Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Pizza Bread combines a soft, golden crust with a rich garlic butter sauce and gooey, melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this irresistible recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether for a casual family night or a gathering with friends, this pizza bread is sure to steal the show.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Roll out the dough into a 12–14 inch circle or rectangle on parchment paper.
- Brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Pizza Bread:
- Slide the parchment paper with the prepared dough onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice into pieces, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.
- Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast-based recipes.
- Freeze the Dough: Freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired