If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and interactive snack for your next party, look no further than Pizza Pull-Apart Bread! This savory treat is made from simple ingredients like pizza dough, mozzarella, pepperoni, and spices, and can be customized to suit any taste. Each piece of bread pulls apart easily, making it the perfect finger food to serve guests at any gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 2 (14 oz.) cans of Pillsbury pizza dough (or you can use Grand biscuits)
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tbsp basil leaves (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 (8 oz.) package of pepperoni, cut into quarters (or any topping of your choice)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a Bundt pan generously with cooking spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the dough: Open the pizza dough cans and cut the dough or biscuits into quarters. You want bite-sized pieces that will easily pull apart once baked.
- Toss the dough pieces: In a large mixing bowl, add the dough pieces, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and fresh garlic. Then add the olive oil to coat the dough evenly with the flavorful oils and spices.
- Add the pepperoni: Cut the pepperoni slices into quarters and toss them into the dough mixture. You can swap pepperoni for any other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or ham depending on your preferences.
- Assemble the bread: Transfer the dough mixture to the prepared Bundt pan. Layer the dough and toppings, ensuring an even distribution. The goal is to have a nice combination of dough, cheese, and pepperoni throughout the bread.
- Bake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked. If the middle of the bread is still doughy, return it to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes at a time until fully cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to pull apart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add any pizza toppings you love, like olives, onions, or even anchovies. If you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to adjust the flavors to suit various tastes.
- Perfect for Parties: The pull-apart nature of this bread makes it ideal for parties or gatherings where guests can grab a piece of bread and enjoy it with minimal fuss. It’s both fun and practical!
- Cheesy and Flavorful: With layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic, basil, and oregano, this bread is bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Using pre-made pizza dough (or biscuits), this recipe takes only a few steps, making it ideal for busy hosts who still want to impress.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach for a veggie-loaded pull-apart bread.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a true cheese lover, try adding extra cheddar, provolone, or ricotta cheese for even more cheesy goodness.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve this pizza pull-apart bread with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping. The sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the bread even more irresistible.
- Make it Spicy: For some heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add jalapeño slices to the dough mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Benefits of Pizza Pull-Apart Bread:
- Satisfying & Filling: With a mix of dough, cheese, and protein (from the pepperoni or other toppings), this bread is both satisfying and hearty, making it an excellent choice for a party snack or appetizer.
- Shareable: The pull-apart style makes it easy for guests to grab individual pieces without the need for cutting or utensils, making it a fun and interactive dish.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe doesn’t require hours of preparation. From start to finish, you can have a hot, cheesy bread ready in about 45 minutes—perfect for a last-minute gathering or craving.
Final Thoughts:
Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is an excellent addition to any party menu or as a fun snack for movie night. It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and savory flavors, all baked into a pull-apart masterpiece that will disappear faster than you can say « Pizza! » Whether you’re sticking with the classic pepperoni or experimenting with your favorite toppings, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I use regular bread dough instead of pizza dough?
A: Yes, you can. However, pizza dough gives it that signature chewy texture and flavor. Regular bread dough will still work, but it may be a bit denser.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze leftover pull-apart bread?
A: Yes! You can freeze the leftover bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this with a different type of pan?
A: While a Bundt pan gives it the signature pull-apart shape, you can also make it in a round cake pan, loaf pan, or square baking dish. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the pan size.
With its cheesy layers, savory flavor, and endless customization options, Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is the perfect party snack or weeknight indulgence. Try it out for your next gathering, and get ready to watch it disappear in no time!