Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cheesy Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread! It’s such a fun and delicious snack or appetizer that we adore in our house. I remember the first time I made it for a game night with friends, and it was gone in a flash! Everyone just loved how cheesy and flavorful it was, and it made for such a great communal dish. Plus, it’s so easy to pull apart, making it perfect for casual gatherings.
The bread is soft and warm, filled with gooey cheese and pepperoni, all wrapped up in a delightful, golden crust. Every bite is a little piece of heaven! It’s a wonderful way to impress guests or simply indulge yourself on a cozy night in. If you’re looking for something that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, this is it! And if you love cheesy snacks, you might want to check out my cheesy garlic knots too—they’re equally irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread
- Loaded with gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar for the ultimate cheese stretch
- Classic pepperoni flavor in every bite
- Perfectly crunchy exterior with a warm, soft interior
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
- Great for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner
- Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish—it’s incredibly versatile
- Dip it in marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor
This pull apart bread is not only delicious but also fun to eat, making it a hit at gatherings or cozy nights in!
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread is a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or even just a cozy night in. Pulling apart each cheesy, pepperoni-filled piece is such a treat, and I promise, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
What You’ll Need:
- Large loaf of round bread – 1 loaf (sourdough or Italian works best). I love sourdough for its crusty exterior and soft inside.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups. Melted mozzarella creates that stretchy, gooey goodness we crave.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup for a nice sharp flavor complementing the mozzarella.
- Sliced pepperoni – 1 cup. Go for high-quality pepperoni (like Boar’s Head) for great taste!
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, melted. Unsalted lets you control the seasoning which is essential here.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced to add a lovely aroma and taste.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon for that classic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional) if you like a bit of heat!
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped for a burst of color and freshness to finish.
- Marinara sauce – for serving; it makes the perfect dip!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully cut the bread into a grid pattern, making deep cuts without slicing all the way through the bottom, so the loaf stays intact.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Gently pull apart the cuts in the bread and use a brush to coat the inside and edges with your buttery mixture.
- Fill each cut with a generous mix of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and pepperoni slices, pressing them in tightly for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Wrap the stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melty and the bread is heated through.
- Remove the foil and pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to get that lovely golden, crispy top.
- Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for that beautiful finish.
- Serve your warm, cheesy bread with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
This pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit; it’s cheesy, savory, and just downright delicious! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Gouda, provolone, or even pepper jack can add different flavors. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for that gooey texture!
What Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
A round loaf like sourdough or Italian is ideal for structure and flavor, but you can also use focaccia or a round baguette. Just ensure the bread has a firm enough texture to hold all the delicious fillings!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the baking step. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
