Pepperoni bread

I remember the first time I tried making pepperoni bread I was a bit nervous because I had never rolled dough like that before and I wasn’t sure if the cheese would melt evenly but it turned out amazing and I couldn’t stop smiling while I watched the golden crust form in the oven and I knew right away this recipe was a keeper because it smelled so good and tasted even better.

Sometimes when I make pepperoni bread I get a little messy with the flour and my kids love helping because they squish the dough and sprinkle the cheese everywhere and even when some pieces stick together it’s still so fun and delicious and honestly the small mistakes make the bread feel homemade and real and not perfect but still magical.

One afternoon I decided to make pepperoni bread for a small gathering and I didn’t have enough mozzarella so I mixed in some Parmesan and a little extra oregano and to my surprise it turned out even more flavorful and everyone kept asking me how I did it and I laughed because I just tried something new and it worked perfectly and it reminded me that cooking is about experimenting and enjoying the process.

I often make pepperoni bread when the week is hectic because it’s simple enough to prepare quickly and it makes the whole house smell like Italian comfort food and even if I rush through the steps and the roll isn’t perfectly even the flavors inside are still so cheesy and savory and everyone loves it and asks for more.

There was one time I accidentally left the dough rising too long but I didn’t panic I just shaped it carefully and baked it anyway and it puffed up beautifully and the pepperoni and cheese were still gooey and delicious and it taught me that sometimes even mistakes in the kitchen lead to wonderful results and you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

When I serve pepperoni bread I like to think about what to eat with it I have tried it with fresh tomato slices or a small green salad or even a bowl of warm soup or alongside my homemade garlic knots and sometimes I pair it with Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars or roasted veggies or some crunchy pickles and they all taste amazing together because the bread is soft and cheesy and slightly spicy and everything complements it perfectly.

Making pepperoni bread is like a little adventure in your kitchen because you never know exactly how each loaf will turn out and sometimes it’s a little lopsided or the cheese bubbles over the edges but that’s part of the charm and every bite is comforting and warm and cheesy and it’s so worth the effort and it makes everyone smile when they take their first bite.

I love that pepperoni bread can be a treat for breakfast lunch or dinner and it’s perfect for sharing with family friends or just enjoying with a cozy cup of tea and even when I’m tired or in a rush it comes together quickly and makes everyone happy and it’s a recipe I keep going back to again and again because it’s simple and forgiving and always delicious.

ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 egg for brushing

ingredients notes

• all-purpose flour is the soft white flour that helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• sugar adds a tiny bit of sweetness to help the yeast grow and make the bread soft.
• salt makes the bread tasty and balances all the flavors.
• active dry yeast is the magic powder that makes the dough rise and become soft and airy.
• warm water helps the yeast wake up and start working so the dough rises properly.
• olive oil makes the dough soft and gives a nice flavor.
• shredded mozzarella cheese is the melty cheese that makes the bread gooey and delicious.
• grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp cheesy flavor to make the bread taste extra special.
• sliced pepperoni is the spicy and savory meat that gives the bread its main flavor.
• garlic powder adds a small kick of garlic taste without chopping fresh garlic.
• dried oregano adds an Italian flavor that goes very well with pepperoni.
• egg for brushing makes the crust shiny and golden brown after baking.

kitchen equipment needed

• large mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula
• rolling pin
• baking sheet
• parchment paper or non-stick spray
• sharp knife
• small bowl for egg wash
• clean kitchen towel
• oven

How to make pepperoni bread ?

step 1: prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl combine the warm water and sugar then sprinkle the yeast on top wait for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy this shows the yeast is alive then add the flour salt and olive oil mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a sticky dough.

step 2: knead the dough

Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface then turn the dough onto it knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky then place it in a lightly oiled bowl cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

step 3: prepare the filling

While the dough is rising combine the sliced pepperoni shredded mozzarella cheese grated Parmesan cheese garlic powder and dried oregano in a small bowl mix everything gently so it is ready to add to the dough.

step 4: shape the bread

Once the dough has risen punch it down gently to remove air then roll it into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches on a floured surface sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough then carefully roll the dough lengthwise pinch the edges to seal the filling inside then cut the roll into 8 to 10 equal pieces.

step 5: assemble for baking

Place the dough pieces cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving space between each piece brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden shine then cover with a towel and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.

step 6: bake the bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) then bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

step 7: serve and enjoy

Carefully transfer the pepperoni bread to a serving plate cut into slices if needed and enjoy warm this bread is perfect for snacks lunches or even a party treat it pairs well with tomato sauce or a small salad.

storage options

Pepperoni bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days if you want it longer keep it in the fridge for up to a week you can also freeze the bread before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap then placing it in a freezer bag defrost in the fridge overnight then bake as directed for fresh warm bread the bread reheats well in the oven or microwave to bring back the melty cheesy flavor.

variations for pepperoni bread

• Add green bell peppers or olives to the filling for a veggie twist.
• Use cooked sausage or ham instead of pepperoni for a different flavor.
• Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Try different herbs like basil or thyme to give a new taste.
• Make mini versions for lunchboxes or parties.
• Add a small amount of tomato sauce inside the filling for a pizza style bread.

faq

what is this recipe pepperoni bread made of?

Pepperoni bread is made of soft fluffy dough filled with spicy sliced pepperoni shredded mozzarella cheese grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings then rolled and baked until golden and gooey.

what does pepperoni bread taste like?

It tastes cheesy savory and slightly spicy from the pepperoni with a soft fluffy bread inside and a golden slightly crunchy crust outside it is warm and comforting like a cheesy pizza in bread form.

can i make pepperoni bread without yeast?

Yes you can use baking powder instead of yeast but the texture will be more like a biscuit bread and less fluffy but still tasty.

can i use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes pre-shredded cheese works fine just make sure it is evenly spread and not clumped so it melts nicely during baking.

how long does pepperoni bread stay fresh?

At room temperature it stays fresh for 2 to 3 days in the fridge up to a week and you can freeze before baking to keep it longer.

can i add vegetables to pepperoni bread?

Absolutely you can add peppers onions olives or mushrooms to the filling just make sure they are sliced thin so the bread bakes evenly.

can i make mini pepperoni bread rolls?

Yes cut the rolled dough into smaller pieces before the second rise and bake for a shorter time about 15 to 20 minutes depending on size.

is pepperoni bread spicy?

It is slightly spicy from the pepperoni but not too hot the cheese and bread balance the flavors making it yummy for kids and adults alike.

pepperoni bread

Recipe by LaylaCourse: SnacksCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

Soft fluffy bread filled with pepperoni and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast

• 1 cup of warm water

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup of sliced pepperoni

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

• 1 egg for brushing

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl combine the warm water and sugar then sprinkle the yeast on top wait for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy this shows the yeast is alive then add the flour salt and olive oil mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a sticky dough.
• Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface then turn the dough onto it knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky then place it in a lightly oiled bowl cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
• While the dough is rising combine the sliced pepperoni shredded mozzarella cheese grated Parmesan cheese garlic powder and dried oregano in a small bowl mix everything gently so it is ready to add to the dough.
• Once the dough has risen punch it down gently to remove air then roll it into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches on a floured surface sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough then carefully roll the dough lengthwise pinch the edges to seal the filling inside then cut the roll into 8 to 10 equal pieces.
• Place the dough pieces cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving space between each piece brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden shine then cover with a towel and let them rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) then bake the bread for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
• Carefully transfer the pepperoni bread to a serving plate cut into slices if needed and enjoy warm this bread is perfect for snacks lunches or even a party treat it pairs well with tomato sauce or a small salad.