Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the savory flavors of pepperoni and provolone cheese, all wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely impress your guests. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up at home with just a few ingredients. Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have an irresistible treat on your hands.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty Pepperoni Bread ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy and meaty filling, making it a hit for any gathering.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course when served with a salad.
- Perfect for Dipping: Pair it with marinara sauce for a delightful flavor combo that enhances every bite.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite meats or cheeses for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make Pepperoni Bread successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your Pepperoni Bread evenly.
- Rolling pin: Ensures the pizza dough is rolled out to the right thickness for optimal filling coverage.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting butter quickly without risk of burns or spills.
- Pastry brush: Helps evenly distribute the buttery topping over the bread for added flavor.
Ingredients
To create your own Pepperoni Bread, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 13.8 ounces package refrigerated pizza dough
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Make Pepperoni Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Remove the pizza dough from its packaging and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper until it forms a rectangle about 10 x 15 inches.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni
Starting at one of the longer edges, lay down overlapping slices of pepperoni along the length of the dough.
Step 4: Layer Provolone Cheese
Tear several slices of provolone cheese in half and place them over the layer of pepperoni.
Step 5: Roll Up the Dough
Begin rolling up the dough from under the pepperoni so that it wraps around the cheese securely.
Step 6: Complete Rolling
Continue adding pepperoni and cheese while rolling until you reach the end of the dough.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the rolled dough seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. You might need to curve it slightly to fit.
Step 8: Melt Butter Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in about 30 seconds.
Step 9: Mix Seasonings
Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the melted butter.
Step 10: Brush Butter Mixture
Using a pastry brush, coat the entire surface of your Pepperoni Bread with this flavorful mixture.
Step 11: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 12: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, transfer to a cutting board and allow to cool for about 3 to 5 minutes before slicing into serving pieces. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni bread is a versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic choice, marinara adds tangy flavor and moisture for dipping.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch complements the spicy pepperoni, creating a delicious contrast.
- Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter enhances the savory taste of the bread and makes for a rich dip.
Cheese Pairing
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Serve alongside fresh mozzarella to balance the richness of the pepperoni.
Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bread.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella create a light and flavorful side dish.
Beverage Suggestions
- Red Wine: A bold red wine pairs nicely with the savory flavors of pepperoni bread.
- Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy craft beer to complement the spices in your appetizer.
How to Perfect Pepperoni Bread
Making perfect pepperoni bread requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delicious result each time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pizza dough and toppings are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
- Roll Evenly: Roll out the dough evenly to prevent uneven baking and filling distribution.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more toppings, too much filling can cause it to burst during baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread while baking; ovens vary, so adjust cooking times as needed for golden perfection.
Best Side Dishes for Pepperoni Bread
Pairing side dishes with pepperoni bread can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens and veggies offers freshness that balances the richness of the bread.
- Garlic Knots: Enjoy these soft, buttery knots alongside your pepperoni bread for double the flavor.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights filled with cheese and herbs make excellent finger food companions.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch next to your soft bread.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture while its tangy dressing complements the warm flavors.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a light, fresh contrast to the savory pepperoni.
Enjoy customizing your pepperoni bread experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pepperoni Bread can be easy, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can cause uneven baking. Always preheat to ensure consistent results.
- Overstuffing the Filling: Adding too much pepperoni or cheese may make it hard to roll up. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.
- Not Using Enough Flour: Failing to flour your surface can lead to sticking dough. Lightly sprinkle flour to prevent this.
- Ignoring the Bake Time: Baking for too long or too short can affect the crust’s texture. Keep an eye on it and adjust as necessary.
- Forgetting the Butter Mixture: Skipping the butter brush can result in a dull appearance and less flavor. Don’t forget this step for a beautiful finish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pepperoni Bread in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pepperoni Bread
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Frozen Pepperoni Bread can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Pepperoni Bread
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but this may make it soggy.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Pepperoni Bread, here are some common questions and answers.
Can I use homemade pizza dough for Pepperoni Bread?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great! Just ensure it has a similar consistency as refrigerated dough.
Can I customize the filling of my Pepperoni Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or different cheeses for variation.
How do I know when my Pepperoni Bread is done?
The bread should be lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean without wet dough.
What can I serve with Pepperoni Bread?
This dish pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Bread is an appealing appetizer that combines savory flavors in a delightful package. It’s versatile enough for parties or casual family dinners and easily customizable based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy experimenting with different fillings!
Pepperoni Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Pepperoni Bread is a must-try appetizer that promises to delight your taste buds. This savory treat features layers of spicy pepperoni and creamy provolone cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for game day gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a delicious snack, this dish is both easy to make and impressive enough to share with guests. Serve it warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have an irresistible hit on your hands.
Ingredients
- 13.8 ounces refrigerated pizza dough
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle (10 x 15 inches) on a floured surface.
- Lay overlapping slices of pepperoni along one long edge of the dough.
- Place halved provolone cheese slices over the pepperoni.
- Roll the dough tightly from the edge with fillings, seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the butter mixture over the rolled dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 67g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
