This Pizza Bread is a hearty treat loaded with your favorite toppings. Imagine warm, fluffy bread topped with gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and pepperoni—what’s not to love?
I enjoy making this because it’s so fun to customize! You can add any toppings you like, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying on your own. Slice it up and dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is essential for the bread to rise. If you’re in a pinch, you can use instant yeast instead, and you won’t need to proof it in water; just mix it with the dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you could use bread flour for a chewier texture. Whole wheat flour is a healthier option, but it will change the texture a bit, so consider mixing it with all-purpose flour.
Pizza Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce on hand, marinara sauce works perfectly. Homemade tomato sauce can also be a great substitute if you have fresh tomatoes!
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for this recipe, but feel free to mix up the cheeses! Cheddar or provolone can add a nice twist. For a healthier option, use low-fat cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting your dough to rise well is crucial for soft pizza bread. First, use fresh yeast—check the expiration date on the packet. The water temperature is also important; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it.
- Let the yeast bubble for about 5-10 minutes until frothy; this shows it’s active.
- Ensure the dough is properly covered to prevent it from drying out while rising.
- Find a warm, draft-free spot for rising. An oven with just the light on works well.
Skip this step, and you might end up with dense bread. So, pay attention to the rise! It makes all the difference in texture and taste.
How to Make Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-30 slices mini pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pizza bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to bake. Including the time for the dough to rise, you’ll need roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Perfect for a weekend treat or any game day gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms; it should come together nicely without being too sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, which gives your bread a lovely texture!
4. Let It Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Preheat Your Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Also, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Then, press it evenly into the prepared pan. Don’t worry about being perfect; just aim to cover the surface!
7. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered for maximum flavor.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, making sure to get it all over the pizza!
9. Add the Pepperoni:
Now, arrange the mini pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese. You can use as many or as few as you’d like—it’s all about your personal taste!
10. Season:
Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the top for that classic pizza flavor.
11. Bake It:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be melted and golden, and the crust to be nicely browned around the edges.
12. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it into squares. This way, the cheese has time to set a bit.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Now, gather some friends, take a bite, and enjoy your delicious, cheesy pizza bread!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it will change the texture. For a better result, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to keep it fluffy.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Just use the same amount, and you don’t need to proof it in water. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it. Reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pizza bread with your favorite toppings. Bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage are great additions. Just remember not to overload it too much, to ensure it bakes evenly!
