Name: Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bread loaf; ⅔ cup butter; 4 garlic cloves; ⅓ cup pizza sauce; ¼ red onion; 1 large tomato; 3½ oz mini pepperoni; basil leaves; ¾ cup Mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp Italian herbs

Garlic butter pull apart pizza bread is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This indulgent treat combines the rich flavors of garlic butter, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese, all baked into a soft loaf that pulls apart effortlessly. It's a delightful twist on traditional pizza that's sure to impress.

Photos of Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe

If you're heading to the supermarket to gather ingredients for this recipe, keep an eye out for mini pepperoni, which might not be a staple in every home. Additionally, you will need basil leaves, which can usually be found in the fresh herbs section. Everything else on the list should be fairly easy to find.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

bread loaf: The base of this recipe, a good quality loaf is crucial for the perfect texture.

butter: Used to create the rich garlic butter that flavors the entire dish.

garlic cloves: Adds a potent and aromatic flavor when combined with butter.

pizza sauce: Provides the classic pizza taste and moisture to the bread.

red onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.

tomato: Fresh and juicy, it complements the other toppings.

mini pepperoni: These small slices offer a burst of savory flavor in each bite.

basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant and slightly sweet note.

mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and irresistible topping.

italian herbs: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.

One reader, Aubrie Ko says:

This garlic butter pull apart pizza bread is a game-changer! The blend of garlic, butter, and pizza toppings creates an irresistible flavor. Perfectly cheesy and crunchy, it's a hit at every gathering. Highly recommend!

Aubrie Ko

Techniques Required for Making Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Yes.

How to crush garlic: Use the flat side of a knife to press down on the garlic cloves, then chop finely. How to cut bread diagonally: Use a sharp bread knife to make diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf, being careful not to cut all the way through. How to drizzle: Pour a thin stream of liquid (in this case, garlic butter) evenly over the surface or into the wedges of the bread. How to bake covered with foil: Place aluminum foil over the baking sheet or tray to cover the bread, ensuring it is sealed around the edges to trap heat and moisture. How to uncover and bake: Remove the aluminum foil from the baking sheet or tray to allow the bread to become crunchy and the cheese to melt completely.

How To Make Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread

This buttery crossover between pizza and pull apart bread that’s topped with cheese and filled with pizza fillings will be your new favorite!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1bread loaf,Pane Di CasaVienna or sourdough, unsliced
⅔cupbutter,melted
4garlic cloves,crushed, or minced (1 tbsp)
⅓cuppizza sauce
¼red onion,finely chopped
1large tomato,ripe, finely chopped
3½ozmini pepperoni,slices
basil leaves,fresh, finely shredded
¾cupmozzarella cheese,shredded
1tbspItalian herbs,dried, or Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed garlic. Mix well to combine. Set aside.
Place the loaf of bread on a chopping board. Using a sharp bread knife, cut the bread diagonally in rows across the top, down to 1-inch above the base in depth. (Be careful not to cut through to the base of the loaf.)
Holding the bread firmly and gently over the top, cut through in rows in the other direction to create diamond-shaped wedges.
Transfer to a baking sheet or tray lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Drizzle half of the garlic butter in between each wedge, followed by the pizza sauce.
Follow with the onions, tomatoes, pepperoni slices, basil, and cheese.
Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top of bread and top with the Italian herbs or seasoning.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese has started to melt.
Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until bread is crunchy and the cheese has melted all the way through.
Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 416.51kcal
Fat: 28.50g
Saturated Fat: 15.79g
Trans Fat: 0.84g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.95g
Carbohydrates: 26.73g
Fiber: 2.59g
Sugar: 4.18g
Protein: 13.99g
Cholesterol: 75.38mg
Sodium: 675.43mg
Calcium: 229.67mg
Potassium: 241.04mg
Iron: 2.54mg
Vitamin A: 187.42µg
Vitamin C: 5.02mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

When cutting the bread loaf, make sure to use a sharp bread knife and cut slowly to avoid tearing the bread. This ensures that the garlic butter and other ingredients can seep into the crevices, enhancing the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Cheesy Garlic Bread

Pre-chop ingredients: Prepare the garlic cloves, red onion, and tomato in advance to save time during assembly.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made pizza sauce: Utilize store-bought pizza sauce instead of making your own.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave to speed up the process.

Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to minimize cleanup time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping to ensure it's ready when you are.

Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe

bread loaf - Substitute with pizza dough: Using pizza dough will give a more authentic pizza flavor and texture.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and complements the Italian flavors well.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used for a more even distribution of garlic flavor.
pizza sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce offers a similar tomato base with added herbs and spices.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a milder flavor that can blend well with other ingredients.
tomato - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
mini pepperoni - Substitute with turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is a leaner option with less fat and calories.
basil leaves - Substitute with oregano: Oregano offers a robust, earthy flavor that pairs well with Italian dishes.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor.
italian herbs - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence includes a mix of herbs that can provide a similar aromatic profile.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the bread loaf into smaller, bite-sized portions to create an elegant and manageable serving size for each guest.
Use a wooden board: Present the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread on a rustic wooden board to add a touch of sophistication and contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the top just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a pop of green color.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the finished bread for a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with dipping sauces: Accompany the bread with small bowls of pizza sauce, garlic butter, and a spicy marinara sauce for dipping, giving guests a variety of flavor options.
Use microgreens for decoration: Add a few sprigs of microgreens around the bread on the serving board to elevate the presentation and add a touch of elegance.
Create height: Stack the pieces of bread slightly on top of each other to create visual interest and height on the plate.
Add a cheese pull effect: Ensure the mozzarella cheese is melted to perfection, allowing for a dramatic cheese pull effect when guests take a piece.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers around the dish to add a delicate and colorful touch, making the presentation more visually appealing.
Serve on a heated plate: Use a pre-warmed plate to keep the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread warm for longer, ensuring that the cheese remains melted and the bread stays crunchy.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Oven: Used to bake the bread at the specified temperature to ensure it is cooked properly and the cheese melts.
Small bowl: Used to mix the melted butter and crushed garlic together.
Chopping board: Provides a stable surface to safely cut the bread loaf.
Sharp bread knife: Essential for making precise cuts in the bread without tearing it.
Baking sheet or tray: Holds the bread loaf while it bakes in the oven.
Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the butter, pizza sauce, and cheese accurately.
Garlic press or grater: Crushes the garlic cloves to mix with the butter.
Spoon: Helps drizzle the garlic butter and pizza sauce into the bread wedges.
Knife: Used to chop the red onion and tomato into small pieces.
Tongs: Useful for handling the hot bread when removing it from the oven.
Cooling rack: Allows the bread to cool slightly before serving.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Allow the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and soggy bread.
Wrap the leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Store the wrapped bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thawed bread on a baking sheet.
Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If the bread appears dry after reheating, brush it with a little melted butter or olive oil to restore moisture and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Butter Pizza Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover garlic butter pull apart pizza bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help to restore the crispiness of the bread while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread in the microwave. Place the bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly soggy texture.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, you can use a combination of the microwave and the oven. First, microwave the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread for 30-45 seconds to warm it up. Then, transfer the bread to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the garlic butter pull apart pizza bread. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bread in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will result in a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey interior.
For a stovetop option, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the leftover garlic butter pull apart pizza bread in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help to create a crispy bottom while keeping the top soft and warm.

Interesting Trivia About Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

A fun fact about garlic butter pull apart pizza bread is that it combines the flavors of garlic bread and pizza into one delicious dish, making it a perfect appetizer or party snack that can be easily shared among friends and family.

Is Making Garlic Butter Pizza Bread at Home Cost-Effective?

This garlic butter pull apart pizza bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using a bread loaf as the base, combined with pantry staples like butter, garlic, and pizza sauce, keeps costs low. Fresh red onion, tomato, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese add flavor without breaking the bank. Mini pepperoni and Italian herbs complete the dish. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $12-$15 for a household of 4 people.

Is This Cheesy Garlic Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?

This garlic butter pull apart pizza bread recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
The bread itself, depending on the type used, may be made with refined flour, lacking in fiber and nutrients.
The pizza sauce, if store-bought, could contain added sugars and preservatives.
Pepperoni is a processed meat high in sodium and saturated fat.
The recipe calls for a generous amount of cheese, which can be high in saturated fat and calories.

However, this indulgent treat can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for a whole grain or whole wheat bread loaf to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil.
Use a homemade pizza sauce made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and minimal added salt or sugar.
Replace the pepperoni with sliced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
Use a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, or decrease the amount of cheese used overall.
Add more fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and nutrients.
Serve the pull apart bread with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more vegetables to your plate.

Editor's Opinion on Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

This garlic butter pull apart pizza bread is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of melted garlic butter, savory pizza sauce, and a medley of toppings like onions, tomatoes, and mini pepperoni creates a mouthwatering experience. The use of mozzarella cheese and Italian herbs adds a rich, aromatic finish. Baking it to a perfect crunch ensures a satisfying bite every time. This recipe is both visually appealing and delicious, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Enhance Your Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Caprese Salad: Imagine a vibrant Caprese Salad to complement your garlic butter pull apart pizza bread. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze, will add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy bread.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Pair your appetizer with some Stuffed Mushrooms. These bite-sized delights, filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, will provide a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Antipasto Skewers: Elevate your spread with Antipasto Skewers. These colorful skewers, featuring olives, cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella balls, offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Bruschetta: Serve up some Bruschetta alongside your bread. The crispy baguette slices topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil will add a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch.

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar Salad can be a great addition to your meal. The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing will provide a refreshing and satisfying complement to the rich, cheesy bread.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Transform your classic breadsticks into a cheesy, garlicky delight. Perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying on their own, these breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser.

Stuffed Pizza Rolls: Imagine bite-sized rolls filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce. These stuffed pizza rolls are perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer.

Caprese Pull-Apart Bread: A twist on the traditional Caprese salad, this pull-apart bread features layers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Bread: Combine the creamy goodness of spinach artichoke dip with a crusty loaf of bread. This pull-apart version is perfect for sharing and dipping.

Buffalo Chicken Pull-Apart Bread: Spice things up with this buffalo chicken pull-apart bread. Loaded with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese, it's a game-day favorite.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Garlic Butter Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich Alfredo sauce. The sauce, made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, coats every strand of fettuccine perfectly. Add a touch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Beef Wellington: Experience the elegance of a classic dish that features a tender beef fillet encased in a golden puff pastry. The beef is first seared to lock in the juices, then coated with a layer of mushroom duxelles and prosciutto. The entire assembly is wrapped in puff pastry and baked to perfection. Serve with a red wine reduction and roasted vegetables for a meal that is both impressive and delicious.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a rich, molten chocolate center encased in a delicate, fluffy cake. This dessert is a symphony of textures, with a crispy outer layer giving way to a gooey, warm core. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. The contrast between the hot cake and the cold ice cream creates a delightful experience for the palate. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries to elevate the presentation.

Tiramisu: Dive into layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese in this classic Italian dessert. Each bite offers a perfect balance of bitterness from the coffee and sweetness from the cream. The cocoa powder dusting on top adds a touch of richness and visual appeal. For a modern twist, consider adding a hint of orange zest or a splash of liqueur to the mix. Serve chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together, and garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprig of mint for an elegant finish.

Why trust this Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe:

This recipe for garlic butter pull apart pizza bread is a surefire hit for any gathering. The combination of melted butter and crushed garlic creates an irresistible aroma, while the pizza sauce, mini pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese deliver classic pizza flavors in every bite. The basil leaves and Italian herbs add a fresh, aromatic touch. Easy to prepare and bake, this dish is perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Want to share your experience making this Garlic Butter Pizza Pull Apart Bread Recipe? Head over to the Baking and Desserts section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you like. A sourdough loaf or a French baguette would work great too.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread with all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

What can I use instead of mini pepperoni?

You can use regular pepperoni slices, chopped ham, or even cooked sausage. Feel free to get creative with your toppings.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap any leftovers in aluminum foil and store them in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or any other pizza toppings you love.