Description
Homemade Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bread brings classic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen table. Melted cheese, crispy pepperoni, and golden crust promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 grams) bread flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) warm water
Cheese and Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) pepperoni slices
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°F) until it becomes frothy and active, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Mix bread flour with salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil in a large mixing bowl, creating a fragrant dry foundation.
- Incorporate the activated yeast into the flour mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough develops that cleanly separates from the bowl’s edges.
- Coat the dough with olive oil, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm space for 60-90 minutes until it doubles in volume.
- Deflate the risen dough and stretch it across a prepared baking sheet, forming a rustic rectangular base.
- Distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the entire dough surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Methodically place pepperoni slices over the cheese layer, creating an appealing and strategic arrangement.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 15-18 minutes, achieving a golden crust and perfectly melted, slightly crisp cheese.
- Immediately brush the hot bread with melted butter to enhance richness and flavor.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional pepperoni slices for visual excitement and layered taste experience.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into appetizing strips or squares, serving while warm for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely at 110°F to ensure perfect proofing and maximum flavor development without killing the live cultures.
- Use bread flour for superior gluten structure, creating a chewier, more professional-grade pizza bread texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- Prevent dry edges by covering dough during rising with a damp cloth, maintaining optimal moisture and preventing skin formation.
- Customize for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and using plant-based cheese alternatives for vegetarian or gluten-sensitive guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg