Pizza Bread is a fun and easy recipe that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and bread! You get soft, warm bread loaded with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
It’s perfect for snacking or sharing during movie night. I like to dip mine in marinara sauce for an extra treat. Who can resist cheesy goodness? 🍕❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise. If you’re out of yeast, you could try using instant yeast instead, just adjust the amount slightly since instant yeast is more potent. If you need a no-yeast option, consider using self-rising flour and skipping the yeast altogether.
All-Purpose Flour: It gives the best texture for pizza bread, but you could use bread flour for a chewier crust. Whole wheat flour is a healthy alternative but will make the bread denser. You can mix the two for a balanced flavor!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce or marinara sauce. For a personalized touch, I like to mix in some Italian herbs into plain tomato sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, a homemade tomato sauce with fresh herbs will work well too.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but you could use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. Vegan cheese works if you’re dairy-free—make sure it melts well!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is fun, but you can also use sliced turkey pepperoni or diced salami. For a veggie option, try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even fresh spinach.
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting your dough to rise can sometimes feel tricky, but following a few tips will help. First, ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly. It should look frothy after sitting in warm water with sugar.
- Keep the dough in a warm place. If your kitchen is chilly, you can place it in an oven turned off with just the light on, creating a cozy environment for rising.
- Don’t rush it! Give the dough enough time to double in size, usually 1-1.5 hours. Patience will lead to better texture.
- When it’s time to shape, gently punch down the dough and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes after pressing it into the pan. This second rise boosts airy texture!
How to Make Delicious Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Top:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2-2.5 hours, including about 20-30 minutes for prep and cooking time. Most of the time is for letting the dough rise, so you can relax while you wait for the delicious smell of pizza bread to fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Then, add the frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, and don’t worry if it looks a little sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, which gives the bread its lovely texture.
4. Let it Rise:
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough in. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1-1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Meanwhile, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with a bit of olive oil, so your pizza bread doesn’t stick.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Now, press it evenly into the prepared pan, stretching it to the edges. Cover it again and let it rise for 20-30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
7. Add the Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the mini pepperoni slices and black olives if you’re using them. Finish by sprinkling dried oregano over everything.
8. Bake the Pizza Bread:
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and delicious looking. The crust should be nice and cooked through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!
Get ready to indulge in your homemade pizza bread—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, overflowing with cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to mix it up with cheddar, provolone, or even feta for a unique flavor. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well!
What If I Don’t Have a 9×13 Inch Pan?
No problem! If you don’t have that size, you can use a larger baking sheet or a different sized pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on the thickness of your dough.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Follow the package instructions for any necessary adjustments, especially in hydration levels, as gluten-free dough can behave differently.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick fix.
