This pizza bread is a fun and easy treat! It’s made with warm bread, topped with tasty sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself!
Honestly, it feels like the pizza and bread had a delicious baby! I love making it on movie nights—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🍕😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour works well too, but the texture may change slightly. I’ve found a mix of both flours gives a nice, hearty bread!
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising. If you have instant yeast, it can be used instead and doesn’t need to be activated in water beforehand. Just mix it directly with the flour.
Pizza Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought or homemade. Sometimes I like to mix in some herbs or garlic for extra flavor. If you’re avoiding tomatoes, Alfredo sauce can be a milder but tasty substitute!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded is best for easy melting. If you want a different flavor, provolone or even a combination of cheeses works great, too. Just keep in mind the melting properties.
Pepperoni: This is a classic topping, but you can swap it with veggies like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Cooked sausage or chicken also adds a nice twist!
How Do I Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which helps the dough rise and gives it a good texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with your dough on a floured surface. You want it to be slightly tacky but not sticky. Add flour if needed, but don’t overdo it!
- Using the palms of your hands, push the dough away from you. Then fold it back over itself.
- Give the dough a quarter turn and repeat the pushing and folding. Keep kneading for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- A good test: When you poke it, the dough should spring back slightly!
This technique helps you get that soft, fluffy inside that everyone loves. Enjoy the process, and don’t rush it! Kneading can be quite therapeutic.
Pizza Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, plus 1 hour to let it rise. Then, you’ll bake it for about 25-30 minutes. Total time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes, including cooling time. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir everything together until you get a soft dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Flour your surface and transfer the dough. Knead it for about 7-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. You can add a little flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to add too much!
4. Let It Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This helps the dough become fluffy!
5. Preheat and Prepare:
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then press it evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just get it nice and flat!
7. Add Sauce and Toppings:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni. Finally, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for yummy flavor!
8. Bake:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden, and the crust to be cooked through. If you’d like an extra crispy top, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!
9. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. After a few minutes, take it out and slice it up!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, delicious goodness of your homemade Pizza Bread!
Happy baking! 🍕✨
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or just want to simplify things, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just follow the package instructions for rolling it out and topping it, then bake as directed!
What Should I Do If The Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (not too hot!). If it’s been sitting for too long without frothing, it might be best to start over with new yeast.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza Bread?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Are Some Good Topping Alternatives?
Feel free to get creative! Instead of pepperoni, try vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. You could also use cooked sausage, bacon, or even diced chicken for a protein boost. And don’t forget to experiment with different types of cheese!
