Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread: A Delicious Twist on Classic Pizza

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, gooey, melty goodness of pizza. But imagine combining that indulgent flavor with the tangy richness of homemade sourdough bread. That’s the magic behind Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread, a treat that brings together the best of both worlds. If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a bread that’s as flavorful as your favorite pizza, this is your recipe.

This bread has everything you love about pizza—mozzarella, pepperoni, and a sprinkling of Italian seasoning—wrapped up in a soft, chewy sourdough base. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s the perfect way to impress your family or guests with your baking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a loaf that’s sure to be the star of your kitchen.

Let’s dive into why Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread should be your next baking project.

What Makes Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread So Special?

You might be wondering, what makes this bread so different from any other pizza-inspired loaf? Let’s break it down:

• Sourdough Starter: The magic starts with the sourdough starter. Sourdough gives this pizza bread an unmistakable tang and texture that you simply can’t replicate with regular yeast-based bread. It’s the sourdough’s long fermentation process that makes it rise and develop a richer, more complex flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the quintessential pizza cheese for a reason—it melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. In this recipe, the mozzarella not only adds flavor but also creates pockets of cheese within the dough, making every bite a cheesy delight.
• Pepperoni: The pepperoni slices, cut into quarters, are scattered throughout the dough, infusing the bread with their savory, slightly spicy taste. This adds that classic pizza flavor you love, but in every slice of bread.
• Italian Seasoning: The blend of Italian herbs (think oregano, basil, and thyme) adds a savory, aromatic touch that complements the cheese and pepperoni perfectly. It’s like adding a hint of pizza seasoning into every bite.

By combining all these elements, this bread transforms into a pizza-inspired masterpiece that’s perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a meal on its own.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread

Before we get into the step-by-step process of making this cheesy, pepperoni-infused loaf, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. These are the key ingredients that will bring your pizza bread to life.

Key Ingredients for the Dough

• Active Sourdough Starter: You’ll need about 100 grams (or ½ cup) of a well-maintained sourdough starter. This will act as the leavening agent for your dough, making it rise and giving it that characteristic tang.
• Water: Use 350 grams (or 1½ cups) of water at room temperature. The water will help activate the sourdough starter and hydrate the flour, creating a dough that’s easy to work with.
• All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need 500 grams (or 5 cups) of unbleached all-purpose flour. This flour will give your dough the right texture and structure, ensuring it rises properly.
• Italian Seasoning and Salt: 3 grams (1 tablespoon) of Italian seasoning and 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of salt will season the dough, enhancing the overall flavor of the bread.

Tasty Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Mozzarella Cheese: For a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll need 80 grams (1 cup) of grated mozzarella cheese. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella for the best results.
• Pepperoni: Use 45 grams (½ cup) of quartered pepperoni slices. Cutting the pepperoni into quarters ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough, so you get a perfect bite of pepperoni in every slice.

Ingredients Table:

Ingredient	Quantity
Active Sourdough Starter	100 grams (½ cup)
Water (room temperature)	350 grams (1½ cups)
All-Purpose Flour (unbleached)	500 grams (5 cups)
Grated Mozzarella Cheese	80 grams (1 cup)
Quartered Pepperoni Slices	45 grams (½ cup)
Italian Seasoning	3 grams (1 tablespoon)
Salt	10 grams (2 teaspoons)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread

Ready to get started? Here’s how you’ll make this amazing cheesy pepperoni sourdough pizza bread:

1. Preparing the Add-Ins

Before you begin mixing the dough, you’ll need to prepare your add-ins:

• Grate the Mozzarella: Use a box grater or food processor to grate 80 grams of fresh mozzarella cheese. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and creates that signature gooey texture inside the bread.
• Cut the Pepperoni: Slice your pepperoni into quarters. Cutting it into smaller pieces helps it distribute evenly throughout the dough.

2. Mixing the Dough

Now, it’s time to mix your dough:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, room-temperature water, flour, mozzarella, and salt. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or your hands until it starts to come together into a rough dough.
2. Add the Pepperoni: Once your dough is somewhat formed, add in half of the quartered pepperoni. Scatter the pepperoni evenly throughout the dough, ensuring it’s not clumped together. Stir gently to incorporate.
3. Final Mixing: Add the rest of the pepperoni and mix the dough until it forms a shaggy, slightly sticky texture. You might need to use your hands to knead the dough slightly, but don’t overwork it.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period will allow the flour to hydrate and the dough to relax, making it easier to shape later on.

3. Stretch and Fold Process (First Round)

Now that the dough has rested, it’s time to give it some structure:

1. Stretch and Fold: With wet hands or a dough scraper, gently stretch the dough from one edge and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat this process until the dough forms a rough square shape.
2. Rest Again: Cover the dough and let it rest for another 30 minutes. This resting period will help with gluten development and improve the texture of the final bread.

4. Repeat the Stretch and Fold Process

Repeat the stretch and fold process two more times, each followed by a 30-minute rest. This will ensure that the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which is key to getting that perfect bread texture.

5. Bulk Fermentation

After completing the stretch and fold process, cover your dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size. The exact timing will depend on the strength of your starter and the ambient temperature, so keep an eye on it.

6. Second Rise (Overnight Proof)

Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it:

1. Shape the Dough: Gently shape the dough into a ball or oval shape, depending on the size and shape of your proofing basket or banneton.
2. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the dough in a well-floured banneton, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight for at least 12 hours. This slow fermentation process will help develop the flavor even more.

Baking the Dough: The Final Step

Now that your dough has had time to rest and rise, it’s time to bake it!

1. Preheat the Oven

Place a Dutch oven in your oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Preheating the Dutch oven will help create a perfect, crusty exterior for your bread.

2. Score the Dough

Remove the dough from the fridge and transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the top of the dough. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking.

3. Bake the Bread

Carefully place the dough (with parchment paper) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid and bake for 55 minutes. After 55 minutes, remove the lid to allow the crust to brown. If the crust isn’t golden enough, bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered.

4. Cool Before Slicing

Once the bread is golden brown and fully baked, transfer it to a cooling rack and let it cool for at least one hour before slicing. This cooling period ensures that the texture inside the bread sets properly.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sourdough Pizza Bread

Want to make your Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread even better? Here are some tips:

1. Ensure a Healthy Starter

The key to a successful sourdough bread is a healthy, active starter. Make sure you’ve fed your starter 4-6 hours before you plan to use it, and it should be bubbly and full of life.

2. Adjust Dough Hydration

If your dough feels too dry or too sticky, feel free to adjust the water-to-flour ratio slightly. Every environment and flour brand is different, so don’t be afraid to make minor adjustments. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

3. Customize Your Add-Ins

Feel free to add extra flavor to the bread. Try adding olives, roasted garlic, or even a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a store-bought sourdough starter for this recipe?

• Absolutely! Just ensure that your starter is active and bubbly before using it. If you don’t have a starter, you can also make your own.

2. How long does the dough need to rest before baking?

• After the bulk fermentation (4-6 hours), allow the dough to proof in the fridge overnight for at least 12 hours. This slow rise is essential for developing the flavor and texture.

3. Can I substitute mozzarella cheese with another type of cheese?

• Yes, although mozzarella is ideal for its meltability, you can try using other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I freeze the dough or baked bread?

• Both the dough and the finished bread can be frozen. If freezing dough, allow it to thaw and rise before baking. Baked bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: Savor the Perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread

There you have it! Your very own Cheesy Pepperoni Sourdough Pizza Bread, made from scratch with love and patience. This recipe brings together the satisfying flavors of pizza and the delightful texture of sourdough bread, creating a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, why not give it a try? The next time you’re in the mood for something special, bake this cheesy, savory bread and watch your family or guests savor every bite.

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