Why You’ll Love This Pizza Bread Recipe
If you’re craving a delicious snack that’s both easy to make and a hit with everyone, you’re going to love this pizza bread recipe.
It’s not just about the taste; the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or even just a cozy evening at home.
I love how versatile it is; you can customize the toppings to suit your mood or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s fun to make!
Trust me, once you try it, this pizza bread will become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients of Pizza Bread
Making pizza bread isn’t just about mixing some ingredients; it’s about creating a warm, comforting snack that brings people together. You’ll love how simple it’s to whip up with just a few staple items from your pantry and fridge.
Plus, the best part? You can totally customize it with whatever toppings you have on hand. So, let’s plunge into the ingredients you’ll need to get started on this delicious journey.
Ingredients for Pizza Bread
- 2 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 pinch granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 14 g kosher salt
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (about 120 gm per cup)
- 3 cups unbleached bread flour (about 124 gm per cup)
- Extra flour (for dusting)
- Extra olive oil (for greasing)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (fresh is best)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh oregano or basil (or both, if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2-4 cups marinara sauce (Golden Grains is a great store brand)
Now, before you rush off to gather these ingredients, there are a few things to reflect on.
First, the type of flour you use can really affect the texture of your bread. All-purpose flour is great, but if you want that perfect chewy crust, don’t skimp on the bread flour.
And speaking of cheese, fresh mozzarella can take this from good to amazing, so if you can swing it, go for it.
Finally, when it comes to marinara sauce, choose one that you genuinely love. It’s like the cherry on top, or in this case, the sauce on your pizza bread.
How to Make Pizza Bread
Making pizza bread is like starting on a cozy culinary adventure, and trust me, the process is almost as delightful as the end result. To kick things off, you’ll want to begin by proofing your yeast. Grab 1/4 cup of warm water, toss in a pinch of granulated sugar, and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for that frothy magic that tells you your yeast is alive and ready to party.
Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (because who doesn’t love a good paddle?), mix in 2 cups of warm water. Once your yeast is all bubbly and excited, add it to the mix. Now, here’s where things get a bit floury. Alternately add 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour (that’s about 120 grams per cup) and 3 cups of unbleached bread flour (about 124 grams per cup), one cup at a time.
Adjust the mixer speed as needed, and around the time you’ve added a total of 4 cups of flour, toss in 14 grams of kosher salt. The dough should be sticky but not unmanageable—if it’s sticking to everything like it’s a clingy friend, add flour one tablespoon at a time until you can pull the paddle out and see a nice window form in the dough. This is the moment when you know you’ve reached dough perfection.
Once you’ve got your dough just right, it’s time to give it a little TLC. Dump that sticky goodness onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Then, place it in a large, well-oiled pan. A drizzle of olive oil on top will keep it from drying out.
Now, here’s the secret to fluffy pizza bread: put that pan in a cold oven along with a small loaf pan filled with boiling water. Yes, you read that right—think of it as creating a mini steam room for your dough. Close the oven door and let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour.
Once it’s puffed up like a fluffy cloud, remove the dough, divide it into two balls, and shape each one into an Italian loaf on a baking pan. Let those beauties rest for another 30-45 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F, keeping that steaming loaf pan inside.
Now, for the fun part—topping your pizza bread. Once your loaves have rested and are ready to go, spread your favorite marinara sauce (2-4 cups, depending on your saucy preference) over each half-loaf. Then, cover them with splotches of mozzarella cheese—2 cups of fresh mozzarella is ideal here, but hey, feel free to go wild.
Sprinkle on some fresh oregano and/or basil to give it that garden-fresh zing. Bake those loaves for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pizza in the first place.
And there you have it—homemade pizza bread that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or, let’s be real, devouring all by yourself while binge-watching your favorite show. Enjoy!
Pizza Bread Substitutions & Variations
When it comes to pizza bread, there are countless substitutions and variations that can elevate your creation to new heights.
For a gluten-free option, I often use a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re short on mozzarella, try ricotta or a blend of cheeses for a creamy twist.
For added flavor, I love incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the dough. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of oregano.
If you prefer a spicy kick, adding red pepper flakes is a game-changer. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although I’ve shared the basic recipe for pizza bread, a few extra tips can really enhance your baking experience.
First, don’t rush the yeast proofing; it’s vital for a great rise. If you want a crustier exterior, try using a pizza stone.
I also recommend sprinkling some cornmeal on your baking sheet for added texture. For extra flavor, mix in garlic powder or crushed red pepper into the dough.
Finally, let the bread cool before slicing; it helps maintain the structure.
Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference in your pizza bread’s taste and texture! Enjoy your baking!