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Pepperoni Cheesy Bread

Pepperoni Cheesy Bread is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Made with hoagie rolls, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and pepperoni, this bread bakes up golden and crispy while remaining gooey and cheesy on the inside. The added flavor from Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and a touch of red pepper flakes gives it a savory, spicy kick. It’s an ideal dish for game days, family gatherings, or as a fun snack for kids. Pair it with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, and you'll have a delicious, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

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Updated on Sat, 28 Dec 2024 00:25:41 GMT
A large sub-style sandwich topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and slice pepperoni, served on a dark baking tray.
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A large sub-style sandwich topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and slice pepperoni, served on a dark baking tray. Pin it
A large sub-style sandwich topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and slice pepperoni, served on a dark baking tray. | quickierecipe.com

This Pepperoni Cheesy Bread is a family favorite, combining the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella with crispy pepperoni atop a toasty hoagie roll. It's quick and easy to make, perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or just want a fun treat for the family, this cheesy bread will be devoured in minutes. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, and you have an irresistible dish that everyone will love.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 large hoagie rolls: These form the perfect base for the cheesy topping, crisping up in the oven while staying soft inside.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brush the bread, adding flavor and helping it crisp up nicely.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a savory herb flavor to the bread, complementing the cheese and pepperoni.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt: A punch of garlic flavor with just the right amount of saltiness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the bread a slight kick of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star of this dish.
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni: Crisps up in the oven, adding a savory and slightly spicy element to the cheesy bread.
  • Marinara or pizza sauce (for serving): Perfect for dipping, adding a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy bread.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PEPPERONI CHEESY BREAD

  • Gooey and Cheesy: Loaded with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, this bread is irresistibly cheesy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
  • Crispy and Savory: The combination of crispy pepperoni and toasty hoagie rolls creates a delightful contrast in textures.
  • Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or just need a snack, this Pepperoni Cheesy Bread is versatile and always a hit.
  • Great for Sharing: The pull-apart style makes it fun to share, and it pairs perfectly with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

VARIATIONS

  • Meat Lovers: Add sausage, ham, or bacon along with the pepperoni for a meat-lovers version.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and load the bread with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
  • Spicy Twist: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the bread with garlic butter right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the two hoagie rolls into 2-inch wide portions, but leave them attached in the middle to form a loaf-like base. This allows for easy pull-apart pieces when the cheesy bread is baked.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Brush the mixture generously over the top and into the cuts of the hoagie rolls, making sure the flavors seep into the bread.
Step 3:
Top the hoagie rolls evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni slices, and then sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 4:
Place the prepared hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy and golden. For an extra crisp, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5:
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your delicious Pepperoni Cheesy Bread!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve this Pepperoni Cheesy Bread warm with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or family gatherings.
  • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
  • This cheesy bread also makes a great side dish for pasta dishes, soups, or salads. It’s versatile and pairs well with almost anything.

Helpful Notes

  • You can switch up the toppings by adding different meats like sausage, ham, or even bacon for a meat-lovers version.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the pepperoni and load up the bread with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
  • For an extra cheesy experience, mix cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Bobby Flay: “Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor—it makes a big difference in texture and taste.”
  • Chef Guy Fieri: “Try adding a drizzle of garlic butter on top right before serving for that extra kick of flavor!”
  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “To elevate this dish, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top after baking for a fresh, aromatic finish.”

A baked bread dish topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, served in a black baking tray. Pin it
A baked bread dish topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, served in a black baking tray. | quickierecipe.com

Appetizers

Pepperoni Cheesy Bread is the ultimate appetizer, packed with melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and a golden, toasty hoagie base. Serve it with marinara for dipping and watch it disappear!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 large hoagie rolls.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
04 1 teaspoon garlic salt.
05 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
06 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
07 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
08 1/2 cup pepperoni.
09 Marinara or pizza sauce (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Cut the hoagie rolls into 2-inch wide portions but leave them attached in the middle to form a loaf-like base.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Brush the mixture onto the bread, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.

Step 04

Top the bread with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 05

Place the prepared bread in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

Step 06

Serve hot with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. This Pepperoni Cheesy Bread is a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s easy to make and always a hit with the family. Gooey, cheesy, and full of crispy pepperoni, it pairs beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping.
  2. It’s great for game days, parties, or even a fun snack for the family.
  3. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 15 g