A Game Day Champion: Stromboli-Style Pepperoni Bread
There are some game day foods that are simply legendary. They’re the dishes that disappear the fastest, the ones people talk about long after the final whistle. This Pepperoni Bread is one of those legends. It’s a glorious, golden-brown loaf, absolutely jam-packed with layers of spicy pepperoni, gooey melted mozzarella, and a medley of savory veggies, all rolled up in a soft, chewy bread dough. Think of it as the glorious love child of a stromboli and your favorite pizza, made unbelievably easy.
This recipe has been in my game day playbook for years, and it is a certified, tried-and-true winner. The secret is the brilliant shortcut of using frozen bread dough. It saves you all the time and effort of making dough from scratch but still delivers that incredible, fresh-baked taste and texture. It’s not just a snack; it’s a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly impressive centerpiece for your Super Bowl spread. The moment you slice into that warm, cheesy loaf and the aroma of baked bread, pepperoni, and herbs fills the air, you’ll know you’ve got a hit on your hands.
Why This Pepperoni Bread is the Ultimate Party Food
This isn’t just bread; it’s the star of the party. It’s a guaranteed touchdown for any Super Bowl gathering or casual get-together. Here’s why:
- A Genius Shortcut for Homemade Taste: Using frozen bread dough is the key! You get the unbeatable taste and texture of freshly baked bread without any of the work of mixing or kneading.
- Packed with Pizza & Stromboli Flavors: Loaded with pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and all your favorite pizza toppings, this is a flavor combination that is universally loved by all.
- Incredibly Easy to Assemble: If you can roll out dough and layer on toppings, you can make this recipe! It’s a simple, fun, and foolproof process.
- A True Show-Stopper: A large, golden, beautifully baked loaf, sliced to reveal the incredible spiral of fillings, is a guaranteed “wow” moment when you set it on the table.
- Perfect for a Crowd: A single loaf can be sliced into many generous pieces, making it the ideal hearty appetizer to feed a hungry game day crowd.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 12 pieces |
| Calories | 296 kcal per piece |
| Course | Appetizer, Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Baking |
Your Shopping List for This Cheesy Masterpiece
This show-stopping loaf comes together with a handful of simple, powerful ingredients.
→ For the Bread & Filling
- 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough → Thawed according to package directions. This is our ultimate time-saving secret weapon!
- 2 large eggs → Separated into yolks and whites.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese → For a salty, nutty kick in our flavor paste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil → To enrich the paste.
- Herbs & Spices: 1 tsp minced fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ½ tsp garlic powder for that classic Italian flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper → For a little bit of spice.
- 8 ounces sliced pepperoni → The star of the show!
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese → For that perfect, gooey cheese pull.
- The Veggies: 1 can (4 oz) mushrooms, ¼ to ½ cup pickled pepper rings, 1 medium green pepper, and 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced ripe olives.
→ For Serving
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce → Warmed up for dipping!
Let’s Get Rolling! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create the most talked-about dish of the party? Let’s get to it!
Part 1: The Flavorful Assembly
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking sheet.
- Roll Out the Dough: On the greased baking sheet, roll out your thawed bread dough into a large 15×10-inch rectangle.
- Create the Flavor Paste: In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper. Use a pastry brush to spread this flavorful paste all over the surface of the dough.
- Layer the Fillings: Sprinkle the pepperoni slices in an even layer over the dough. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, drained mushrooms, pickled pepper rings, diced green pepper, and sliced olives.
Part 2: The Roll and Bake
- Roll it Up: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll up the dough, jelly-roll style, into a tight log. Pinch the final seam firmly to seal it shut and tuck the ends under the loaf.
- The Final Touches: Position the loaf with the seam side down on your baking sheet. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites and brush them all over the top and sides of the loaf. This will give it a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. It’s ready when it’s a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it.
- Serve: Let the pepperoni bread rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thick, generous pieces. Serve warm with a side of heated pizza sauce for dipping.
Stromboli-Style Pepperoni Bread with Frozen Bread Dough
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. On a greased baking sheet, roll out thawed dough into a 15×10-in. rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, oil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder and pepper. Brush this mixture over the dough.
- Sprinkle with the pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, pepper rings, green pepper and olives.
- Starting with a long side, roll up the dough jelly-roll style. Pinch the seam firmly to seal and tuck the ends under the loaf.
- Position the loaf seam-side down. Brush the top and sides with the lightly beaten egg whites.
- Bake until golden brown and the dough is cooked through, 35-40 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Warm the pizza sauce for serving.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Bread
These simple secrets will ensure your pull-apart bread is a flawless, flavorful triumph.
- Thaw Your Dough Properly. For the best results, let your frozen bread dough thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thaw will make it easy to roll out without it being too sticky or tough.
- Don’t Overload the Fillings. While it’s tempting to pack it with extra cheese and pepperoni, be mindful not to overstuff the roll. Too many fillings can make it difficult to roll tightly and may cause it to burst while baking.
- Pinch That Seam TIGHT! After you roll up the loaf, it is crucial to firmly pinch the long seam together. This prevents the loaf from unrolling and all that delicious, melty cheese from escaping in the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Egg White Wash. Brushing the loaf with egg whites before baking is what creates that beautiful, shiny, and perfectly golden-brown crust. It’s a simple step that makes a huge visual impact.
- Let it Rest Before Slicing. I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the hot loaf rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice into it is key. This allows the molten cheese to set up slightly, so you get beautiful, clean slices that hold their shape.
Keep It Fresh! Make-Ahead Instructions
This is the perfect make-ahead appetizer to save you stress on game day.
- Make-Ahead: You can fully assemble the entire loaf—rolled, sealed, and placed on the baking sheet—up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just before baking, remove the plastic wrap, brush with the egg whites, and bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs: Your Pepperoni Bread Questions, Answered!
Can I use pizza dough instead of bread dough?
Yes, absolutely! A 1-pound ball of store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic substitute and will result in a slightly chewier, more pizza-like crust. Just roll it out and proceed with the recipe as written.
Can I add different fillings?
Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Think of it like a stromboli. Crumbled Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, different cheeses like provolone, or any of your favorite pizza toppings would be delicious.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The best indicators are a deep, golden-brown color on the crust and a hollow sound when you tap on the top of the loaf. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be around 190-200°F.
What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, then slice it into 1- to 2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a large platter with a bowl of warm pizza or marinara sauce in the center for easy dipping.
Final Thoughts: The Centerpiece of Your Celebration
There is nothing more satisfying than serving a dish that is an interactive, communal experience that brings everyone together. This Stromboli-Style Pepperoni Bread is more than just an appetizer; it’s a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect, easy way to create a memorable and delicious centerpiece for any party. I hope it becomes the legendary star of all your future game days. Happy Hosting!
