Pull apart pizza bread is the kind of gooey, golden crowd pleaser that instantly draws everyone in for one more cheesy bite. Soft, pillowy pieces of bread bake up with bubbling mozzarella, sharp cheddar, fresh basil, and sweet bell peppers, all tucked into tangy tomato sauce. As it warms, the whole room fills with savory pizza aromas and laughter naturally follows as hands reach in to tear and share. Perfect for movie nights or a fun twist on pizza night, this comforting loaf delivers pure joy in every pull.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Pizza Bread
- It’s a fun, interactive dish perfect for sharing with friends.
- Loaded with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile; customize it with your preferred ingredients.
- Great for parties, game nights, or cozy family dinners.
Pull Apart Pizza Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a sharp bread knife, make diagonal cuts in the bread about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through, creating a crosshatch pattern.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Gently open each cut in the bread and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly into the crevices.
- Spread pizza sauce into the cuts, then stuff shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices into each slit.
- Wrap the prepared loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 20g |
Ingredients
Gather these delightful ingredients to create your Pull Apart Pizza Bread!
- 1 loaf of crusty bread – Italian or French
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that cheesy goodness
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni – or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce – your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter – melted for a rich flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – minced, to add aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – for that classic Italian taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – optional, for a fresh garnish
How to Make Pull Apart Pizza Bread
This delightful Pull Apart Pizza Bread is perfect for gatherings! With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20–22 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, warm appetizer ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the Bread
Using a sharp bread knife, make diagonal cuts in the bread about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through, creating a crosshatch pattern.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Brush the Bread
Gently open each cut in the bread and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly into the crevices.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spread pizza sauce into the cuts, then stuff shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices into each slit.
Step 6: Wrap and Bake
Wrap the prepared loaf in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 22 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 37 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm and cheesy |
Pro Tips for Making Pull Apart Pizza Bread
- Use fresh dough for the best texture and flavor.
- Mix and match your favorite cheeses for a unique taste.
- Don’t overstuff the bread; it should pull apart easily.
- Brush with garlic butter for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy experience.
How to Serve this Pull Apart Pizza Bread
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy alongside a creamy ranch or garlic dip.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Offer a variety of cheeses for a fun cheese pull experience.
- Slice up some veggies to serve as crunchy dippers.
- Make it a game day snack with your favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Pull Apart Pizza Bread later is easy!
Storing Pull Apart Pizza Bread Leftovers
- Allow the bread to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Pull Apart Pizza Bread
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For best quality, avoid freezing with toppings that may not freeze well.
Reheating Pull Apart Pizza Bread
- Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap in foil to retain moisture while reheating.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is pull apart pizza bread?
Pull apart pizza bread is a fun and interactive appetizer that combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of bread. It typically consists of pieces of bread that are baked together with cheese, sauce, and various toppings, allowing you to easily pull apart each piece for sharing. It’s perfect for parties or family gatherings!
2. What bread to use for pull apart bread?
For pull apart pizza bread, you can use a variety of bread types. Common choices include soft dinner rolls, baguettes, or even homemade bread dough. The key is to choose a bread that is soft enough to pull apart easily but sturdy enough to hold the toppings without falling apart. Feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite!
3. What kind of bread do Jimmy Buffs use?
Jimmy Buffs is known for using a type of Italian bread that is soft and slightly chewy, making it perfect for their famous sandwiches. While they may have their own specific recipe, you can replicate a similar texture by using fresh Italian or French bread for your pull apart pizza bread. This will give you that delightful chewiness and flavor!
4. How long to cook Costco pull apart cheese bread?
Costco’s pull apart cheese bread typically takes about 15-20 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging for specific instructions, as cooking times may vary based on your oven and the size of the bread. Just look for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese for the perfect result!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to pull apart some cheesy goodness! This Pull Apart Pizza Bread is not just a dish; it’s a fun experience to share with friends and family. With its simple ingredients and delightful flavors, you’ll find it’s a breeze to whip up. So gather around, dig in, and enjoy every gooey bite!