Description
A fun, shareable pull-apart bread loaded with gooey cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and pepperoni. Perfect for after-school snacks, casual dinners, or game-day treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf Italian or French bread (about 12–14 inches)
- 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (about 25 slices) pepperoni slices
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) melted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the loaf on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the bread vertically about ¾ of the way down, then horizontally across, creating a grid pattern. Do not cut all the way through; leave about half an inch at the bottom so the loaf holds together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Carefully pull apart each section of the bread just enough to stuff in a spoonful of pizza sauce, a pinch of the cheese mixture, and one or two slices of pepperoni. Fill each gap generously.
- Mix melted butter with a little extra Italian seasoning if desired. Brush the butter mixture all over the outside of the loaf, especially the top and sides. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Place the stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted, sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let the bread cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if using. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Do not cut all the way through the bread to keep it intact. Brush melted butter on the outside before baking for a golden crust. Stuff pockets generously but avoid over-saucing to prevent sogginess. Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the loaf
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
Keywords: pizza pull-apart bread, cheesy bread, after-school snack, pepperoni bread, easy pizza recipe, kid-friendly snack, pull-apart bread