Pepperoni bread

Pepperoni bread is a delightful twist on classic pepperoni pizza, reimagined as a savory loaf. This recipe is incredibly simple, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. It combines the familiar flavors of pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce, all rolled up in a soft bread dough. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal on its own, pepperoni bread is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

With its pizza-like taste and appealing presentation, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or family dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy cheesy flavors in a fun, portable form. Whether served with a side of marinara for dipping or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients for Pepperoni bread

• 1 (1 pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed: This serves as the base for the pepperoni bread, providing the soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 large egg, beaten: The egg is used to brush the bread before baking, giving it a golden color and a nice shine.
• 4 ounces sliced pepperoni: This adds the classic pepperoni flavor, making the bread reminiscent of pizza.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella contributes a gooey, melty texture and mild flavor, essential for that cheesy goodness.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty and slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bread.
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings an aromatic, savory flavor to the bread, complementing the pepperoni and cheese.

Step by Step Procedure for Making Pepperoni bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by placing your thawed bread dough in a large bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm environment. Allow it to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour. This step helps develop the dough’s texture.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough when you’re ready to bake the bread. Additionally, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Make sure it’s even to allow for consistent baking.

Step 4: Add the Fillings

Using a brush, spread the beaten egg evenly over the rolled-out dough. Next, layer the sliced pepperoni across the dough, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, and 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Spread these fillings evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 5: Roll Up the Dough

Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough over the fillings like a jelly roll, making sure to keep it tight but not too tight that the filling spills out. Pinch the seam closed to seal the loaf securely. Place the rolled dough seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for about 40 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a bread knife to slice the loaf into pieces of your desired thickness. Serve warm, and enjoy this delicious pepperoni bread as a snack, appetizer, meal or Sauce!

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