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Crispy Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe with Pepperoni and Cheese

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A quick and easy pull-apart bread loaded with pepperoni and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, brushed with garlic butter and baked to crispy, gooey perfection. Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round pull-apart bread loaf (10–12 inches diameter, artisan sourdough or Italian bread preferred)
  • 20–25 slices pepperoni (natural casing preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano and basil blend)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning until combined.
  3. Using a sharp serrated bread knife, make vertical cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches apart across the loaf, stopping about 1 inch from the bottom crust. Then make horizontal cuts to create a grid pattern, keeping the loaf intact.
  4. Gently pry open each cut and stuff in a slice of pepperoni and a pinch of both cheeses, alternating layers evenly without overstuffing.
  5. Brush the entire loaf generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to get some inside the cracks.
  6. Place the loaf on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread edges are golden and crispy. Watch closely after 15 minutes and tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not slice all the way through the bread to keep it intact. Use room temperature butter for better spreading. Avoid overstuffing to ensure easy pulling apart. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast. Fresh bread works best; day-old bread may not crisp well. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pull-apart bread, pizza bread, pepperoni bread, cheesy bread, game night snack, party food, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-pull-apart-pizza-bread-recipe-with-pepperoni-and-cheese-easy-step-by-step/