This Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread is a fun twist on pizza! It has gooey cheese, tasty pepperoni, and a crispy, fluffy sourdough crust. Perfect for snack time or movie night!
Every bite brings the flavors of pizza in a bread form. I love tearing off a piece and dipping it in marinara sauce. If you’re like me, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough loaf: A medium-sized sourdough is perfect for this recipe, as it has a nice crust and chewy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it for Italian bread or another crusty loaf, though sourdough really adds unique flavor.
Cheeses: I love the gooeyness of mozzarella combined with the nutty taste of parmesan. If you want a twist, try using cheddar or provolone instead, or even a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
Pepperoni: This recipe calls for classic pepperoni, but you can substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner choice or use mini pepperoni for added crunch. Veggie slices or olives are great options for a vegetarian take.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the saltiness. If you want a plant-based option, try using olive oil or vegan butter. Both will work beautifully in the garlic herb mixture.
Herbs and spices: Garlic powder gives great taste, but you can use fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor. Oregano is traditional, but thyme or rosemary could also add a delicious touch to your bread.
How Do You Cut the Bread Without Losing Integrity?
Cutting the sourdough loaf correctly is key to ensuring it remains intact while holding all the cheesy goodness. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp serrated knife to make diagonal cuts across the top, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Be careful to cut deep enough to create nice pockets, but leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom so the loaf stays connected.
- This method allows the bread to open up nicely while baking, creating wonderful cheese-filled layers without falling apart.
With these tips and tricks, your cheesy pepperoni sourdough pizza bread will come out perfectly crispy and full of flavor! Enjoy every slice!
Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 sourdough loaf (medium-sized, about 12 inches)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
For the Butter Mixture:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Dipping (optional):
- Marinara or pizza sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesy pepperoni sourdough pizza bread will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for baking, plus a couple of minutes for broiling. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of grease. This preparation will help prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Grab a sharp serrated knife and carefully make diagonal cuts across the sourdough loaf, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be cautious not to cut all the way through; leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact. This will keep the loaf together while still allowing space for all that tasty filling!
3. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This delicious blend will coat the bread beautifully and add amazing flavor.
4. Brush the Bread:
Take your butter mixture and use a brush (or the back of a spoon) to generously spread it inside all the cuts of the bread. Make sure every inch of those openings is saturated with the buttery goodness!
5. Stuff the Cheese and Pepperoni:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Start stuffing each cut with a mix of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Then, pop 1-2 slices of pepperoni into each cut, gently pressing them into the cheese so they sit snugly.
6. Add More Toppings:
For an extra cheesy and flavorful top, sprinkle additional cheese on top of the loaf along with some more pepperoni slices. This will create a deliciously crispy topping once it bakes.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place your stuffed loaf on the lined baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and pull it out when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the pepperoni are crispy.
8. Broil for Extra Crisp:
If you want that golden crust, switch your oven to the broil setting and broil the bread for just 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning—nobody enjoys a charred pizza bread!
9. Garnish and Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before diving in!
10. Serve It Up:
Slice up your cheesy pepperoni sourdough pizza bread and serve it warm. For a delicious twist, consider offering marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough Instead of Sourdough?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just roll it out to match the size of your baking sheet, then follow the filling and baking instructions as usual. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ from sourdough.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the bread in aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This way, you’ll keep the bread from getting too hard or dried out!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor. You can also add more cheese or some sliced tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy pepperoni sourdough bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, but reheating may be necessary to restore some of its crispy texture.
