Homemade Pizza Bread
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyDive into the world of delectable appetizers with this Homemade Pizza Bread! A blend of all your favorite toppings is kneaded right into the dough. Perfect for parties or a cozy movie night in. This Homemade Pizza Bread recipe has quickly become my go-to appetizer. Its versatility and rich pizza flavor make it a party favorite.
I’ve always believed that some of the best moments are shared around food. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with loved ones or a lively gathering with friends, there’s something incredibly special about coming together over a meal. And speaking of meals, I’ve got a little secret weapon up my sleeve that I’ve been absolutely smitten with lately. Drumroll, please… It’s my Homemade Pizza Bread!
If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect hors doeuvre that’s equal parts scrumptious and show-stopping, then boy, do I have something special for you. Let’s dive into the magic of this Homemade Pizza Bread, shall we?
Now, I know everyone has their favorite pizza bread recipe. My dad’s wife has a recipe that is fantastic! This one is a little different as all the ingredients are actually incorporated into the dough.
The resulting bread is really, really sensational. There is flavor in every single nibble in this delicious recipe. A layer of cheese inside and a side of marinara sauce bring it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One of the standout features of this pizza bread is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re a pepperoni purist, a veggie virtuoso, or somewhere in between, you can tailor the toppings to your heart’s content. So, no more battling over the perfect pizza toppings, because with this bread, everyone’s a winner!
- Picture this: you’ve got a house full of guests, the air is filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread, and you’re the hero serving up slices of pizza heaven. This pizza bread is bound to have folks coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- If you’ve ever felt a tad nervous about diving into the world of homemade bread, this is the perfect recipe to start with. The step-by-step process is a breeze, and watching that dough transform into a golden loaf of cheesy goodness is nothing short of magic.
If you like this pizza bread, be sure to check out my Pepperoni Bread, this Pizza Trail Mix, and this Ultimate Sausage Pizza Dip!
So, are you ready to roll up those sleeves and make this amazing Pizza Bread recipe? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
The best part about this easy bread is that you can add all of your favorite pizza toppings right into the bread dough.
Here are the ingredients I used:
- pepperoni
- sun-dried tomatoes
- green onions
- black olives
- red pepper
- green pepper
- roasted garlic
- parmesan cheese
It’s like a supreme pizza. (Don’t be nervous though if any of these ingredients “scare” you. As I mentioned above you can completely customize these ingredients.)
For this recipe, you’ll also need:
- yeast
- warm water
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- sugar
- shredded mozzarella
- olive oil
- mariner sauce
How to Make
Now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, you’re ready to make this Pizza Bread! I’ll walk you through the easy steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for 3 minutes. Add in flour, salt, and sugar. Mix using a spoon just until it comes together. (There’s no need for a big stand mixer here.)
- Add in the toppings and Parmesan and combine well. The dough will be tacky. Dust with a bit more flour if it feels too tacky. Let rise for about 1 hour, then put in the refrigerator to continue rising for another hour.
- Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Flour your countertop, then roll out the dough into a rectangle about 11×18”.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over top. Then, fold into thirds to yield a 11 x 6 loaf. Seal sides so cheese is not exposed. Let your loaf rest while you preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Bake the bread, either on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
- About halfway through I added a piece of aluminum foil to the top of my loaf to prevent it from getting too dark. About 3 minutes before taking it out, lightly brush the top with olive oil and let it finish baking. Let rest on a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve
Serving this Homemade Pizza Bread is all about keeping things casual and delightful. Here’s how I love to do it:
- Slicing: Once your bread has slightly cooled on a wire rack, slice it into thick or thin pieces, depending on your preference. Remember, the thicker the slice, the more rustic and hearty the experience.
- Dips: While this bread is a star on its own, offering a couple of dips can elevate the experience. Think classic marinara sauce, a garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto.
- Pairings: Complement your bread with some Italian-inspired sides. A fresh Caprese salad, antipasto skewers, or a glass of homemade sangria can do wonders. I like to eat it with something like this shaved Brussels sprouts salad (hey, gotta be healthy).
- Presentation: Lay your slices on a wooden board or a charming platter. Sprinkle some fresh basil or rosemary for a pop of color and added aroma.
Serve immediately and watch the magic unfold as your guests fall in love with every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions people often ask about homemade pizza bread. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.
What kind of dip can I serve with this bread?
Since this is a pizza bread, I suggest serving it with your favorite marinara sauce. I bet some extra cheesy alfredo sauce would be divine with it too.
How long does pizza bread last?
If you store it in an airtight bag or container, it will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. I suggest keeping it in the refrigerator so that it lasts longer.
Can you freeze pizza bread?
Yes, pizza bread is very freezer-friendly. Wrap the entire loaf nice and tight with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe food storage bag or container. The pizza bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How do you make it spicier?
If you want the pizza bread to have a bit of a kick, I suggest adding some chopped jalapenos to the dough. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce or add some red pepper flakes to the dough. Make it as spicy as you like. That’s the fun part about baking!
More Appetizers You’ll Love
- Really Good Jalapeño Dip
- Out-of-this-World Corn Dip
- Italian Sub Sandwich Rolls
- Farm-to-Table Inspired Crostini
- Everything Bagel Cheeseball
Other than chopping all of the ingredients, this Homemade Pizza Bread is easy peasy. I highly recommend it – even to you newbie bread makers. It’s a perfect loaf to test your skills.
Plus, your friends and family (It’s OK if it’s just for you – I don’t judge.) will love it. I’ll hope you’ll give it a try. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Homemade Pizza Bread
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 2 ½ cups favorite toppings, diced (I used pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, black olives, red pepper, green pepper, and roasted garlic.)
- ½ cup Parmesan
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar of marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for 3 minutes. Add in flour, salt, and sugar. Mix using a spoon just until it comes together. (There’s no need for a big stand mixer here.)
- Add in the toppings and Parmesan and combine well. The dough will be tacky. Dust with a bit more flour if it feels too tacky. Let rise for about 1 hour, then put in the refrigerator to continue rising for another hour.
- Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Flour your countertop, then roll out the dough into a rectangle about 11×18”.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over top. Then, fold into thirds to yield a 11 x 6 loaf. Seal sides so cheese is not exposed. Let your loaf rest while you preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Bake the bread, either on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
- About halfway through I added a piece of aluminum foil to the top of my loaf to prevent it from getting too dark. About 3 minutes before taking it out, lightly brush the top with olive oil and let it finish baking. Let rest on a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
I’ve made this a ton it’s so good!!
Can this be made in a bread machine?
This pizza dough came out light, manageable and easy to make from scratch. Taste is awesome and grandkids wantta make it now. Added 2 tablespoon of dry Italian salad dressing from packet to dough. I put cheese on top but it burnt crispy and added cheesy flavors. Probably won’t cheese the top next time. Great recipe-thanks.
Okay–I’m lame and have to ask a stupid question–In the directions you say– Then, fold along the long side, like an envelope.
I get rolling it out, but what exactly do you mean? Fold it like an envelope? Sorry–I just can picture what to do.
I can’t picture the “fold like an envelope” either.
Since Michael is not responding to your questions, I think he means to fold it like a letter that is going into an envelope into thirds. Hope this helps
Thank you. I actually rewrote the recipe instructions when Karen commented to make it more clear. Hope that helps.
xo Michael
Absolutely delicious I must say…I have made this multiple times for the parties and it vanishes at the parties in no time. My friends now want me to always get extra loaf for each one of them…hahaha
Thank You for sharing your modified recipe.
please tell me if you punch the bread dough down AFTER IT RISES AND before putting it into the refrigerator?
You don’t need to punch down the dough before refrigerating.
xo Michael
I would love to make this for a family gathering this weekend – it looks delicious! But ….what type of yeast should I use? I am a newbie bread baker and bread-insecure so I would appreciate that detail added please. Thank you!
You want Active Dry Yeast.
Happy Baking!
xo Michael