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