Cheesy Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bread is a delicious, shareable appetizer that combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a fun and easy-to-eat bread form. Made with biscuit dough, this pull-apart bread is loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a hint of Italian herbs. The result is a golden, buttery, and cheesy bread that’s perfect for parties, game days, or cozy family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare, and with its pizza-inspired flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy each cheesy, garlicky bite dipped in pizza sauce for the ultimate comfort snack.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Make Cheesy Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bread:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a round baking dish well with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Cheeses and Pepperoni:
- To the bowl with the biscuit pieces, add the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the cheese and pepperoni among the dough pieces.
- Season the Dough:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the dough mixture. Drizzle with the melted butter, then toss everything together again until all the dough pieces are coated with the butter and seasonings.
- Layer in the Bundt Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared bundt pan, layering the dough pieces as evenly as possible. Press down slightly to help everything fit snugly.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean and the bread springs back when lightly pressed, it’s ready.
- Cool and Flip Out:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully flip the bread onto a serving platter.
- Serve and Garnish:
- If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve the warm pull-apart bread with a side of pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx. 1 slice/pull-apart piece):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe with homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can! Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into small pieces. Keep in mind that biscuit dough has a different texture, so homemade pizza dough will make the bread a bit less fluffy but still delicious.
Q2: How do I make this vegetarian?
Simply skip the pepperoni or substitute it with veggie pepperoni slices or other favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Q3: Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! In addition to mozzarella, you can add shredded provolone, cheddar, or even gouda for different flavor variations.
Q4: Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a round cake pan, springform pan, or even a loaf pan. Just ensure that the pan is well-greased, and adjust baking time as needed to ensure the dough is cooked through.
Q5: How can I make it more flavorful?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some fresh minced garlic for extra garlic flavor. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano.
Tips for Making Perfect Cheesy Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bread:
- Use Cold Biscuit Dough:
- Working with chilled dough makes it easier to cut and helps prevent the pieces from sticking together. It also ensures the dough holds its shape in the pan.
- Distribute Cheese and Pepperoni Evenly:
- To get a bit of cheese and pepperoni in every bite, make sure they’re well-mixed with the dough pieces before layering them in the pan.
- Customize the Toppings:
- You can personalize this recipe by adding your favorite pizza toppings like black olives, green peppers, or diced onions. Just be cautious not to overload with too many toppings, as it could make the bread soggy.
- Don’t Overbake:
- Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to avoid overcooking. The cheese should be melted and the dough golden, but not dry.
- Serving Style:
- For an extra fun presentation, serve the pull-apart bread in a ring shape, with the dipping sauce in a bowl placed in the center.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
- Store any leftover pull-apart bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- Freezing:
- If you want to freeze the bread, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for best results.
- Make Ahead Tips:
- You can assemble the bread in the pan, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Reheating Tips:
- To reheat, avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy. Instead, reheat individual pieces in a toaster oven or the entire bread in a regular oven.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Pull-Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bread is the perfect blend of pizza flavors and indulgent comfort food. This pull-apart bread is easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a great option for gatherings, as everyone can pull off their own cheesy, pepperoni-loaded piece. The buttery biscuit dough combined with melted cheese and Italian seasonings brings a delicious depth of flavor, while the dipping sauce adds that authentic pizza touch.
Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy family night, or just craving a cheesy, savory treat, this pizza bread will quickly become a favorite. It’s versatile enough to customize with different toppings and cheeses, and it stores well, so you can enjoy it later too. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with this pull-apart pizza-inspired appetizer!