Triple Cheese Pepperoni Pull Apart

This triple cheese pepperoni pull-apart pizza bread is a comforting and gooey dish perfect for sharing with friends and family. It combines the classic flavors of pizza in a fun and interactive way that makes every bite satisfying and flavorful. Whether for a casual get-together or a cozy night in, this recipe brings everyone to the table with its irresistible pull-apart texture and cheesy goodness.

I remember the first time I made this during a football game day; it disappeared so fast everyone was asking for seconds. It’s become a regular for any occasion that calls for delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

• One pound pizza dough: using store-bought dough saves time but homemade adds a personal touch and better flavor
• Half a cup olive oil: this acts as the base for the garlic oil, enriching the bread with moisture and aroma choose good quality extra virgin for the best taste
• Four cloves garlic minced: fresh garlic delivers pungency and depth
• One teaspoon dried oregano: contributes classic Italian herbal notes fresh oregano can be substituted if you prefer a brighter flavor
• Half a teaspoon dried basil: works in harmony with oregano mixing with Italian seasoning is a good option
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional but gives a subtle heat that livens up the bread
• Half a cup grated Parmesan cheese: this sharp, salty cheese adds depth Pecorino Romano works well for a stronger bite
• Two cups shredded mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly for gooey strands provolone or Fontina can be used to vary the cheese profile
• Quarter cup chopped fresh parsley: a fresh herb garnish that adds color and a light flavor basil can be used as an alternative
• Pizza sauce for dipping: homemade or store-bought to complement the bread with tangy tomato flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Savor the Garlic Oil Blend:

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir well and let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together fully.

Prepare the Pan and Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is 190 degrees Celsius. Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and add subtle richness to the crust.

Roll Out Your Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. This size gives you enough surface to layer cheese and cut into strips nicely.

Brush the Dough with Garlic Oil:

Use a brush or spoon to generously coat the rolled-out dough with the infused garlic oil, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the oil for later. This step imparts moisture and flavor to the bread.

Add the Cheeses:

Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the oiled dough. The cheeses melt together to create that signature gooey texture and cheesy pull-apart effect.

Cut and Stack the Strips:

Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into one-inch wide strips. Stack 6 to 8 strips on top of each other carefully to create a layered stack.

Create Dough Squares:

Cut the stacked strips into one-inch pieces, forming small squares that will be arranged in the pan for pulling apart.

Arrange in Pan:

Transfer the dough squares upright into the prepared springform pan. Pack them tightly, filling the pan completely so the bread bakes with the perfect pull-apart structure.

Final Garlic Oil Brush and Bake:

Brush the assembled dough squares with the reserved garlic oil for extra flavor and a golden crust. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove Foil and Finish Baking:

Take off the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Garnish:

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Serve Warm with Pizza Sauce:

Serve the pull-apart pizza bread warm accompanied by pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy the melty, cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Save

The garlic oil is my favorite part because it infuses every bite with so much aroma and savoriness. One family dinner stands out where we gathered around the table pulling apart the cheesy bread and dipping it into sauce. It was messy, fun, and reminded me why simple food often brings the most joy.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pull-apart pizza bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a 350-degree oven covered with foil for 10 to 15 minutes to keep it moist and melty.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños between the layers. For a vegetarian option, omit pepperoni or add diced bell peppers and mushrooms with the cheese. Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance. Different cheese blends like cheddar or gouda can alter the flavor profile nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Pull-apart pizza bread pairs well with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup as a light meal. It also works wonderfully as party finger food served with a variety of dips such as ranch, marinara, or a creamy garlic sauce. For an indulgent twist, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top before serving.

Pro Tips

• Make sure your dough is rolled evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent pull-apart squares.
• Don’t skip letting the garlic oil sit it builds a richer and more balanced flavor.
• Use a sharp pizza cutter to make clean cuts without compressing the dough strips.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for this bread?

Store-bought or homemade pizza dough both yield great results. Ensure it's rolled evenly for consistent baking.

→ How can I add more flavor to the garlic oil?

Use fresh garlic and consider fresh oregano or basil to brighten the oil infusion before brushing on the dough.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, try pecorino romano instead of Parmesan or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

→ What is the best way to serve this bread?

Serve warm with pizza sauce or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the cheesy, savory layers.

→ How do I ensure the bread pulls apart easily?

Cut the dough into uniform strips and pieces, then pack tightly in the pan before baking to create well-defined pull-apart sections.

→ Can herbs be varied in this dish?

Absolutely, fresh parsley, basil, or Italian seasoning can be used to enhance aromatic notes according to taste.