Pizza Bread

This one is inspired by one of my co-workers who brought in their famous, homemade pizza bread roll to share with me and my team after he spent a week training with us. It was so good, I wanted to try to re-create it on a larger, fluffier scale. This is such a great recipe to make for a party.

My friend's original recipe is super simple because you can buy all the components from the store then just assemble and bake. Right up my alley and maybe with my friend's permission, I will share his recipe someday! But I wanted to combine that inspiration with another recipe I posted not too long ago to give it more of a fresh baked bread feel. You can also use hot roll bread mix (Pillsbury) instead of making bread from scratch, as it will still create a similar consistency.

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Servings: Makes 2 loaves, each serving 12-18

Prep Time: 20 min

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbsp yeast

• 1/2 cup warm water (not scalding)

• 3 Tbsp sugar

• 2 tsp salt

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 2 cups hot water

• 6 1/2 cups flour

• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 packet pepperoni (about 1 cup)

• 1 Tbsp chopped oregano

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

• 1 tsp garlic powder

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in the 1/2 cup of warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, oil, hot water, and 3 cups of the flour. I used my stand mixer with the bread-hook attachment. Add yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine.

3. Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of flour to the mixture one cup at a time, thoroughly mixing between each addition. Continue to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Let sit in the bowl for 15 minutes.

4. Separate the dough into 2 equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a 9x13 inch rectangle.

5. On top of the dough, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese, oregano, and pepperoni (you can add more than what is called for depending on your taste). Make sure to divide the ingredients evenly between the two loaves.

6. Roll each rectangle of dough up like a jelly roll from the long end. Place the loafs on greased baking sheets or silicon mats, seam down.

7. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts on the top of the bread.

8. Let the loafs rise, uncovered, for 45 minutes in a warm place.

9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes, turning the baking sheets halfway through cooking.

10. Mix melted butter and garlic powder. As soon as you pull the bread out of the oven, baste with the butter/garlic mixture. Let cool for 5 minutes, slice and serve warm!