If you love the irresistible flavors of pizza but want something fun and shareable, the Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish transforms a simple loaf of bread into a melty, saucy, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for gatherings, snacks, or even a cozy night in. Each bite offers that classic blend of tomato, garlic, and gooey mozzarella tucked between crisp breadsticks, making it impossible to stop at just one slice. Get ready to fall in love with this easy-to-make and incredibly satisfying treat that brings all the best parts of pizza into a loaf you can pull apart with your hands!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients — nothing too fancy but everything essential to deliver amazing flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma. Each helps build layers of taste, from the tangy tomato paste to the fresh basil finishing touch.
- 6 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that anchors the sauce.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the thickness of the tomato paste for perfect spreading consistency.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and adds subtle fruity notes.
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped: Provides that classic savory punch, essential for pizza flavor.
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Gives a fragrant herbaceous layer echoing traditional pizza tastes.
- 1 rectangular loaf white bread, unsliced: The sturdy base that transforms into pull-apart sticks, perfect for holding all the toppings.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing): Helps crisp up the bread’s surface with a golden finish.
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy top layer.
- Torn basil leaves, to taste: A fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), placing the rack in the middle position for even cooking. Line a 5 x 9-inch (13 x 23 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving enough paper hanging over two sides — this will make lifting the bread out a breeze once it’s baked.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Tomato Sauce
In a bowl, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended. This vibrant sauce is the heart of the Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe, setting the stage for all the delicious flavors to come.
Step 3: Slice the Bread into Sticks
Place the loaf on a clean work surface. Using a sharp bread knife, cut the bread vertically into 1-inch thick sticks. This cutting method allows you to stuff the cheese in between the sticks and gives the bread its iconic pull-apart texture once baked.
Step 4: Layer Sauce and Cheese
Brush the bottom half of each breadstick generously with your prepared tomato sauce. Then, arrange the sticks upright in the lined loaf pan, shaping them to recreate the original loaf shape. Stuff gooey, grated mozzarella into the gaps between each stick, ensuring every pull reveals a cheesy delight.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the entire surface of the arranged breadsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Pop the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bread develops a lovely golden-brown color and the cheese is melted to perfection. Just before serving, sprinkle torn basil leaves across the top for a fragrant, fresh finish.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of fresh basil leaves after baking to introduce a burst of color and herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and tomato. For an extra flavor kick, try sprinkling a pinch of chili flakes on top for some heat or drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for a sweet tang.
Side Dishes
This pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For heartier meals, consider serving it alongside a bowl of tomato soup or your favorite pasta for a true Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Set the loaf on a rustic wooden board to emphasize its pull-apart charm and encourage sharing. Surround it with small bowls of marinara dipping sauce and garlic butter to add fun, interactive elements. Alternatively, cut the breadsticks before baking for individual servings perfect for parties or game-day snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), wrap the cooled Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked loaf by wrapping it securely in foil followed by plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. To enjoy later, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy or chewy, diminishing the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will add a nuttier flavor and a denser texture, which pairs nicely with the flavors in this Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe. Just ensure the loaf is sturdy enough to hold the cheese and sauce.
What cheeses work best in this recipe besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for melty goodness, but you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles. Mixing cheeses can create even more depth and interest.
Can I add toppings like pepperoni or veggies?
Definitely! Small slices of pepperoni or bits of bell pepper, olives, or mushrooms tucked between the breadsticks add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload so it still pulls apart easily.
Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
For the tomato sauce, dried oregano works best as it infuses deeper flavor when cooked. Use fresh basil as a garnish after baking where its bright, herbal notes really shine.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the cheeses for vegan mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives and use a vegan-friendly bread to keep the same pull-apart effect. The tomato sauce is naturally vegan, so you’ll still get all the amazing pizza flavors!
Final Thoughts
Pulling apart a warm, gooey loaf of the Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe brings so much joy to the table — it’s a simple, comforting dish that feels festive and special all at once. Whether you’re serving it for a casual bite or a party starter, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone races to grab first. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your favorite homemade snacks or appetizers!
Print
Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring a crusty white bread loaf sliced into sticks, filled with a flavorful tomato garlic sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to a golden finish and topped with Parmesan and fresh basil, this recipe combines the joy of pizza flavors in a fun, shareable format.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
- 6 tbsp (90 ml) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main
- 1 rectangular loaf white bread, unsliced
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Torn basil leaves, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Place an oven rack in the middle position and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 5 x 9-inch (13 x 23 cm) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over two opposite sides for easy bread removal.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, water, olive oil, finely chopped garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Slice the Bread: On a clean work surface, use a bread knife to cut the rectangular bread loaf vertically into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick breadsticks. Take care to cut slices evenly for best results.
- Assemble the Breadsticks: Brush the bottom half of each breadstick generously with the prepared tomato sauce. Begin arranging the breadsticks inside the parchment-lined pan in their original loaf shape as you work.
- Fill and Season: Stuff grated mozzarella cheese between the breadsticks, ensuring the cheese fills gaps and melts during baking. Brush the top surface of the arranged breadsticks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Finish: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove from the oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- The tomato sauce can be adjusted in consistency by varying the amount of water to suit preference.
- Using fresh basil adds the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if necessary.
- Ensure the bread loaf is unsliced to allow for even pulling apart after baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or between breadsticks.
- Serve warm for the best experience as the cheese will be gooey and the bread soft yet crusty.
