This Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread is a fun twist on classic pizza! It features gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and the unique flavor of sourdough in every bite.
Perfect for snacking or meal prep, I love to warm up slices and dip them in marinara. Their cheesy goodness really makes my day—who can resist a tasty slice? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: A healthy starter gives good flavor and texture. If you don’t have one, consider using store-bought pizza dough or you can make a quick yeast dough with instant yeast.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this recipe, but you can use bread flour for a chewier crust. If gluten-free is a must, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness. You can skip cheddar or switch it for provolone, gouda, or even vegan cheese if preferred.
Pepperoni: Classic sliced pepperoni is delicious! For a twist, try using turkey pepperoni or even diced salami for different flavors.
Herbs & Seasonings: Italian herbs add great taste, but if you don’t have them, oregano alone works fine. You can even use fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Knead and Shape Sourdough Bread?
Kneading and shaping are key for a nice texture. When kneading, do it on a lightly floured surface and use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, fold it back, and repeat until smooth.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is elastic.
- For shaping, flatten the dough gently instead of rolling it for better air retention.
- When you fold the dough over the fillings, make sure to seal the edges well to keep the deliciousness inside!
These steps will help create a fluffy interior and a gorgeous crust. Happy baking!
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Assembly:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza bread takes about 4-6 hours to rise and about 35 minutes for preparation and baking. So, plan for a total of around 5-7 hours, but most of it is just waiting for the dough to rise. Perfect for a cozy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Stir everything together until well mixed. Next, add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix until a rough dough starts forming. Once it does, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the magic moment where your dough gets all fluffy!
3. Shape the Bread:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove some air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and flatten it into an oval or round shape about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, followed by half of the sliced pepperoni and half of the garlic powder and herbs.
4. Fold and Prepare the Loaf:
Now, fold the dough over itself carefully, sealing the edges tightly to create a loaf with the delicious fillings tucked inside. Brush the outside lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining cheese, pepperoni, garlic powder, herbs, and Parmesan on top. Yum!
5. Final Proof:
Next, place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza stone. Cover it and let it rise again for another 1-2 hours until it’s slightly puffed. This helps to make your bread soft and airy!
6. Bake Your Bread:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). For a nice crisp crust, you can place a small oven-safe dish of water in there as well. Now, bake the loaf for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let your Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, and don’t forget that marinara or pizza sauce for dipping—enjoy your tasty creation!
Enjoy your delightful Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread with its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can substitute it with provolone, gouda, or even vegan cheese. Mix and match according to your preferences!
What if my dough didn’t rise much?
If your dough isn’t rising well, it might be due to the temperature of your kitchen or the activity level of your sourdough starter. Try placing it in a warmer area or giving it more time to rise. You can also check that your starter is bubbly and active before using it.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven to enjoy its crispiness again!
Can I make this without a sourdough starter?
Yes, if you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use store-bought pizza dough or make a quick yeast dough substituting instant yeast. However, the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the sourdough version!
