Love pizza but want a fresh way to enjoy it? Pull apart pizza bread is the answer! It’s a fun, shareable recipe that’s super easy to make and even more fun to eat.
Packed with cheesy goodness, flavorful pepperoni, and soft, golden bread, this dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family movie night, a weekend gathering, or just a quick snack to enjoy with your favorite people.
The best part? It’s ready in no time and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s get cooking!
Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans of ready-to-use dough (like crescent rolls or pizza dough; for gluten-free, use gluten-free dough)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or Italian herbs
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 cup sliced turkey or beef pepperoni (replace with vegetarian pepperoni or omit for a meat-free version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (swap with nutritional yeast for vegan and dairy-free needs)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the dough into small pieces, roughly the size of a walnut.
- Chop the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the dough pieces with olive oil, mozzarella, pepperoni, herbs, and Parmesan. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Lightly grease a bundt or tube pan. Layer the mixture evenly into the pan, pressing gently to ensure it fills the space.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Test the center to ensure it’s not doughy.
- Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate while still warm. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips For Making Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Making pull-apart pizza bread is simple, but these tips will help you get the best results every time:
- Use the right pan: A bundt pan works best because it helps the bread bake evenly and creates a beautiful shape for serving. If you don’t have one, use a loaf pan or a deep round dish.
- Layer evenly: When assembling, spread the dough, cheese, and other ingredients in layers to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Preheat your oven: Always preheat the oven to the right temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the oil: Tossing the dough pieces in olive oil prevents sticking and adds a rich flavor.
- Check doneness with a skewer: Insert a skewer or knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
- Let it cool slightly: After baking, let the bread sit for 5 minutes before flipping it out of the pan to avoid breaking it.
Variations For Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
This recipe is super versatile! Here are some ways to switch things up while keeping it delicious:
- Cheese lovers: Add cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a blend of cheesy flavors.
- Veggie-packed: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or onions for a veggie twist.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or red chili flakes for a hint of heat.
- Garlic lovers: Toss the dough pieces with garlic butter before layering for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Margherita style: Use fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for a fresh and classic combo.
What To Serve With Pull-Apart Pizza Bread?
Pair your pull-apart pizza bread with these dishes for a complete meal or an amazing party spread:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic breadsticks
- Chicken wings
- Minestrone soup
- Grilled vegetables
- Potato wedges
How To Store Pull Apart Pizza Bread?
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate: Wrap the bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the bread in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can You Make Pizza Dough Ahead Of Time And Refrigerate It?
Yes, you can absolutely make pizza dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for later use. This method is not only convenient but also enhances the flavor of the dough as it ferments. Here’s how to do it:
Steps To Prepare And Store Pizza Dough In The Fridge
Making and storing pizza dough is simple when you follow these steps:
- Mix and knead the dough: Prepare your pizza dough as usual, mixing the ingredients and kneading until smooth.
- Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and shape: Divide the dough into smaller portions (if needed) and shape them into balls.
- Refrigerate: Place the dough balls in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature before use: Take the dough out of the fridge about 30–60 minutes before you plan to use it. This allows it to soften and become easier to work with.
Pro Tips For Refrigerating Pizza Dough
- Use fresh yeast: If you’re using yeast, ensure it’s fresh for the best rise and flavor.
- Oil the surface: Lightly coat the dough with olive oil before wrapping to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
- Plan ahead: The longer the dough ferments in the fridge (up to 3 days), the better the flavor becomes, so don’t hesitate to prepare it early.
