Homemade Pizza Bread

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Dive 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.

loaf of sliced homemade pizza bread with a bowl of pizza sauce.

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.

homemade pizza bread sliced and served with marinara sauce.

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!

homemade pizza bread appetizer with meats and vegetables inside

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.)

chopped up meats and veggies on a butcher block

For this recipe, you’ll also need:

  • yeast
  • warm water
  • all-purpose flour
  • kosher salt
  • sugar
  • shredded mozzarella
  • olive oil
  • mariner sauce
loaf of homemade pizza bread on a platter served with pizza 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.

  1. 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.)
  2. 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.
ball of uncooked pizza bread
  1. Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Flour your countertop, then roll out the dough into a rectangle about 11×18”.
person rolling out pizza dough with a wooden rolling pin
cheese being sprinkled onto rolled out dough
  1. 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.
chopped peppers and onions mixed into dough
  1. Bake the bread, either on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
bread dough filled with pizza toppings
  1. 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.
homemade pizza inspired appetizer on a rack

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!

Delicious Homemade Pizza Bread with sauce served on a platter.

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!

golden loaf of homemade pizza bread with slices.

More Appetizers You’ll Love

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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Delicious Homemade Pizza Bread with sauce

Homemade Pizza Bread

This Homemade Pizza Bread recipe has quickly become a go-to appetizer recipe for me. It’s versatility and great pizza flavor makes it a party favorite!
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: appetizer, dough, pizza, pizza bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 loaf
Calories: 325kcal

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.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 861mg | Potassium: 90mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 3mg

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Recipe Rating




143 Comments

  1. Made this pizza bread as an accompaniment to our zucchini, green beans, pepper and onions cooked in tomato sauce. Out of this world!!! This will become a regular in our house!! Thanks, Michael!

  2. I am always looking for new recipes to make things from scratch because of my daughter having a soy allergy. I will be making her a loaf this weekend with sun-dried tomatoes and basil(her favorite pizza is Tomato and Basil). Thank you for the recipe.

  3. Hi Michael, if I were going to skip the cheese in the middle, do you think I still need to let it rise the second hour in the fridge? (I was thinking the fridge was to firm up the dough so that it can be rolled out?)

    1. Gretchen – to be honest I’m really not sure, but your logic seems to make sense. I still consider myself a beginner when it come to bread making so I don’t fully understand all the science behind it. Let me know if you try it. You’ve spiked my curiosity!

      xo Michael

      1. Well, I tried it last night and it turned out pretty well, albeit a bit low and flat. I let it rise in the bowl for an hour, then I put it onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, roughly in the right shape, and let it rise another 30 minutes, but not in the fridge. It was a bit flatter and wider than the one in your photos, but the same general shape. It does seem like the refrigeration makes the dough stiffer, which not only allows for rolling out, but also for it to hold a taller shape. Even though mine was low and flat, it really seemed to have risen the right amount. I’ve made bread before where the yeast didn’t “work” and it was very obvious that it hadn’t risen – dense and hard. I’ve been doing various breads about weekly for over a year now, and I still feel like a total newbie and beginner! 🙂

  4. Yum, Yum. I will have to try this soon. I will have to then try it GF because I am supposed to be giving up gluten any day now. So, make this first, then give up gluten. Maybe make a few smaller ones so everyone gets what they like.

  5. I was wondering if your pizza bread would be able to be baked then shipped to someone? This sounds amazing and I’d love to make it then ship it to my friend! Please let me know if this is possible!

    1. Leah – Honestly, I’m not sure. I do know that breads with eggs and / or oils tend to last longer. This doesn’t have either so it’s life would be presumably shorter. Also, since there is meat (pepperoni) in it. I would assume it should remain chilled. Hope that helps

      xo Michael

  6. Made this bread today after I pinned it this morning on Pinterest. Lots of pizza lovers in my house! Followed the recipe exactly, but we added a few mushrooms in! It was fantastic and easy. Will be making this again! Thanks Michael!

  7. the bread just finished and i dont think i baked it long enough, I ate the ends which we’re done, so I got just a taste and it was a tease. Amazing! I loved it super easy to make! I used garlic,onions, grn peppers, and pepperoni. It was full of flavor and disappointed the whole loaf was not done.

    1. Rusty – What a bummer! That’s the one thing I have yet to figure out about bread – how to know when it’s done on the inside. It definitely sounds like it needed to bake a little longer. Hope you’ll give it another try sometime. 🙂

      xo Michael

      1. Rusty and Michael,
        When your bread reaches an internal temperature of 200°F, then you know that it’s done baking on the inside. It helps to have an instant-read thermometer for bread-baking. Hope that helps. 🙂

        Aside from that, Michael, this looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be trying this.

      2. You can tell when bread is done by turning it over and knocking on the underside. It’ll sound hollow when done. This method has worked for me for many years.

    1. The dough is rather sticky, but as I mentioned it the recipe, I just added a little flour to the outside. If you’re worried, you could just pat everything off with a paper towel before mixing it in.

      xo Michael

  8. Oh. My. Goodness. This looks (and sounds) amazing!!! We have carry-ins monthly at the place where I work, and this would be PERFECT!!! Thank you for all of the recipes and tips you post on Pinterest!!!

  9. I am going to make this the next time my girls and their men are at home. The men are ALWAYS hungry and this could stave off starvation until dinner.
    Thanks so much for posting this.

  10. This seems like it would be amazing as breadsticks to dip in the marinara. I could see myself making this without the cheese in the middle, but then using it for a grilled cheese sandwich, using pizza toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, portabello mushrooms, and onions. Mmmm…. the possibilities are endless!

  11. Oh my gosh Michael that looks SO good! I’m a regular reader- but don’t comment often (DID take the survey so bonus points to me!) but this is incredible.

    I also have a slight fear of yeast, but I’m going to give this a go this week- maybe even tonight, because I know my hubby will love it. I’m thinking of using your recipe, but making two smaller loaves. That way hubby and I don’t devour the whole thing, and we can share with his co-workers the next day 🙂

  12. Bread with flavor!!! Even though I cannot eat wheat myself. My family would love this. I bet I could take the same idea for me and make it with gluten free bread mix. Sadly, it’s just not the same.