My Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread is a warm, cheesy twist on classic garlic bread—studded with savory pepperoni and baked to golden perfection, it’s an appetizer you simply can’t resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Pizza vibes meet garlic bread comfort in every bite
– Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
– Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have
– Cheesy, gooey pull that’ll get everyone at the table excited
– Customizable spice level with red pepper flakes or jalapeños
– Ideal for parties, movie nights, or a cozy solo snack
– Baked to a crispy finish—no soggy bottom here
– Kid-approved and adult-loved, too!
Ingredients
– 1 loaf (16 oz) French bread (day-old loaf works best for crispiness)
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (I like Land O Lakes)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is key; sub 1 tsp garlic powder if in a pinch)
– 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole-milk variety for creaminess)
– ½ cup pepperoni slices (mini rounds spread evenly)
– 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning blend)
– ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
– 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crunch)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or very lightly spray with olive oil.
- Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and fragrant—this simple garlic spread is your flavor base. - Slice the Bread
Carefully slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, keeping the pieces joined if you want to serve as one large loaf, or cut into 8 thick slices for individual servings. - Spread the Mixture
Generously slather the garlic butter on each cut side, making sure every nook and cranny of the bread is coated—this is where all the garlicky goodness lives! - Assemble the Topping
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over both bread halves, then arrange pepperoni slices on top (you can overlap slightly), and finish with a light dusting of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. - Bake
Place the loaded bread on the prepared sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of the bread look golden. - Broil for Crispiness (Optional)
You know what? If you crave an extra-crisp crust, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Slice if needed and serve warm for that ultimate cheesy pull.
Servings & Timing
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
– Pepperoni & Spinach: tuck baby spinach leaves under the cheese for a green boost.
– Jalapeño Heat: add sliced jalapeños before baking for a smoky kick.
– Gluten-Free: swap in a gluten-free baguette for an allergy-friendly treat.
– Cheesy Blend: mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for extra depth.
– Vegan Twist: use plant-based butter and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
– Mediterranean Style: top with sliced olives and crumbled feta instead of pepperoni.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, pop slices in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy—avoid the microwave to keep that crust crunchy.
FAQs
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—you can spread the garlic butter and add toppings, then cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.
Q: How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
A: Bake on a wire rack set over the sheet pan or use parchment with a light olive oil mist for airflow.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of onion powder—your bread will still taste amazing.
Q: Can I use other meats or toppings?
A: Sure—try sliced ham, cooked sausage crumbles, or even marinated artichoke hearts.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It’s mild by default; add crushed red pepper or jalapeños for more heat.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked bread?
A: Yes—assemble the loaf, wrap well, freeze, then bake from frozen adding 3–5 extra minutes.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Totally! Just skip the red pepper flakes for little ones and watch their eyes light up.
Conclusion
This Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread brings together the best of pizza and garlic bread in one delicious, easy-to-make appetizer. Perfect for gatherings or a spontaneous snack, it’s bound to disappear fast—so give it a try, drop a comment below, and don’t forget to explore more of my simple, delicious cheese-filled recipes!
Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (16 oz) day-old loaf works best
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened (Land O Lakes recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices mini rounds recommended
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil spray optional, for extra crisp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Carefully slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise; for individual pieces, cut into 8 thick slices but keep them together on the sheet.
- Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring even coverage into every nook.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella in an even layer, then arrange pepperoni slices on top and finish with a dash of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and bread edges turn golden brown.
- Switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the top—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven, let cool briefly, sprinkle fresh parsley, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
