Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Meat Lovers Pizza Bread! This crowd-pleasing creation combines the hearty, savory goodness of a meat lovers pizza with the comforting, pull-apart texture of fresh bread. It’s the perfect solution for game day gatherings, family movie nights, or anytime you’re craving something indulgently satisfying.
What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, shareable treat that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (when it actually comes together in just about 45 minutes). The golden, cheesy exterior gives way to a tender center packed with all your favorite pizza meats and that classic pizza flavor we all crave.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time with big flavor payoff – ready in just 45 minutes!
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and meats
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or family with minimal effort
- More interactive and fun than traditional pizza – great for kids and adults alike
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for next-day enjoyment
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 jar pizza sauce, divided
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 oz thin-sliced pepperoni (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large non-stick skillet, cook ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt until browned, stirring frequently to break up the meat. Drain any excess fat.
- Let the cooked beef cool slightly, then stir in 1/3 cup of pizza sauce. Mix well and set aside.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a baking sheet with shallow sides. Gently stretch the dough if needed to form a rectangle.
- Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce down the center of the dough in a strip, leaving plenty of dough on both sides for braiding.
- Over the sauce, layer the provolone cheese slices, pepperoni, seasoned ground beef mixture, and finally the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 1-inch wide strips down both sides of the dough toward the filling, leaving the filling area intact. Alternately bring strips from each side up and over the filling to create a braided appearance.
- Brush the braided dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon oregano.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and baked through. Meanwhile, heat the remaining pizza sauce for dipping.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the heated pizza sauce as a dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meats and load up with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions instead.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before baking.
- For a crispier bread, pre-toast the bread halves for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Try different cheese combinations – add provolone, cheddar, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep ahead by chopping all toppings and storing them in the refrigerator up to a day in advance.
- For a pull-apart version, make deep crosswise cuts in the bread before adding toppings, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Bread with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. A small bowl of extra warm pizza sauce on the side makes for perfect dipping, especially for the edge pieces.
For a complete game day spread, pair with some garlic knots, buffalo wings, and a veggie platter to give your guests plenty of options to choose from.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through (microwave works but may make the bread soggy).
- The bread is done when cheese is completely melted and edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Pat meat toppings dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture.
FAQs
Can I make this with homemade pizza dough instead of bread?
Yes! You can certainly use homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Roll it out into a rectangle, add toppings, roll up like a stromboli, and adjust baking time to ensure the dough cooks through.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with sauce, and if using vegetables, pre-cook them briefly to remove excess moisture. The garlic butter layer also helps create a barrier between the bread and sauce.
Can I freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Bread?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
A sturdy Italian or French bread loaf works best as it can hold up to the toppings without falling apart. Avoid very soft or airy breads that might collapse under the weight of the ingredients.
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