This pizza bread is a fun twist on your favorite pizza! It’s soft, cheesy, and packed with all the classic toppings you love, like pepperoni and bell peppers.
I love to enjoy it warm, fresh out of the oven. It’s great for quick snacks or as an easy side for dinner. Perfect for pizza lovers! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient that gives structure to your bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour; just add a bit more water as it absorbs moisture differently.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without proofing it first; just mix it directly with your dry ingredients.
Olive Oil: It adds flavor and moisture to the dough. You can substitute it with any neutral oil like sunflower or canola if you prefer, or even melted butter for richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. For a twist, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone or cheddar for different flavor notes. If you need dairy-free options, some plant-based cheeses work well too.
Pizza Sauce: This is key for flavor. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning. For a lighter option, marinara sauce also works!
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough Texture?
The texture of your dough is crucial for great pizza bread. Start by ensuring your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. Knead until smooth and elastic to build gluten, which helps it rise.
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let it foam to ensure the yeast is active.
- Knead the dough thoroughly on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, adding flour if needed, until it feels soft and elastic.
- Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled; this can take 1 to 1.5 hours. If it’s cold, try placing it in an oven with just the light on.
Using these tips will help you create the perfect pizza bread that’s light, fluffy, and so delicious! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Delicious Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for serving
- 20-25 slices mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni sliced thinly)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Optional: sliced black olives, chopped bell peppers, or other favorite pizza toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy pizza bread will take about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 25 minutes to bake, plus an hour to rise. So, set aside around 1 hour and 45 minutes in total to enjoy this cheesy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by mixing the sugar and yeast in a small bowl with the warm water. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a little well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This is where the magic happens!
3. Knead the Dough:
Stir the mixture until it forms a rough dough, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead this dough for about 8-10 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic—add a little more flour if it’s too sticky!
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Also, grease a rectangular or square baking pan to make sure nothing sticks later on.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release some air. Press it into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly to fill the corners. Allow it to rest for another 15 minutes before adding toppings.
7. Add Toppings:
Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Layer the pepperoni slices and any other optional toppings you like. Lastly, sprinkle on the dried oregano and basil before giving it a light drizzle of olive oil.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and delicious!
9. Serve:
Take the pizza bread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then slice it into squares or rectangles. Serve it warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Enjoy your homemade pizza bread that’s thick, fluffy, cheesy, and full of pepperoni goodness!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour! Just be aware that it will absorb more moisture, so you may need to add a bit more water to get the right dough consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. You can skip the proofing step; just mix it in with the dry ingredients directly!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Can I Add More Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage work great. Just make sure not to overload it, so the bread can bake properly.
