If you love pizza (and who doesn’t?), picture biting into warm, crusty bread loaded with gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings, all baked together in one golden, cheesy loaf. This Pizza in Bread dish is exactly what you need.
I like to think of it as “pizza’s cozy cousin.” It’s all the things you love about pizza—like the sauce, cheese, and smell—packed inside a loaf of bread. Great for parties, busy nights, or even a relaxing Sunday nibble.
This is the recipe I swear by after years of testing and tasting. It’s easy to make, tastes great, and every bite is full of real Italian flavor.
What is pizza in bread?
Pizza in bread, often known as stuffed pizza bread or pizza loaf, is a fun new way to enjoy pizza. Instead of using a pizza base, you wrap all your classic pizza ingredients — sauce, cheese, and toppings — inside bread dough or a ready-made loaf.
It’s like a cross between a calzone and garlic bread, with gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. Making it is easier than making pizza from scratch, yet it tastes just as good.
You may also use this recipe to use up leftovers by adding vegetables, meats, or any other toppings you have on hand. It’s fun, rustic, and can be changed in a million ways.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Pizza in Bread
You don’t need a pizza stone or other special gear; just an oven and some love will do.
Can be used as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer.
You can change it to fit your tastes by adding whatever toppings you choose.
Make Ahead: You can get it ready ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.
Cut it up and serve it for family meals or game nights. It’s great for sharing.
What You’ll Need
To make the best homemade pizza bread, you need the right amount of soft dough, thick sauce, and gooey cheese.
🍞 For the Bread (Dough) Measurement of Each Ingredient
All-purpose flour (or bread flour) Three and a half cups (450 g)
Water that is warm (about 100°F / 38°C) 1 ¼ cups (300 ml)
Instant yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough or a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery.
🍅 For the Pizza Filling:
Pizza sauce or tomato sauce ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese 1 ½ cups
¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and cooked pepperoni or sausage (optional) ½ cup of sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers ½ cup of garlic powder ½ teaspoon of dried oregano ½ tsp
Red pepper flakes that have been crushed To taste
Basil leaves that are still fresh A few, ripped
Olive oil (for brushing) 1 tablespoon
Instructions in Steps: How to Make Pizza in a Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If you’re creating the dough from scratch, the first thing you need to do is wake up the yeast.
Mix the sugar, yeast, and warm water together in a big bowl. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to get frothy.
Put in olive oil, salt, and flour. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about eight minutes, or until it is smooth and stretchy.
Put it in a greased basin, cover it with a wet cloth, and let it rise for an hour or until it is twice as big.
(If you’re using dough that you’ve already made, go to Step 2.)
Step 2: Get the Pizza Filling Ready
In a small bowl, blend tomato sauce with garlic powder, oregano, and a splash of olive oil.
This stage gives the sauce a deeper flavor and smell, almost like it has been cooked slowly.
Cut up your toppings. I like the classic trio of mushrooms, pepperoni, and bell peppers.
Put your cheese away. Add a little Parmesan to the mozzarella to make it taste better.
Step 3: Roll the dough out
When your dough has risen, gently punch it down to let the air out.
On a surface that has been lightly floured, roll it out into a big rectangle that is approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Make the margins a little thicker. That’s where the magic seals happen!
Step 4: Layer the Filling
Spread a thin, equal layer of pizza sauce across the dough, leaving approximately an inch around the edges.
Sprinkle mozzarella generously, followed by your choice toppings and a light sprinkling of Parmesan.
If you put too much filling in, it will pop open while it bakes.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log like you would a jelly roll.
To seal, pinch the edges tightly.
If you’re using pre-baked bread, like a baguette, cut it in half lengthwise, fill it with the ingredients, and press down gently to close.
Step 6: Second Rise (Not Required)
Let the rolled pizza bread sit for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats. This will make it fluffier.
Step 7: Put the Pizza Bread in the oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Put your roll on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. For that beautiful golden crust, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle some Parmesan or dried herbs on top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese inside is melted and bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Let it cool and cut it.
Before cutting, let the bread sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into thick, delicious slices.
You’ll witness the cheesy, saucy swirls that you just can’t resist.
Ideas for Serving
Cut it into rounds and serve it as an appetizer at a gathering.
You may dip it in marinara sauce or garlic butter.
You can eat it as a main dish with soup or salad on the side.
Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven – it tastes just as nice the next day.
How to Make the Best Pizza in Bread
Don’t put too much in. If you put on too many toppings, they can spill. Keep the layers even.
Use cheese that is still fresh. Fresh mozzarella melts better than cheese that has already been shredded.
Brush with Olive Oil. It helps the crust get a nice brown color.
Put herbs on top. A little bit of oregano or basil gives it that real Italian smell.
Let it cool down a bit. This prevents cheese from oozing out when slicing.
Choose between meat and vegetables. To make everyone happy, make two versions: one with veggies and one with pepperoni.
Try new things! Try different cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or gouda for fun variations.
Changes You’ll Love
Add minced garlic and butter to Garlic Cheese Pizza Bread to make it taste like garlic bread.
Stuffed Baguette Pizza: Take a crusty baguette, hollow it out, and fill it with toppings.
Pizza Bread Rolls: Roll up smaller pieces into pinwheels. These are great for snacks or lunch.
Whole Wheat Pizza Bread: For a healthier version with more fiber, use whole wheat flour.
Spicy Italian Pizza Loaf: For people who like heat, add chili flakes, spicy sausage, and jalapeños.
- Is it possible to create pizza bread without yeast? Yes! Instead of yeast, use 2 teaspoons of baking powder and skip the rising time. The texture will be more like quick bread, but it will still taste great.
- How can I keep bread with leftover pizza? Wrap tightly in foil or put in an airtight container and put in the fridge for up to three days. Put it back in the oven at 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Is it safe to freeze it? Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, wrap slices individually and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen.
- What’s the best cheese to use? Mozzarella is classic, but mixing it with cheddar or provolone adds extra flavor.
- Can I use pre-made dough? Yes — it saves time and still tastes great. Just make sure to let it rest at room temperature before rolling.
- Can I make it vegan? Of course! Use vegan cheese, olive oil, and your favorite plant-based toppings. Why This Recipe Works This pizza in bread recipe combines two of Italy’s best creations — crusty bread and cheesy pizza — into one mouthwatering bite.
The dough bakes beautifully golden, locking in the molten cheese and zesty tomato sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for every occasion — from family dinners to cozy nights in. And the best part? You can make it your own — simple Margherita-style or fully loaded with toppings. Either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Final Thoughts: Bake Love Into Every Slice 🍕 Cooking isn’t just about following steps — it’s about passion, creativity, and joy. This pizza in bread recipe brings all of that together in one glorious loaf. The smell alone — that blend of baked dough, melted cheese, and basil — will have everyone hovering in the kitchen. So the next time you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, skip delivery. Roll up your sleeves, make this pizza-in-bread magic, and share it with the people you love. Because when it comes to Italian food, simplicity and heart always win.
See Also: Pizza from Scratch Recipe | Authentic Homemade Italian Pie
Vinit Hirave is a passionate content writer for Pizzetteria Brunetti. A true pizza enthusiast, Vinit’s love for authentic flavors goes beyond the keyboard—he has hands-on experience working in a pizza shop, giving him a deep understanding of what makes a perfect slice. Through his writing, he shares stories, tips, and insights that reflect both his industry knowledge and his genuine affection for the art of pizza-making.