Pepperoni Bread

Craving something warm, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor? Look no further than Pepperoni Bread—a golden-baked roll stuffed with gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni.

This crowd-pleasing snack is a hybrid between classic pizza and homemade bread, perfect for game day, potlucks, or anytime comfort food cravings strike.

Serve it with a side of marinara and you’ve got yourself a winning combo.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect Pepperoni Bread starts with a well-balanced dough and flavorful fillings. Here’s what you’ll need for each component:

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (heated to 110°F)
• 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
• 2 tsp honey
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (6-ounce) package of pepperoni slices
• Marinara sauce for dipping (optional, but highly recommended)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing Pepperoni Bread quick and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – Helps you mix and knead the dough effortlessly.
2. Mixing Bowl – For proofing the dough.
3. Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel – To cover the dough as it rises.
4. Rolling Pin – To roll the dough into a large rectangle for filling.
5. Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors – To score the dough before baking.
6. Baking Sheet – A greased or parchment-lined sheet is perfect for even baking.
7. Pastry Brush (optional) – To brush the crust with olive oil or butter after baking.

Dough Preparation

Making a soft, elastic dough is the foundation for great Pepperoni Bread. Follow these steps for best results:

Mixing the Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, pour in the warm water. Add the instant yeast and honey, and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until foamy—this means the yeast is activated.

Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the salt, and olive oil. Mix on low speed for 3–4 minutes until combined. Gradually add the remaining ½ to 1 cup of flour, one spoonful at a time, until a soft, smooth dough forms and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.

If you’re mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Kneading and Letting the Dough Rise

Once the dough is smooth, transfer it to a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

This rise gives the bread a light, airy texture while locking in moisture.

Assembling the Pepperoni Bread

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll, fill, and shape your Pepperoni Bread.

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and use a rolling pin to shape it into a rectangle, roughly 14” x 22”.
2. Add the Cheese and Pepperoni:
   Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
3. Roll Into a Log:
   Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, tucking in the ends as you go.
4. Seal and Score:
   Place the log seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a very sharp knife, lightly score the top 3–4 times to allow steam to escape while baking.

Baking the Pepperoni Bread

Baking brings all the ingredients together, giving you that golden crust and melted cheesy interior.

Oven Temperature and Bake Time

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Once preheated, place the assembled Pepperoni Bread on the center rack. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 5–7 minutes of baking.

Cooling and Slicing

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes.

This rest period helps the cheese settle slightly and makes slicing easier.

Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the bread into slices about 1-inch thick.

Serve warm with a small bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving and Presentation

Pepperoni Bread is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it shine:

Serving Suggestions

• Game Day Appetizer: Slice and serve as finger food at your next sports night.
• Party Platter Favorite: Arrange on a charcuterie-style board with olives, pickles, and extra cheese.
• Quick Dinner Option: Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly Lunch: Pack cooled slices in a lunchbox with a side of fruit.

Storage Instructions

Want to enjoy Pepperoni Bread later? Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

How to Keep Pepperoni Bread Fresh

Store leftover Pepperoni Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For slightly longer freshness, refrigerate it. Just reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing Pepperoni Bread

To freeze, let the bread cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag.

It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Pepperoni Bread is everything you love about pizza—rolled into one golden, melty, savory loaf.

From the pillowy homemade dough to the gooey cheese and crisped pepperoni, every slice is pure comfort.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers every time.

And the best part? You can customize it—try adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or even a brush of garlic butter on top.

So next time you’re craving a cheesy, crispy snack, skip the delivery and roll up a batch of Pepperoni Bread at home.