart bread out of the oven, and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, garnish it with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping and watch everyone dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Pizza Pull-Apart Bread

This dish is great for any occasion! Here are a few ways to serve it:

With Extra Pizza Sauce

Serve this cheesy bread with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping. You can even drizzle a little sauce over the top of the bread before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

As an Appetizer

Pizza pull-apart bread makes the perfect appetizer at parties, barbecues, or family gatherings. It’s easy to share and always a crowd favorite!

Alongside a Salad

Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light and fun meal. The crunchy, fresh veggies in the salad complement the cheesy bread perfectly.

For Game Day

This pull-apart bread is a hit during game day or movie nights. It’s the ultimate finger food for everyone to munch on while they watch the action unfold.

Additional Tips

• Use Store-Bought Pizza Sauce: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought pizza sauce, or even marinara sauce. Homemade works too, but store-bought is a quick and tasty option!
• Customize Your Toppings: This bread is incredibly versatile. Swap out the pepperoni for sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to make it your own.
• Make It Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier result, feel free to add more mozzarella or even a layer of ricotta cheese between the slices. Who says you can’t have too much cheese?
• Freeze It: If you want to make this in advance, you can assemble the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake it, just thaw it out and bake as directed!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like—sourdough, baguette, or even a loaf of French bread. Just make sure it’s hearty enough to hold up to the toppings.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese?
A2: Yes! You can swap the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack if you want to change up the flavor. You can also add a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.

Q3: Can I make this without pepperoni?
A3: Of course! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. Make it your own!

Q4: Can I make this bread in advance?
A4: You can assemble the bread ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for prepping before a party or game day.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover pizza pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy texture.

Q6: Can I freeze this bread?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the bread before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q7: Can I make this without cheese?
A7: You can make a version without cheese if you’re dairy-free, but the bread will be a bit less gooey and rich. You could substitute dairy-free cheese or go for a more vegetable-packed filling if you’d like.

Q8: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A8: No worries! You can make your own blend by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder. It’ll still give you that delicious pizza flavor!

Q9: Can I use frozen bread dough instead of a loaf of bread?
A9: Yes! You can use frozen bread dough, but be sure to let it thaw and rise before slicing and filling. It will create a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Q10: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A10: Make sure you don’t overfill the bread with sauce or cheese. A light drizzle of pizza sauce and some cheese in the pockets should be enough. The olive oil brushing also helps create a barrier, so the bread stays crispy.

Conclusion

Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is one of those recipes that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s cheesy, savory, and so fun to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with family or serving it as a crowd-pleaser at a party, this pull-apart bread is the perfect way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a whole new way. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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