Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect crowd-pleaser that’s fun to eat and absolutely loaded with cheesy, garlicky, herby goodness, Pull Apart Pizza Bread is your ticket to instant smiles. This irresistible dish marries everything you love about pizza—crisp, golden dough, bubbling mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and a hit of parmesan—into a shareable, dippable centerpiece. Imagine a loaf where every piece you pull away is gooey, flavorful, and just waiting to be dunked in warm pizza sauce. Pull Apart Pizza Bread is pure comfort food, and it never fails to bring friends and family together around the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients can turn into something magical when they’re thoughtfully combined—and that’s never more true than with Pull Apart Pizza Bread. Each item below brings its own character: from pillowy dough to a kiss of garlic, a golden cheese blanket, and fresh pops of green. Gather these together, and you’re set for pizza bread perfection!

• Pizza dough: The heart of our recipe—store-bought or homemade works great, just be sure to let it come to room temperature for easy stretching and best texture.
• Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and moisture, while carrying all the herby, garlicky aromas right into the crumb.
• Garlic: Four cloves will give you that irresistible, robust pizza-shop scent and flavor in every bite.
• Dried oregano: This classic pizza herb brings an earthy, savory note that’s unmistakably Italian.
• Dried basil: A hint of sweetness and a burst of herbal freshness lift the entire experience; don’t skip it.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like subtle heat, sprinkle these in for a gentle, background warmth in your pizza bread.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty punch that forms the perfect cheesy foundation layered under the mozzarella.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for gooey, stretchy action and that classic pizza pull we all crave!
• Chopped fresh parsley: For a finishing pop of color and a delicate, fresh bite you’ll love in every pull-apart piece.
• Pizza sauce (optional): Perfect for dunking, swirling, and adding that final, tangy touch as you devour your Pull Apart Pizza Bread.

How to Make Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Oil

Start by making your powerhouse flavor booster! Stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and (if you like a touch of heat) the red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Let this mixture rest for at least 15 minutes. This quick infusion makes the oil deeply aromatic, so every nook and cranny of your dough will be deliciously fragrant.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Get your oven heating to 375°F (190°C)—we want it piping hot so our bread gets that proud, golden crown. Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a deep, oven-safe skillet with a bit of olive oil. This step ensures your Pull Apart Pizza Bread slides right out and keeps every cheesy piece intact.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Dust your surface with flour and roll the pizza dough into a big rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Room temperature dough is far more cooperative—stretchy, but not sticky—so don’t rush this step. If the dough bounces back as you roll, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Herb Oil

Generously brush that aromatic garlic herb oil across the entire surface of your dough, but save about 2 tablespoons for a final brush later. This is the secret to getting deep flavor in every bite and a beautifully bronzed top.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Cheeses

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly across the oiled dough, followed by a generous shower of mozzarella. Don’t worry about perfect distribution—it’s part of the charm when some pieces get gorgeous, oozy cheese pockets and others a crispy, golden edge.

Step 6: Cut Strips

Take a pizza cutter or a sharp knife and slice the dough into strips about 1-inch wide. Stack 6-8 strips neatly on top of each other—you might have to get creative with your stacking space, but you’re after fun, messy layers.

Step 7: Cut into Squares

Next, slice your stacked dough strips into cute, bite-size 1-inch pieces. These snuggly little squares will crisp up beautifully along their cut edges—more crunchy bits for everyone!

Step 8: Arrange in the Pan

Gently stand the dough squares up in your greased pan, cut sides facing out. Pack them in tightly (they’ll puff up as they bake), layering and nestling pieces together in any pattern you like.

Step 9: Repeat & Fill the Pan

Repeat the stacking, cutting, and arranging steps with the rest of your dough strips. Once your pan is filled with cheesy, doughy jewels, it’s ready for the finishing touches.

Step 10: Brush the Top

Brush the reserved garlic herb oil over the entire surface of your Pull Apart Pizza Bread. This locks in moisture and ensures you get a maximally flavorful, golden crown.

Step 11: First Bake (Covered)

Loosely cover your pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake lets the bread steam and get tender throughout, while keeping the top from over-browning too soon.

Step 12: Second Bake (Uncovered)

Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the mozzarella bubbles invitingly between the bread pieces. Your kitchen will smell like a pizzeria!

Step 13: Rest and Cool

Let the Pull Apart Pizza Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this brief pause sets the structure and makes it easier to cut or pull apart without everything falling to pieces.

Step 14: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a refreshing pop of color and flavor. Carefully release the bread from the pan, transfer to a serving platter, and offer with pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Dig in while it’s warm and melty!

How to Serve Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Garnishes

Finish your Pull Apart Pizza Bread with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a bit more grated Parmesan if you’re feeling bold. Add a light drizzle of olive oil for sheen and richness right before serving. For a festive feel, try tucking in a few basil leaves or scattering some chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top, which pop with color and provide a wonderful flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

While Pull Apart Pizza Bread is fantastic solo, it makes a magical centerpiece surrounded by small plates. Consider serving alongside a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for something refreshing, or set out a platter of antipasto—marinated olives, cured meats, and roasted peppers pair beautifully. And of course, it’s a hit with a classic tomato soup or simple minestrone, making for a truly comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pull the bread apart and arrange the pieces in a breadbasket lined with parchment, making it easy for guests to grab and dip. If you’re feeling playful, bake the squares in a muffin pan for individual “pizza bites.” Or serve the whole loaf on a big wooden board with a rainbow of dipping sauces—think marinara, ranch, or pesto—for an interactive snack everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Pull Apart Pizza Bread cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, still delicious for a snack or lunchbox surprise.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap pieces or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Frozen Pull Apart Pizza Bread will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best cheesy, fluffy results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, loosely tented with foil to prevent over-browning. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave will do, though oven reheating gives a crisper edge. Serve warm with fresh parsley and extra cheese if you like!

FAQs

Can I add other toppings to Pull Apart Pizza Bread?

Absolutely! Chopped pepperoni, sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers all fit perfectly between layers before baking. Just don’t overload with moist toppings so the bread stays fluffy.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

A regular deep cake pan or oven-proof skillet will work just as well for Pull Apart Pizza Bread. Just be sure to grease it well, and you may need to loosen the edges with a spatula before turning it out.

Can I use frozen pizza dough?

Definitely. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature before rolling. It works perfectly and makes Pull Apart Pizza Bread even more convenient for busy days.

Is Pull Apart Pizza Bread good for kids?

Kids love it! The pull-apart nature is fun and interactive, and the cheesy, savory flavors are universally appealing. You can even customize individual bites with kids’ favorite toppings or make mini versions for parties.

How do I keep the cheese from burning on top?

Covering your Pull Apart Pizza Bread with foil for the first part of baking prevents over-browning, then removing the foil later allows the cheese to reach golden, bubbly perfection. If it ever browns too quickly, just tent with foil again until finished.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering friends or family around a Pull Apart Pizza Bread, with everyone reaching in for melty, savory bites. It’s fun, festive, and easier than you’d think to make. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe every time you want to make memories (and mouths) happy!

Pull Apart Pizza Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pull Apart Pizza Bread is a delicious and fun twist on traditional pizza. This recipe features soft dough stuffed with gooey cheese, aromatic garlic herb oil, and savory seasonings, all baked together to create a flavorful and shareable appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature

Garlic Herb Oil:

• 1/2 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Pizza sauce, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic Herb Oil: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or deep oven-safe skillet with olive oil.
3. Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
4. Brush with Oil: Brush the dough with the garlic herb oil, reserving some for later.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the dough.
6. Cut Strips: Cut the dough into strips, stack, and cut into squares.
7. Arrange in Pan: Place dough squares in the pan standing up.
8. Repeat: Fill the pan with remaining dough.
9. Brush Top: Brush with remaining oil.
10. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15-20 more minutes.
11. Cool: Let cool for 10 minutes.
12. Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, remove from pan, and serve warm with pizza sauce.

Notes

• This recipe is customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
• Ensure the dough squares are packed tightly in the pan for best results.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Pull Apart Pizza Bread, Pizza Bread, Appetizer, Pizza Dough Recipe