Pepperoni Pizza Bread

This loaf-style bread is the next best thing to pizza! This easy pepperoni pizza bread makes a delicious dinner the whole family will love or a fun appetizer for parties or game day. With all the flavors of pizza in bread form, this recipe combines homemade pizza dough layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, Italian seasoning, and tons of pepperoni for a cheesy, flavorful, and delicious snack. Pizza fans of all ages are going to love this indulgent savory bread that is baked until golden brown and bubbly, with a crispy outer layer and soft center, and served warm with marinara sauce for added flavor.

Originally published 7/10/2015; Updated 12/12/2020

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

• 2 cups + 2 Tbsp bread flour

• 1½ tsp active dry yeast

• 2 tsp granulated sugar

• 1½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup + 1 Tbsp whole milk

• 1½ Tbsp unsalted butter

Pepperoni Pizza Filling

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic salt

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated

• 1 cup pepperoni, sliced and quartered

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

Pizza Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together until combined.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk and butter until lukewarm and the butter is melted.

3. Slowly add the milk mixture to the flower mixture and mix on low speed for 2 minutes to wake up the yeast. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl covered with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Once the dough has proofed, remove the dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface, knocking out the air.

6. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough into small pieces that are all equal in size and roll each piece into a ball.

Pepperoni Pizza Filling

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and onion powder. Roll each dough ball in the oil mixture until evenly coated.

3. Place half of the dough balls into the prepared pan.

4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, pepperoni, and parmesan on top and around the dough balls.

5. Repeat with the remaining dough balls, mozzarella, pepperoni, and parmesan.

6. Cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, or until puffy.

7. Once risen, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, and then use a knife to loosen around the edges and turn the bread out onto a cutting board or serving plate. Slice and serve with marinara sauce.

Looking for more savory appetizers? Check out these other impressive appetizers:

Italian Antipasto Squares

Maple Pumpkin Baked Brie en Croûte with Candied Pecans

Apricot, Cherry, and Candied Walnut Baked Brie en Croûte

Fresh Lemon Asparagus Tart

Mushroom, Leek, and Goat Cheese Tart

Beet, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Tart