Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Just roll it to about ½-inch thickness and cut into similar-sized pieces as the canned biscuits would be. You may need to adjust baking time slightly.

What if I don't have mini pepperoni?

Regular-sized pepperoni works fine – just chop it into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the layers. You could also use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or bacon as alternatives.

Can I make this in a different shaped pan?

Yes! A round cake pan or bundt pan works well for a different presentation. Just adjust the arrangement of the biscuit stacks to fit your pan shape, and watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.

Why is my bread doughy in the middle?

This typically happens when the bread is too tightly packed or not baked long enough. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and don't hesitate to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed. Every oven is different!

Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Name: Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (8-count) buttermilk biscuits; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mini pepperoni, plus more for topping; pizza sauce, warmed, for dipping; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

This irresistible Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread transforms simple buttermilk biscuits into a cheesy, garlicky masterpiece that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Layered with melted cheese and mini pepperonis, then baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes but disappears in seconds. Perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you need a simple yet satisfying treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Uses store-bought biscuits as the base, making this recipe practically foolproof.
Customizable: The basic format lets you swap in your favorite cheese combinations or add different toppings to suit your taste.
Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart format makes this bread ideal for gatherings where everyone can tear off their own piece.
Kid-Friendly: What child (or adult) can resist the combination of bread, cheese, and pepperoni? It’s like pizza in a whole new format!
Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and garlicky – this recipe hits all the comfort food notes without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buttermilk Biscuits: The foundation of our pull-apart bread. They bake up fluffy inside while developing a perfect golden crust.
Butter: Creates the rich, flavorful base for our garlic spread and helps each layer get that irresistible golden finish.
Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic flavor that makes this bread utterly impossible to resist.
Parsley: Brings a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich cheese and pepperoni.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic stretchy, mild cheese pull we all love.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy depth of flavor to complement the milder mozzarella.
Mini Pepperoni: These little flavor bombs distribute pepperoni goodness throughout every layer. Their smaller size works perfectly for this recipe.
Pizza Sauce: The perfect dipping companion, adding moisture and that classic pizza flavor to each bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these creative twists:

Italian Herb: Add dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the butter mixture for an herby kick.
Spicy Version: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for those who like heat.
Veggie Option: Replace pepperoni with finely chopped bell peppers, olives, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Breakfast Pull-Apart: Use breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs instead of pepperoni for a morning variation.
BBQ Chicken: Substitute shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for the pepperoni and use a mix of cheddar and Gouda cheese.

How to Make Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×5-inch loaf pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. This mixture will become the flavorful base that coats every layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheese in a separate bowl. Set aside about ¼ cup for topping the bread later.

Step 4: Separate and Layer the Biscuits

Take each biscuit and carefully split it into two layers. Then dip each piece into the garlic butter mixture until completely coated. Sprinkle with about a tablespoon of cheese mixture and top with a heaping tablespoon of mini pepperonis.

Step 5: Stack and Arrange

As you prepare each layer, stack them on top of each other. Create two stacks of 8 layers each. Then place these stacks horizontally in your prepared loaf pan, fitting them snugly from one end to the other.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, top with your reserved cheese and extra pepperoni, then bake for another 25 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool for a few minutes, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve warm with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Separate Biscuits Carefully: Pull the biscuits apart gently to avoid tearing them too much – this helps maintain their structure.
Don’t Skip the Foil: The initial covered baking time prevents the top from getting too brown before the inside is cooked.
Quality Matters: Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Distribution is Key: Make sure to spread the pepperoni and cheese evenly throughout the layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the bread is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center – it should come out clean without any raw dough.

How to Serve

This pull-apart bread truly shines when served fresh from the oven while the cheese is still gloriously melty. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Dipping Options

Warm pizza sauce is classic, but marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter also make fantastic companions.

Side Pairings

Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette or serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a hearty meal.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, place the entire loaf on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of various dipping sauces and let guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops nicely as it sits!

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked bread for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as good.

For make-ahead prep, you can assemble the entire loaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Just roll it to about ½-inch thickness and cut into similar-sized pieces as the canned biscuits would be. You may need to adjust baking time slightly.
What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?

Regular-sized pepperoni works fine – just chop it into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the layers. You could also use cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or bacon as alternatives.
Can I make this in a different shaped pan?

Yes! A round cake pan or bundt pan works well for a different presentation. Just adjust the arrangement of the biscuit stacks to fit your pan shape, and watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.
Why is my bread doughy in the middle?

This typically happens when the bread is too tightly packed or not baked long enough. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and don’t hesitate to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed. Every oven is different!

Final Thoughts

This Pepperoni Pull Apart Bread brings together everything we love about pizza in a fun, shareable format that’s bound to become a regular request in your household. The combination of buttery biscuits, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni creates something truly magical that transcends the simplicity of its ingredients. Give it a try for your next gathering – just be prepared to share the recipe, because everyone will ask for it!