Pepperoni bread is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table fast. With crisp golden crust, melted cheese, and layers of spicy pepperoni, it’s everything you love about pizza—rolled into one warm, shareable loaf. Easy to make and always a hit, this recipe is perfect for game day, family nights, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and homemade.
Why We Love Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni bread is more than just a snack—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together perfectly. Here’s why it’s so beloved:
Ultimate Comfort Food: Pepperoni bread combines the comforting qualities of bread with the irresistible taste of pizza. It’s like eating your favorite pizza in a new, exciting form.
Simple and Quick: With only a few ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party, having friends over, or just want a family-friendly meal, pepperoni bread is perfect for sharing. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Endless Customization: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Add extra spices, switch up the cheese, or try different meats—there’s no wrong way to make pepperoni bread.
Ingredients for Pepperoni Bread
Pizza Dough – The base of the bread. Fresh dough gives the best texture, but store-bought works too.
Pepperoni – The main flavor of the bread. Use thin slices for the best results.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Gives the bread its gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the bread.
Garlic Powder – Adds a savory taste without overpowering the bread.
Olive Oil – Helps create a crispy, golden crust.
Dried Oregano – Adds a classic Italian flavor to the bread.
How to Make Pepperoni Bread
Making pepperoni bread is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this savory delight in less than an hour. Here’s how to make it:
Prepare the Dough
Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle shape, which will help when you roll up the dough with the fillings. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just get it close to a rectangular shape.
Add the Seasoning
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle garlic powder and oregano evenly across the surface. This will infuse the bread with additional flavor, making each bite even more delicious.
Add the Cheese and Pepperoni
Next, evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the dough. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges so you can seal the bread later. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top for extra richness.
Roll and Seal
Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the long sides. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight to avoid tearing the dough. Pinch the ends and seams to seal in the cheesy, pepperoni goodness.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolled-up dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve
Allow the pepperoni bread to cool slightly before slicing it into rounds. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping if desired, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Bread
While pepperoni bread is simple to make, a few expert tips can elevate your recipe to the next level:
Use Fresh Pizza Dough: Fresh dough provides the best texture and flavor. While store-bought dough works, freshly made dough adds a homemade touch that makes a big difference in the final result.
Add Extra Toppings: For a twist on the classic, consider adding ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. These veggies bring an extra layer of flavor while still keeping the dish comforting.
Preheat Your Baking Sheet: For an extra crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet in the oven. This way, the bottom of the bread crisps up immediately as you place it on the sheet.
Don’t Overstuff: While it might be tempting to pile on the cheese and pepperoni, be sure to leave enough space around the edges to ensure the bread seals properly. Overstuffing can make it harder to roll and may lead to a soggy bottom.
Brush with Olive Oil Before Baking: Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking helps the bread develop a golden, crispy exterior that adds to the texture and flavor.
Variations of Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni bread is incredibly versatile. While the traditional version is delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or experiment with new flavors:
Veggie Pepperoni Bread: If you’re looking for a more balanced version, add bell peppers, onions, olives, or spinach for extra vegetables and a burst of freshness.
Spicy Pepperoni Bread: For those who like a little heat, use spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. This variation is perfect if you enjoy bold flavors.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Pepperoni Bread: Instead of rolling the dough into a single log, cut it into smaller pieces and layer them with cheese and pepperoni for a pull-apart version. This is great for parties or as a fun snack for kids.
Serving Suggestions for Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni bread is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:
Snack: Pepperoni bread makes a fantastic snack when you need something quick and satisfying. Pair it with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or even a tangy mustard sauce for extra flavor.
Appetizer: Serve slices of pepperoni bread at your next party or gathering. It’s sure to be a hit and is easy to share with friends and family.
Main Dish: For a light dinner, pair pepperoni bread with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. The bread’s savory flavors will complement the freshness of a salad or the heartiness of a soup perfectly.
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FAQ About Pepperoni Bread
Can I make pepperoni bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pepperoni bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for pizza dough in pepperoni bread?
You can use store-bought crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even homemade bread dough as alternatives to pizza dough. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will still yield delicious results.
Can I freeze pepperoni bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze pepperoni bread before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I add other types of meat to pepperoni bread?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the pepperoni for other deli meats, such as ham, salami, or sausage. You can even make a mixed meat version for a different flavor profile.
How do I reheat leftover pepperoni bread?
Reheat leftover pepperoni bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the cheese is melted again.
Pepperoni Bread
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 1 package Pizza Dough or about 2 cups
- 1 cup Pepperoni sliced
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Instructions
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder and oregano evenly across the surface.
- Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Roll the dough into a log and pinch the ends and seams to seal.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the pepperoni bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.