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Cheesy Pepperoni Bread

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Warm, soft, and loaded with melty mozzarella and savory pepperoni, this Cheesy Pepperoni Bread is a weekend showstopper or hearty snack for game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 and 1/3 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 heaping cup chopped pepperoni (or sun-dried tomatoes, or olives)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 and 1/2 cups water (close to room temperature)
  • Optional hot honey butter (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (optional for hot honey butter)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (optional for hot honey butter)
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (optional for hot honey butter)
  • 1/8–1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional for hot honey butter)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for hot honey butter)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the bread flour, yeast, coarse salt, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Fold in the chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
  3. Pour in the water and mix gently until moistened. Shape into a ball, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 3 hours.
  4. Transfer the dough to the refrigerator to puff up for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days.
  5. Remove the dough and shape it on a floured surface into a loaf shape or round. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
  7. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife and place it in the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before slicing.
  10. Beat the unsalted butter until smooth, then mix in honey, confectioners’ sugar, flaky sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes for optional hot honey butter. Serve alongside warm slices.

Notes

For a tangy vegetarian option, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of pepperoni. The hot honey butter is optional but complements the savory loaf beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy bread, pepperoni bread, Italian bread

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/cheesy-pepperoni-bread/