Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Imagine the savory flavors of pizza—gooey cheese, pepperoni, and Italian herbs—baked into soft, fluffy bread that you can pull apart and enjoy bite by bite. That’s exactly what Pull Apart Pizza Bread offers! This fun and shareable dish is perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing snack.

The beauty of Pull Apart Pizza Bread lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can load it up with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or olives, and every piece you pull off delivers a burst of cheesy, herby, pizza goodness. Plus, it’s baked in a bundt pan, giving it that impressive, show-stopping presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni pizza or you prefer to get creative with different flavors, this Pull Apart Pizza Bread recipe will satisfy your pizza cravings in a unique and delicious way.

Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible pizza-inspired treat at home!

Why You’ll Love Pull Apart Pizza Bread

1. Fun to Eat and Share: The pull-apart style makes this bread easy to serve and fun to eat. Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
2. Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and soft bread hits all the right comfort food notes.
3. Endlessly Customizable: You can fill the bread with your favorite pizza toppings, making it as simple or as loaded as you like.
4. Perfect for Parties: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a game-day spread.
5. Easy to Make: While the result looks impressive, the recipe itself is straightforward and requires just a few ingredients and simple steps.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8-10
• Serving Size: 1 slice or section of pull-apart bread

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Pull Apart Pizza Bread:

For the Dough:

• 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups pepperoni slices (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or olives)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Topping and Garnish:

• Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan (for sprinkling on top)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Marinara sauce or pizza sauce (for dipping)

Special Equipment:

• Bundt pan (or a large loaf pan or round cake pan)
• Pastry brush (for brushing butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

1. Grease the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan (or other preferred baking dish) with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Prep the Dough and Toppings

1. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:

Unroll both cans of refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. If using homemade dough, divide it into two portions and roll each out to about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Cut the Dough into Pieces:

Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, about 2-inch pieces. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform—rustic is part of the charm!

3. Melt the Butter:

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This garlic butter mixture will add a ton of flavor to the bread as it bakes.

Step 3: Layer the Dough and Fillings

1. Coat Dough Pieces:

One by one, dip each piece of dough into the melted garlic butter mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated.

2. Layer in the Bundt Pan:

Begin layering the butter-coated dough pieces in the prepared bundt pan. As you layer, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices (or your chosen toppings) between the dough pieces. You want to distribute the cheese and toppings evenly throughout the bread so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

1. Top with Extra Cheese:

Once all the dough pieces have been layered in the pan, sprinkle the top with any remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. This will help create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.

2. Drizzle with Remaining Garlic Butter:

If you have any leftover garlic butter, drizzle it over the top of the dough. This will add even more flavor and help the bread turn out golden and crispy.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza Bread

1. Bake in the Oven:

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be crispy, and the bread should pull apart easily.

2. Check for Doneness:

To ensure the bread is cooked through, you can insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just melted cheese, it’s ready. If the dough still seems raw, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Slightly:

Let the pizza bread cool in the bundt pan for about 5 minutes before attempting to remove it. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to handle.

2. Flip and Garnish:

Carefully flip the bundt pan upside down onto a serving platter. Garnish the pull-apart pizza bread with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

3. Serve with Dipping Sauce:

Serve the pull-apart pizza bread warm, with a side of marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the cheese is still melty and gooey.

How to Serve Pull Apart Pizza Bread

• As a Party Appetizer: This pull-apart pizza bread is perfect for parties and gatherings. Place it in the center of the table and let guests pull off pieces and dip them into marinara sauce.
• For Game Day: This is the ultimate game day snack! Serve it alongside other game day favorites like buffalo wings, nachos, and chips for a complete spread.
• For a Fun Family Dinner: Make pizza night extra special by serving this pizza bread with a salad or soup on the side.
• As a Snack: If you’re hosting a casual get-together or movie night, this pull-apart bread is a great snack to share.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Refrigerated Dough for Convenience: Using store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe quick and easy, but if you want to go the extra mile, feel free to make your own dough from scratch.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Toppings: The more cheese, pepperoni, and toppings you add, the more flavorful each piece of bread will be. Don’t be shy—load it up!
3. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
4. Let the Bread Cool Before Flipping: Let the bread cool for a few minutes in the pan before flipping it onto a serving platter. This helps it hold its shape and ensures the cheese sets properly.
5. Serve Immediately: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it’s warm and gooey. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven, but it’s best served fresh.

Recipe Variations

While the classic pepperoni and cheese combination is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize this Pull Apart Pizza Bread to suit your taste. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Veggie Lover’s Pizza Bread:

For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and load up the bread with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza Bread:

Swap the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce and fill the bread with shredded chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese. This creates a sweet and savory BBQ-inspired version.

3. Hawaiian Pizza Bread:

For fans of Hawaiian pizza, add diced ham and pineapple chunks to the filling along with the mozzarella cheese. This sweet and savory combination is always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Meat Lover’s Pizza Bread:

For a hearty, protein-packed version, add a variety of meats like sausage, bacon, and pepperoni. You can also throw in some ground beef or salami for even more meaty goodness.

5. Margherita Pizza Bread:

For a lighter, fresher take, fill the bread with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil. Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover pizza bread, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

Freezing:

Pull Apart Pizza Bread freezes well, making it great for meal prep or future snacking. To freeze, let the bread cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

To reheat from frozen, place the pizza bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Bundt Pan: A bundt pan is ideal for creating the pull-apart effect and giving the bread its signature ring shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a large loaf pan or round cake pan instead.
• Pastry Brush: You’ll need a pastry brush to evenly coat the dough pieces with the garlic butter mixture.
• Pizza Cutter or Knife: A pizza cutter or sharp knife makes it easy to cut the pizza dough into uniform pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just be sure to let the dough rise before using it in the recipe.

2. What other types of cheese can I use?

While mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, you can also use cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors. Parmesan is great for adding a sharp, salty finish to the bread.

3. Can I make this pull-apart bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out.

4. What’s the best way to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the bundt pan generously with olive oil or non-stick spray. You can also dust the pan with a little flour to help prevent sticking.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-free. You can usually find gluten-free pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.

Conclusion

Pull Apart Pizza Bread is the ultimate party snack or family-friendly dinner option that combines the flavors of pizza with the fun, shareable format of pull-apart bread. With layers of gooey cheese, pepperoni, and Italian herbs baked into soft, fluffy dough, every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

Whether you’re serving it for game day, a holiday gathering, or a fun pizza night at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s customizable to suit any pizza topping preferences, making it a versatile dish you can make again and again.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and savory Pull Apart Pizza Bread!

Print