I absolutely love sharing comfort food that turns any ordinary day into a celebration, and this Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe does just that for me. It’s a gooey, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish that brings all the best pizza flavors together in one fun, shareable bread. Every bite feels like a warm hug, thanks to the layers of pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and savory garlic butter nestled between soft biscuit dough. If you adore pizza and want something a bit playful and unique, you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe as I have.
Why You’ll Love This Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
What makes this Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe truly special is the flavor explosion packed into every pull-apart piece. I’m talking about rich, buttery garlic seasoning mingling with melty mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni, all wrapped in fluffy biscuit dough. The combination is pure magic—each bite delivers that classic pizza vibe with a comforting bread twist. It’s like pizza and garlic bread had the best baby ever, and honestly, I just can’t get enough of it.
This recipe is also surprisingly easy to prepare, which I love. Even if you’re short on time or just not in the mood to stand over a stove, this dish comes together quickly and bakes into a beautiful golden masterpiece. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or even a busy weeknight dinner that feels a little more special. The bundt pan presentation makes it visually stunning too, making it a guaranteed hit wherever you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are what I rely on to build flavor and texture in this pull apart pizza bread. Each one is essential—whether it’s the richness of the butter or the ooey-gooey mozzarella, every element plays a key role in bringing this dish to life.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps blend the garlic and herbs throughout the bread.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the garlic butter silky and adds a fruity depth to the seasoning mix.
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Infuses the bread with that irresistible garlicky aroma and flavor I love.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A classic blend of herbs that elevates the pizza flavors perfectly.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Flaky biscuit dough (24 ounces, from two 12-ounce cans): The secret to the soft, pillowy bread that holds everything together.
- Whole milk mozzarella cheese (16 ounces): Cubed for gooey, melty cheese pulls that make this bread downright addictive.
- Pepperoni (1 cup, thinly sliced): Adds that familiar, slightly spicy pizza topping everyone adores.
- Pizza sauce (16 ounces): Served on the side for dipping, adding that wonderful tangy finish.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray so your delicious bread won’t stick and will come out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt until everything is well combined and fragrant.
Step 3: Take your biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This smaller size will help your layers bake evenly and create those pull-apart pieces everyone loves.
Step 4: Cut your mozzarella cheese block into cubes about ¼ to ½ inch in size. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly into pockets throughout the bread.
Step 5: Place half of the biscuit dough quarters evenly in the bottom of your greased bundt pan. Don’t pack them too tight—you want some space for the cheese and butter to ooze into those nooks and crannies.
Step 6: Spoon half of your garlic butter mixture evenly over this first dough layer, letting it soak in and infuse that wonderful flavor.
Step 7: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cubes and half of the pepperoni slices evenly over the top of the dough and butter layer. This layering builds that delicious cheesy, meaty center.
Step 8: Repeat the layering process—remaining biscuit dough pieces, garlic butter, mozzarella cubes, and pepperoni slices—until all ingredients are used up in the bundt pan.
Step 9: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam so the bread cooks through without drying out. Bake it for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Step 10: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 11: When done, let your pull apart pizza bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, gently flip it out onto a serving plate and carefully turn it over so the cheesy pepperoni topping faces up.
Step 12: Warm your pizza sauce slightly and serve it in a small bowl in the center or on the side of your bread. This makes dipping each piece easy and extra flavorful.
Servings and Timing
This Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe makes about 8 hearty servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is around 15 minutes, which includes cutting and layering your ingredients. The bake time is 1 hour total—30 minutes covered plus 30 minutes uncovered. I like to let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set up before serving. So, all in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.
How to Serve This Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
I always love serving this dish warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is beautifully melted and the garlic aroma is at its peak. It’s fantastic on its own as a casual party snack or appetizer, but for a fuller meal, I pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Presentation-wise, I like to place the bread on a large wooden board or colorful serving plate and nestle a small bowl of pizza sauce right in the center. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
For drinks, I’m a fan of serving this with an ice-cold craft beer or a glass of medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti. If you’re going non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemonade or an Italian soda pairs wonderfully with the pizza flavors. Whether it’s a game night, family dinner, or casual holiday gathering, this recipe always brings people together and keeps the mood light and fun.
Variations
I’ve had a blast experimenting with different variations of this Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. One of my favorites is swapping the pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or even veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a veggie-packed version that still feels indulgent.
If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free biscuit dough or pizza dough alternatives—you might need to adjust baking time slightly, but the results are just as delicious. For a vegan twist, substitute dairy-free cheese and use vegan buttery spread instead of butter. The flavor changes but the comforting spirit of the dish shines through.
For a fun twist on cooking, I’ve also tried making this in mini muffin tins as individual pull-apart bites, which are great finger foods for parties. Or you could use a regular round cake pan for a slightly different shape. However you make it, the layered, cheesy, garlicky goodness is exactly what I crave.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pull apart pizza bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for up to 3-4 days. When I pack it for later, I make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain its soft texture without sogginess.
Freezing
This bread freezes really well if you want to save some for later. Before freezing, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. You can also microwave individual pieces, but I recommend brief intervals to avoid rubbery bread. Avoid wrapping tightly in foil during reheating since a crispier outside texture is always preferable.
FAQs
Can I use regular pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Regular pizza dough will work fine, though biscuit dough gives a softer, fluffier texture that’s a bit different from traditional pizza bread. If using pizza dough, roll it out and cut into bite-sized pieces before layering just like in the recipe.
What should I do if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use a deep round cake pan or a springform pan as a substitute. Just be mindful of the bread layers and check for doneness earlier since cooking times might vary slightly without the bundt pan’s unique shape.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread layers in the bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes and then follow the baking steps as usual.
Is there a way to make this less messy to eat?
To minimize mess, I recommend letting the bread cool slightly before pulling apart. Serving with napkins or small plates and encouraging diners to dip rather than drench pieces in sauce also helps keep things tidy.
Can I customize the cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella is classic for that meltiness, mixing in some sharp cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can add exciting flavor dimensions. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well to maintain that gooey texture.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe because it truly brings comfort and joy in every bite. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish always delivers smiles and seconds. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods!
