Pepperoni Pizza Bread Recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Bread brings together everything people love about classic pizza, wrapped into a warm, pull-apart loaf that’s both comforting and irresistibly indulgent.
Soft, fluffy pizza dough is rolled around layers of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and Italian herbs, then baked until golden with a buttery garlic crust.
Each slice delivers the familiar flavors of pizza in a form that’s perfect for sharing—ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or an easy family treat that disappears fast.
Why People Will Love This Pepperoni Pizza Bread Recipe
All the flavor of pizza in a new, shareable form – It captures everything people crave about pepperoni pizza, but transforms it into a warm, sliceable bread that feels fun and comforting.
Irresistible layers of cheese and pepperoni – Melted mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and classic pepperoni create rich, bold flavor in every bite.
Golden garlic-butter crust – Brushing the dough with garlic butter adds aroma, richness, and a beautifully crisp exterior that elevates the entire dish.
Easy to make with store-bought dough – Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps prep simple while still delivering bakery-style results at home.
Perfect for sharing – The roll-and-slice format makes it ideal for parties, game days, or family gatherings where everyone can grab a piece.
Customizable for any taste – Optional toppings like olives, sausage, or vegetables allow endless variations without changing the core recipe.
Comfort food appeal – Warm, cheesy, and familiar, this pizza bread delivers pure comfort with minimal effort.
Great as a snack or a meal – It works just as well as an appetizer, side dish, or main course when paired with a simple salad or dipping sauce.
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser – With universally loved pizza flavors and an eye-catching presentation, it’s a recipe that disappears fast and gets requested often.
Key Ingredients
Refrigerated pizza dough – The foundation of the recipe, providing a soft, chewy interior and a golden, bakery-style crust with minimal effort. It wraps the fillings perfectly while baking up light and fluffy.
Mozzarella cheese – Brings that classic pizza-style melt, creating stretchy, gooey layers that hold the bread together and deliver rich comfort in every bite.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty depth that balances the mild mozzarella and enhances the overall savory profile.
Pepperoni – The bold, salty heart of the dish, infusing each slice with familiar pizza flavor and a satisfying meaty bite.
Pizza or marinara sauce – Provides moisture and tangy richness, tying all the ingredients together with classic Italian-inspired flavor.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds warmth and aroma, making the bread taste unmistakably like pizza.
Garlic butter – Brushed on the outside to create a fragrant, golden crust that elevates the bread from simple to irresistible.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – Introduce a gentle heat that cuts through the richness and adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy spice.
Expert Tips:
Bring the dough to room temperature first – Letting the pizza dough rest for 15–20 minutes makes it easier to roll evenly and prevents tearing while shaping.
Don’t overload the filling – Too much sauce or cheese can cause the bread to leak or bake unevenly. Even layers ensure clean slices and a well-structured loaf.
Leave a clean border around the edges – Keeping about ½ inch of dough free of filling helps seal the roll tightly and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.
Roll firmly but gently – A snug roll keeps the layers defined while still allowing the dough to expand as it bakes.
Brush garlic butter generously – This step adds flavor, aroma, and a golden finish. Reapply a light brush halfway through baking for extra richness if desired.
Bake until fully cooked in the center – If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. The interior should be fully set, not doughy.
Use the broiler carefully – Broiling adds crispness, but it works fast. Stay close and remove the bread as soon as the top turns lightly golden.
Let it rest before slicing – Cooling for 5–10 minutes allows the cheese to set slightly, giving you cleaner slices and better texture.
Serve warm, not piping hot – Warm pizza bread delivers the best balance of flavor, texture, and melty cheese without falling apart.
Pepperoni Pizza Bread
Ingredients
1 loaf refrigerated pizza dough
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
½ cup sliced pepperoni
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Toppings
Sliced black olives
Sliced mushrooms
Cooked sausage
Bell peppers
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Prepare the dough
Roll the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface, making sure it’s even in thickness.
Layer the fillings
Spread the pizza or marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then top with pepperoni slices.
Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor.
Optional: layer additional toppings such as olives, mushrooms, sausage, or bell peppers.
Roll and shape
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Tuck in the ends to seal the filling inside.
Brush with garlic butter
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush generously over the surface of the rolled dough for a golden, flavorful crust.
Bake
Place the roll on the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add cheese topping (optional)
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more mozzarella and Parmesan over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Broil for crispiness (optional)
Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1–2 minutes to crisp the top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Cool, slice, and serve
Allow the pizza bread to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
Important Notes When Making Pepperoni Pizza Bread
This recipe is meant to be bold and indulgent – Pepperoni Pizza Bread embraces rich flavors, melted cheese, and a buttery crust. It’s not a light dish, but a satisfying comfort food designed to be enjoyed generously.
Balance moisture carefully – Too much sauce or oily toppings can make the dough soggy. Thin, even layers are key to a well-baked loaf with defined layers.
Dough thickness matters – Rolling the dough too thin can cause tearing, while too thick can lead to underbaking. Aim for an even rectangle for consistent results.
Sealing the roll is essential – Properly tucking and sealing the edges prevents filling from escaping and helps the bread hold its shape while baking.
Oven temperatures may vary – Always rely on visual cues. The bread should be deeply golden on the outside and fully cooked through the center.
Best enjoyed fresh – Pizza bread is at its peak when served warm from the oven. Sitting too long can soften the crust and dull the flavors.
Cooling affects texture – Slicing too early may cause cheese to spill out. A short rest improves structure without sacrificing warmth.
Simple flavors shine most – While optional toppings are welcome, overcrowding can overwhelm the classic pizza profile that makes this bread so appealing.
Presentation enhances enjoyment – Garnishing with fresh parsley and serving with warm marinara elevates the dish from casual snack to crowd-worthy centerpiece.
How to Enjoy Pepperoni Pizza Bread After Cooking
Let it rest briefly before slicing
Allow the pizza bread to cool for about 5–10 minutes. This short rest helps the cheese settle and makes slicing cleaner, while keeping the bread warm and melty inside.
Slice with a sharp serrated knife
A serrated knife cuts through the crust without compressing the soft interior, preserving the beautiful layers of dough, cheese, and pepperoni.
Serve warm for the best texture
Pizza bread is most enjoyable when warm—not piping hot—so the cheese is gooey, the crust is crisp, and the flavors are fully developed.
Pair with a dipping sauce
Extra pizza or marinara sauce on the side adds moisture and tangy contrast, making each bite even more satisfying.
Choose simple sides
Balance the richness with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or lightly dressed greens to keep the meal feeling complete but not heavy.
Share it family-style
Place the sliced loaf on a platter and let everyone help themselves. Its pull-apart style makes it perfect for casual gatherings and relaxed meals.
Enjoy it in different settings
This dish works beautifully as a game-day snack, party appetizer, lunch centerpiece, or cozy dinner alongside a simple side.
Reheat gently if needed
If reheating, warm slices in the oven at low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness without drying out the bread.
Avoid the microwave when possible
Microwaving can soften the crust and make the bread chewy. Oven reheating preserves the original texture best.
Treat it as comfort food
Pepperoni Pizza Bread is meant to be enjoyed without rush—warm, cheesy, and satisfying—bringing people together over familiar, beloved flavors.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: ~340 kcal | Total Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 40 mg | Sodium: 750–900 mg (depending on pepperoni, cheese, and sauce used) | Total Carbohydrates: 30 g | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 4 g | Protein: 15 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Bread ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the bread, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through.
How do I keep the bread from becoming soggy?
Use a light layer of sauce and avoid overly wet toppings. Rolling the dough tightly and baking until fully golden helps keep the interior fluffy rather than soggy.
Can I freeze this pizza bread?
Yes. Bake the bread completely, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven at low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty, unlike the microwave, which can make it chewy.
Can I customize the fillings without affecting baking?
Absolutely. Just keep fillings evenly distributed and avoid overstuffing. Cook raw meats beforehand and slice vegetables thin so everything heats through evenly.
How do I prevent the dough from tearing while rolling?
Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling. Cold dough is stiff and more likely to tear, while relaxed dough rolls smoothly and evenly.
Why did my pizza bread bake unevenly in the center?
This usually happens when the roll is too thick or overfilled. Roll the dough evenly and avoid excessive fillings so heat can reach the center during baking.
Should I pre-cook the pepperoni or other toppings?
Pepperoni does not need pre-cooking, but raw meats like sausage should be fully cooked beforehand. Vegetables should be sliced thin or lightly sautéed to prevent excess moisture.
When is the best time to add extra cheese on top?
Add extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. This allows it to melt without overbrowning or becoming greasy.
How can I tell when the pizza bread is fully cooked?
The bread should be golden brown on the outside and firm when tapped. If unsure, insert a knife into the center—it should come out hot with no raw dough attached.