Ultimate Pepperoni Bread Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious!
Pepperoni bread is a savory, satisfying treat that’s perfect for parties, game day, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe delivers a warm, cheesy, and pepperoni-packed loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget store-bought versions – this homemade pepperoni bread is far superior in taste and texture. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring a foolproof result every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible recipe!
## What is Pepperoni Bread?
Pepperoni bread is essentially a savory, enriched dough that’s filled with layers of pepperoni and cheese, then baked until golden brown. It’s similar to a calzone or stromboli, but the focus is specifically on the pepperoni and cheesy goodness. The dough can be made from scratch or, for a quicker option, you can use store-bought pizza dough. The filling is typically a combination of pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes other Italian cheeses like provolone or parmesan. It can be served warm or at room temperature and is often enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
* **Easy-to-Follow Instructions:** We break down each step into manageable chunks, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Flexible Dough Options:** Whether you prefer making your own dough or using store-bought, we provide guidance for both.
* **Customizable Filling:** Feel free to adjust the types of cheese and the amount of pepperoni to your liking. You can even add other ingredients like olives, peppers, or onions.
* **Perfectly Golden Brown Crust:** We share tips for achieving a beautiful, crispy crust every time.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of savory pepperoni, melted cheese, and flavorful dough creates an irresistible taste sensation.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
**For the Dough (Homemade Option):**
* 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast or active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
* 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
* 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps activate yeast)
**For the Dough (Store-Bought Option):**
* 1 pound (450g) store-bought pizza dough, thawed
**For the Filling:**
* 8 ounces (225g) pepperoni slices
* 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
**For the Egg Wash (Optional, for a shiny crust):**
* 1 large egg
* 1 tablespoon milk or water
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl (for homemade dough)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Pastry brush (for egg wash, optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make the perfect pepperoni bread:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Homemade Option)**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Store-Bought Option)**
1. **Thaw the Dough:** If using frozen pizza dough, thaw it according to the package directions. Usually, this involves letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
2. **Let it Rest:** Once thawed, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**
1. **Gather Your Ingredients:** Have your pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) ready to go.
**Step 3: Assemble the Pepperoni Bread**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, or grease it lightly with olive oil.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
4. **Brush with Olive Oil:** Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil.
5. **Layer the Filling:** Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Then, layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
6. **Roll It Up:** Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. Tuck the ends under the loaf to prevent the filling from spilling out.
7. **Transfer to Baking Sheet:** Carefully transfer the pepperoni bread to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. **Score the Top (Optional):** Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the loaf. This allows steam to escape and prevents the bread from bursting during baking.
9. **Egg Wash (Optional):** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of the loaf. This will give it a beautiful golden brown sheen.
**Step 4: Bake the Pepperoni Bread**
1. **Bake:** Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the bread should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C).
2. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the pepperoni bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough can result in a tough bread. Knead it just until it’s smooth and elastic.
* **Use High-Quality Pepperoni:** The quality of your pepperoni will greatly impact the flavor of the bread. Choose a brand you enjoy.
* **Don’t Overfill the Bread:** Overfilling the bread can make it difficult to roll up and can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
* **Seal the Seam Tightly:** Make sure to pinch the seam of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking.
* **Let it Cool Slightly Before Slicing:** This will allow the cheese to set up a bit and prevent it from oozing out everywhere when you slice it.
## Variations and Additions
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme in place of or in addition to the Italian seasoning.
* **Meat Variations:** Try adding cooked sausage, ham, or bacon to the filling along with the pepperoni.
* **Garlic Bread Style:** Brush the baked pepperoni bread with garlic butter for extra flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Pepperoni bread is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve sliced pepperoni bread with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy a slice of pepperoni bread as a satisfying snack any time of day.
* **As a Light Meal:** Serve pepperoni bread with a side salad for a complete and easy meal.
* **For Parties and Game Day:** Pepperoni bread is a crowd-pleasing option for parties and game day gatherings.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* **Dough:** The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
* **Assembled Bread:** The assembled pepperoni bread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Leftover pepperoni bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezing:** Pepperoni bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Recipe
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes (plus rising time for homemade dough)
**Cook time:** 25-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough (Homemade Option):**
* 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast or active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
* 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
* 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps activate yeast)
* **For the Dough (Store-Bought Option):**
* 1 pound (450g) store-bought pizza dough, thawed
* **For the Filling:**
* 8 ounces (225g) pepperoni slices
* 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* **For the Egg Wash (Optional, for a shiny crust):**
* 1 large egg
* 1 tablespoon milk or water
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough (Homemade Option):**
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. Add wet ingredients: Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. **Prepare the Dough (Store-Bought Option):**
1. Thaw the dough: If using frozen pizza dough, thaw it according to the package directions. Usually, this involves letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
2. Let it rest: Once thawed, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
3. **Prepare the Filling:** Have your pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) ready to go.
4. **Assemble the Pepperoni Bread:**
1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, or grease it lightly with olive oil.
3. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
4. Brush with olive oil: Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil.
5. Layer the filling: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Then, layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Roll it up: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. Tuck the ends under the loaf to prevent the filling from spilling out.
7. Transfer to baking sheet: Carefully transfer the pepperoni bread to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. Score the top (Optional): Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the loaf. This allows steam to escape and prevents the bread from bursting during baking.
9. Egg wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of the loaf. This will give it a beautiful golden brown sheen.
5. **Bake the Pepperoni Bread:**
1. Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the bread should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C).
2. Cool slightly: Remove the pepperoni bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 2-4g
* Protein: 20-25g
**Note:** Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Enjoy your homemade pepperoni bread! Let us know in the comments how it turned out!