Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread

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This Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread is what snack dreams are made of. Crunchy edges, soft fluffy centers, gooey mozzarella, zesty sauce, and crisped pepperoni slices on top – every bite delivers pizza vibes in garlic bread form. Whether you’re prepping a weekend snack board, needing a quick dinner idea, or feeding game-day guests, this recipe fits the bill.

What makes this pepperoni garlic bread stand out is how quickly it comes together while tasting like you spent hours on it. No dough to roll, no fussing over toppings – just a crusty loaf of bread, flavorful garlic butter, and a few pizza-night staples. Best part? It’s totally customizable.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Go with a sturdy, crusty loaf like French bread or Italian bread. These hold their shape well once sliced and baked, and the airy interior is perfect for soaking up garlic butter. Avoid sandwich bread or super soft loaves that will fall apart under the weight of sauce and cheese.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread

French or Italian bread: The base of the recipe. Choose something crusty and wide enough to hold toppings.

Garlic butter: A mix of melted butter and minced garlic adds rich flavor. You can stir in a little Italian seasoning or parsley too.

Pizza sauce or marinara: This brings that classic pizza tang. Spread a light layer to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded low-moisture mozzarella for ideal melt and stretch.

Pepperoni slices: The star of the show! Layer generously for bold flavor and crispy edges.

Parmesan (optional): A sprinkle adds a salty finish and browns beautifully.

Parsley or Italian seasoning: For garnish and that herby aroma.

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How To Make the Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Slice your loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic. You can add a dash of Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a kick. Brush this mixture generously over the cut sides of the bread.

Step 3: Add Sauce

Spoon a thin layer of pizza sauce or marinara over the garlic-buttered bread. Don’t overload it, or your bread could turn soggy.

Step 4: Pile on the Cheese

Sprinkle a thick layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Make sure to get all the way to the edges for those irresistible cheesy bites.

Step 5: Layer the Pepperoni

Top the cheese with slices of pepperoni. Overlapping a bit is okay—they’ll shrink and crisp up as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the edges of the bread are crisp.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or extra Italian seasoning. Slice into pieces and serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store This Bread

Serve this garlic bread hot and fresh out of the oven for maximum gooeyness. It pairs perfectly with a crisp salad, a bowl of soup, or as a hearty game-day appetizer. If you’re serving a crowd, slice the bread into smaller pieces for easy grabbing.

To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to regain the crispy edges. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread chewy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of pepperoni?

Try sliced salami, cooked sausage, or even mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap it well so the bread doesn’t dry out.

Can I freeze pepperoni garlic bread?

Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella is a must for stretch and melt, but feel free to add provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or use hot pepperoni slices for an extra kick.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per tablespoon of butter if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.

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Want More Savory Bread Ideas?

If this cheesy, pepperoni-loaded garlic bread hit the spot, you might enjoy these other baked favorites too:

• Try the crowd-pleasing Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for a fluffy, savory twist.
• Need more garlic flavor? The One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gives you rich, garlicky satisfaction in pasta form.
• For a fun appetizer take, check out the Cheesy Taco Cupcakes – quick and easy for any party.
• Craving another comfort bite? The Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread delivers big flavor with minimal prep.
• Add some veggie flair with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack or dinner board so you can always find it later.

And if you give it a try, I want to hear about it! Did you swap out the pepperoni or use homemade marinara? Maybe you tossed in a sprinkle of crushed red pepper?

I love seeing your twists and spins on the classics. Snap a pic and tag me, or drop a comment with your results.

👉 Find more of my favorite quick meals and snack ideas on Pinterest – Life with Jam.

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