If you love the irresistible combination of ooey-gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and soft, fluffy bread that you can tear apart with your hands, you are going to adore this Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. It transforms simple biscuit dough into a crowd-pleasing, shareable appetizer that bursts with classic pizza flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or craving a comforting snack, this dish brings everyone together around the table with a warm, melty, and utterly addictive pull-apart treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that you can easily find at your local store, each adding its own special touch to the final dish. From creamy mozzarella for that melt factor to Italian seasoning for a fragrant kick, these ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): This forms the soft, fluffy base that gets golden and tender when baked.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides the classic gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all crave.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni (1/2 cup): Brings a savory, slightly spicy punch perfect for pizza lovers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the cheese blend.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps coat the dough pieces and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant mix of herbs that enhances the overall pizza taste.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory depth to the dough mixture.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat boost if you like a little spice.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional): A fresh, bright garnish to top your finished bread.
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce (1 cup): Essential for dipping, bringing tangy, rich flavor to each pull-apart bite.
How to Make Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick. Next, cut each biscuit into quarters—they will create those delightful little pockets of dough that bake up perfectly soft yet golden on the outside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Together
Place the quartered biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl, and add the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Toss everything together until each dough piece is thoroughly coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This blend ensures every bite will be packed with cheese, spices, and meaty goodness.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your dough mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread is beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through the center. A five-minute cooling time before you invert it helps the bread hold its shape.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Carefully invert the bread onto a serving plate, so all those lovely layers are ready for pulling apart. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if desired for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve it warm alongside a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate pizza-inspired snack.
How to Serve Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a subtle pop of color and freshness, making your Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe look as inviting as it tastes. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even some finely chopped basil for a fragrant herbal note.
Side Dishes
This pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup to round out your meal. The simplicity of fresh veggies or light soup balances the richness of the cheesy bread without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bread on a wooden pizza peel or a rustic cutting board for a casual vibe that encourages sharing. You can also place individual portions in small ramekins of dipping sauce for a party-perfect finger food arrangement that feels special and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread’s flavors may even deepen overnight, making reheated bites just as delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the baked and cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese becomes melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the bread can become soggy instead of retaining that perfect pull-apart texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully and gives you extra control over the flavor and texture. Just be sure it’s not too wet so the bread holds its shape while baking.
Can I add vegetables to the Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe?
Yes! Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives are fantastic options to mix into the dough for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to drain any vegetables with high moisture content to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It certainly can be if you use vegetarian or vegan pepperoni substitutes. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meal occasions.
How spicy is the bread with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the savory flavors without overwhelming the taste buds. You can always leave them out or adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit dough or bread dough alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor and cheesy pull-apart experience will still shine.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of cozy comfort and fun finger food, ready to brighten up any occasion with its cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness. I promise, once you try this, it will become a fast favorite for family gatherings, game nights, or even a simple snack craving. So go ahead, pull it apart, dip generously, and enjoy every melty bite as you create new memories around the table.
Print
Pizza Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious, cheesy appetizer made with biscuit dough, loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Baked to golden perfection and served warm with marinara sauce, it’s perfect for parties and easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 cup warm marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Biscuit Dough and Ingredients: Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, mini or chopped pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything gently until the dough pieces are evenly coated and mixed with the toppings.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Transfer the biscuit mixture into the prepared pan, spreading the mixture out evenly to ensure even baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top and fully cooked through the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bread cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the bread onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for varied flavors.
- To make ahead, assemble the bread in the pan and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.
- Ensure the biscuit dough is well mixed with the cheese and pepperoni for the best pull-apart effect.
