
Everyone in my house goes wild for this Pepperoni Cheesy Bread. You get stretchy mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, all packed onto a toasted hoagie roll. Making this is a breeze and it’s awesome as a snack, a side, or to kick off a party. If it’s game night or you just want something tasty, this cheesy bread disappears fast. Serve it next to some marinara sauce and you’ll be hooked—trust me, nobody can stop at just one piece.
INGREDIENTS
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for serving): Dip your slices right in for a zesty, tangy touch that goes so well with all that cheese.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni: Let these get crisp in the oven for a savory, slightly spicy punch.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Gives things a salty, bold edge next to the mozzarella.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melt it on top—it’s what gets all gooey and awesome.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a bit of heat, but it’s totally your call.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Garlic and salt vibes in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This brings in that classic herby lift.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Slick some on the bread so it won’t dry out and it’ll crisp up nicely.
- 2 large hoagie rolls: This is your foundation—they go golden on the outside but stay soft in the middle.
VARIATIONS
- Turn Up the Heat: Splash on hot sauce or extra pepper flakes if you like things spicy.
- Try Garlic Butter: Brush with garlicky butter just as it comes out of the oven for more depth.
- Skip the Meat: If you don’t do meat, throw on sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers—whatever veggie mix you love.
- All the Meats: Crank it up with bacon, sausage, or some ham along with your pepperoni for a total meat feast.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 5:
- Take it out and just let things chill for a couple minutes. Now rip off a chunk, dip it in warm sauce, and dig in!
- Step 4:
- Set the bread on a baking tray. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and things look golden. If you want extra crunch, flip on the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just don’t walk away or it’ll burn fast.
- Step 3:
- Lay on the mozzarella, toss the pepperoni on, then add the Parmesan—don’t be shy about coverage.
- Step 2:
- Mix olive oil, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper (if you want heat) in a bowl. Slather this all over the cut-up hoagie—make sure you get in the grooves.
- Step 1:
- Fire up your oven to 350°F. Slice the hoagies into fat pieces but don’t cut all the way through. Keep them together so it stays like one big loaf that pulls apart later.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Eat this cheesy bread hot for that gooey cheese pull—don’t forget a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dunking. It’s an epic bite for any hangout or get-together.
- Got leftovers? Pop them in a tight container and chill for max two days. When you want another round, heat them in your oven at 350°F for five to seven minutes. That’ll bring the crunch back.
- This bread’s awesome on its own or serves up great next to soup, pasta, or even a salad. It’s pretty much good next to anything.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Grate your own cheese for melty, perfect results. Trust me, it makes all the difference."
- Chef Guy Fieri: "Brush on garlic butter at the end—you’ll thank me for that flavor bomb."
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "After it’s baked, toss some fresh basil or parsley on top. Gives it a fresher, next-level taste."