Description

This Pizza Pull-Apart Bread is a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for sharing. A crusty loaf of Italian or French bread is sliced in a crisscross pattern, filled with melted butter, mozzarella, Parmesan, sliced pepperoni, and seasoned with garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Wrapped in foil and baked until warm and gooey, it’s served with pizza sauce for dipping, making it an irresistible party snack or cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 loaf of Italian bread (or French bread)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or more, depending on your preference)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the loaf of bread in a crisscross pattern, creating a grid of squares without cutting all the way through the bottom. This allows the bread to stay intact while creating pockets for the fillings.
Add the Butter and Seasoning: Brush the melted butter into every cut and crevice of the bread. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the inside slices to enhance flavor throughout.
Add the Cheese and Pepperoni: Stuff shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into each cut section of the bread. Insert pepperoni slices in between the layers to ensure each piece is loaded with cheesy, savory goodness.
Wrap and Bake: Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Serve: Carefully unwrap the foil and serve the bread hot. Provide pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy pulling apart the flavorful, cheesy pieces with friends or family.

Notes

Use a serrated knife to avoid squishing the bread during slicing.
Adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
Crushed red pepper flakes are optional for a spicy kick; omit if you prefer mild flavors.
Leftover pizza sauce can be warmed and stored for up to a week.
For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni or substitute with mushrooms or other vegetables.
Make sure not to cut completely through the bottom of the loaf to keep the bread pull-apart style intact.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American