The Taste Magazine
About the Recipe
Golden, buttery, and dripping with melted cheese, this homemade pizza bread captures all the joy of a pizzeria appetizer — tender inside, toasted at the edges, and brushed with a rich garlic butter before being smothered in gooey mozzarella. Serve it hot with a bright tomato-basil dip or a drizzle of herbed olive oil.
Ingredients
For the Bread Base
· 1½ cups all-purpose flour
· ¾ teaspoon salt
· 2 teaspoons sugar
· 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
· ½ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
· 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
For the Garlic Butter
· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
· ½ teaspoon dried oregano
· ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
· ½ teaspoon coarse salt
For the Toppings
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
· 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
· 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or basil
Preparation
1. Make the Dough
1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Pizza Bread
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Punch down the dough and shape it into an oval or rectangle about ½ inch thick.
3. Place it on a parchment-lined baking tray or preheated pizza stone. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter
1. Combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Brush generously over the top of the dough, reserving a little for post-bake finishing.
4. Add the Cheeses
1. Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmigiano.
2. Sprinkle evenly across the top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Bake to Perfection
1. Bake on the middle rack for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the underside of the bread is lightly crisped.
2. Once removed from the oven, brush with the remaining garlic butter and scatter chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness.
6. Serve
Slice into wide strips or easy shareable wedges.Enjoy hot with Tomato-Basil Marinara or Creamy Garlic Ranch Dip (from your Signature Dipping Collection).
✨ Andrea’s Kitchen Tip
· If you love crisp edges, preheat your baking sheet before laying the dough on it.
· For a smoky flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the garlic butter.
To make it extra indulgent, layer a few slices of pepperoni or roasted red pepper under the cheese.