Cheesy, Savory, and Completely Irresistible
This Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread is one of those recipes that disappears within minutes of hitting the table. Soft, fluffy bread on the inside, crispy and buttery on the outside, loaded with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni in every pull-apart bite.
It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for game nights, parties, movie marathons, or anytime you want comfort food that feels fun, indulgent, and shareable (even if you secretly plan to keep most of it for yourself).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ultra-cheesy with stretchy mozzarella pulls
• Loaded with classic pepperoni pizza flavor
• Easy to assemble, no dough-making required
• Perfect for sharing, dipping, and snacking
• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
Servings & Timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pull-Apart Bread
1 loaf soft fresh bread
(Italian loaf, sourdough, round boule, or party loaf)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups pepperoni slices
(mini pepperoni works especially well)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
For the Dipping Sauce
½ cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Tools You’ll Need
Sharp bread knife
Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
Parchment paper or foil
Small saucepan (optional, for warming sauce)
Pastry brush
How to Make Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Slice the Bread
Using a sharp knife, cut the bread into cubes in a crisscross pattern.
Important:
Do not cut all the way through the bottom—keep the loaf intact so it holds together while baking.
The cuts should be deep enough to stuff generously with cheese and pepperoni.
3. Stuff the Bread
Gently pull the bread apart at the cuts.
Stuff each opening with:
• A slice (or two) of pepperoni
• A generous pinch of shredded mozzarella
Make sure the fillings are evenly distributed throughout the loaf so every pull is cheesy and flavorful.
4. Season the Bread
Brush the entire loaf generously with melted butter, letting it drip into the cracks.
Sprinkle evenly with:
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (if using)
Finish with a light sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and a golden crust.
5. Bake
Place the stuffed bread on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until:
• Cheese is fully melted and bubbly
• Bread edges are golden and crisp
• The loaf smells irresistibly garlicky
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last few minutes.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce
While the bread bakes, combine marinara sauce, garlic powder, and oregano in a small saucepan.
Heat gently over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
(You can also serve the sauce cold if preferred.)
7. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes.
Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce on the side.
Pull apart, dip generously, and enjoy every cheesy bite.
Serving Suggestions
This pull-apart bread pairs perfectly with:
• Extra marinara or pizza sauce
• Ranch or garlic aioli
• Caesar salad
• Soup or chili
• Game-night snack spreads
It works as an appetizer, party centerpiece, or even a fun dinner with a side salad.
Tips for Best Results
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt
• Mini pepperoni distributes more evenly
• Don’t skip the butter—it adds flavor and crispness
• Let rest briefly so cheese doesn’t slide out
• Serve warm for maximum cheese pull
Variations & Add-Ins
Pizza Lover’s Version:
Add olives, cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Extra Cheesy:
Mix mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack
Spicy:
Add jalapeño slices or extra red pepper flakes
Garlic Bread Style:
Add fresh minced garlic and parsley to the butter
Low-Carb Option:
Use a low-carb or keto-friendly bread loaf
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 2 days.
Reheat:
Warm in oven at 170°C / 325°F until cheese is melty again.
Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust.
Conclusion
This Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread is everything you want in a comfort-food snack—warm, cheesy, buttery, and packed with pizza flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite whenever you need a fun, shareable dish.
If you’re serving a crowd—or just treating yourself—this one never disappoints.
