Gooey Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Pizza lovers discover a game-changing pepperoni pull apart bread that transforms ordinary appetizers into irresistible party fare.

Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni peek through golden layers of soft dough.

Crispy edges promise delightful textures in every single bite.

Weekend gatherings demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Casual entertaining becomes magical when you break apart these cheesy, savory sections.

Friends will marvel at your culinary skills while devouring this crowd-pleasing creation.

Start prepping and watch excitement build around this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ways To Switch Up Pepperoni Pull-Apart Bread Flavors

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, and spinach for a colorful meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Jalapeño Remix: Swap out pepperoni for diced jalapeños, add pepper jack cheese, and increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and herbs like thyme and rosemary for a Greek-inspired bread experience.

Pull-Apart Bread Serving Suggestions For Game Day

• Pepperoni Party Platter: Slice the bread into perfect serving pieces for a game day gathering or movie night snack.
• Game Night Crowd Pleaser: Serve alongside cold beer or soft drinks to create the ultimate finger-food experience for friends and family.
• Dipping Delights: Prepare some marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for extra flavor and fun dunking opportunities.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat any remaining pieces in the oven for a quick next-day lunch or afternoon snack that tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

How To Store Pull-Apart Bread Without Losing Softness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the bread doesn't get soggy by placing a paper towel inside to absorb moisture.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 weeks; place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F, wrap bread in aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking, typically needing 1-2 intervals for best texture and warmth.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make this recipe?

You’ll need Italian bread, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, butter, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

• Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute with a French baguette or sourdough bread for a similar result.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and use vegetarian cheese.

Why Pepperoni Pull-Apart Bread Steals The Show

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, parties, and casual gatherings where everyone loves sharing delicious finger food.
• Quick and Simple Creation: Requires minimal cooking skills, with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.
• Customizable Comfort Dish: Easily adaptable by swapping pepperoni for other meats, adding different cheeses, or incorporating herbs to match personal taste preferences.
• Interactive Dining Experience: Encourages social eating with its pull-apart design, making it fun for friends and family to enjoy together while creating memorable moments.

Pepperoni Pull-Apart Bread Ingredients You’ll Need

• Italian Bread: A soft and crusty loaf that serves as the foundation for this delicious pull-apart bread.
• Pepperoni: Spicy and savory sliced meat that adds a classic pizza-like flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a rich, gooey texture.

• Butter: Melted butter that helps to carry the herbs and add a rich, golden color to the bread.
• Garlic Powder: A concentrated flavor booster that gives a subtle, aromatic garlic taste.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring a traditional pizza-inspired seasoning to the bread.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the overall flavor profile.

• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that can be sprinkled on top for added color and a fresh finish.

Pull-Apart Bread Stepwise Instructions For Anyone

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for some delicious action.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Bread

Grab your Italian bread and carefully slice it into cubes, keeping the bottom of the loaf intact.

Think of it like creating a bread honeycomb that’ll be packed with yummy goodness.

Step 3: Create Bread Canvas

Place the sliced bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, getting it ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 4: Stuff With Deliciousness

• Pepperoni slices
• Chunks of mozzarella cheese

Make sure these treats are tucked into every little nook and cranny.

Step 5: Craft Flavor Enhancer

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 6: Drench In Flavor

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the bread with your buttery herb mixture.

Get between those slices to ensure maximum flavor coverage.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for golden-brown bread and cheese that’s melted into gooey submission.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Let the bread cool for a few minutes, then pull apart and devour these flavor-packed bites of heaven.

Top Tips For Gooey Pepperoni Pull-Apart Bread

• Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread without slicing completely through, keeping the bottom intact for a perfect pull-apart texture.
• Ensure even cheese placement by spreading pepperoni and mozzarella throughout different sections of the bread for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Apply butter mixture slowly and carefully between bread slices to guarantee maximum flavor penetration and prevent dry spots.
• Don't be shy with herbs and spices – they add depth and make the pepperoni pull-apart bread more aromatic and delicious.
• For extra crispiness, open the oven during the last 2-3 minutes of baking and brush additional melted butter on exposed bread edges.

Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pepperoni pull apart bread brings irresistible Italian-American comfort to your table with its cheesy, savory layers. Melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and golden bread create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread (1 lb / 454 grams)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) pepperoni slices

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Binding Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters / 4 tablespoons) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center for even baking.
2. Take the Italian bread loaf and create strategic diagonal cuts, forming a checkerboard pattern without slicing completely through the bottom crust.
3. Place the scored bread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring it remains intact.
4. Carefully separate the bread sections and nestle pepperoni slices and mozzarella cubes into each crevice, distributing ingredients evenly.
5. Combine melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
6. Using a culinary brush, generously coat the entire bread surface, allowing the seasoned butter to seep between each slice and enhance flavor penetration.
7. Transfer the prepared bread to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and completely melted, bubbling cheese.
8. Remove from oven and allow the bread to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps cheese set and prevents burning, then serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

• Customize bread type by using sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Select high-quality pepperoni and mozzarella for richer flavor and better melting texture.
• Cut bread carefully to maintain structural integrity while creating perfect pull-apart sections.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even melting and consistent butter distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg