Description
Craving a quick and cheesy comfort food idea that doubles as a delicious dinner or a party snack? This Homemade Pepperoni Garlic Bread combines the best of both worlds—gooey mozzarella, rich marinara, and crispy pepperoni layered on buttery garlic bread. It’s one of the easiest dinner ideas you’ll find, perfect for busy weeknights, movie nights, or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an easy recipe for kids, or simply new food ideas to spice up your routine, this garlic bread pizza hybrid is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
1 large loaf French bread
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
25 slices pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing edges)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both bread halves.
5. Spoon and spread marinara sauce over the buttered bread.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Add pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese.
8. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Broil on high for 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley.
12. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the butter soften before mixing to spread it smoothly across the bread.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
Don’t overload with sauce—just a thin layer is enough to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of full loaf)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic bread, pizza snack, party food, pepperoni bread