Pizza Bread Recipe | Love With Recipes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Easy, < 4 Hours
Description
This delicious Pizza Bread is inspired by a beloved dish from the Pleasure Bar and Restaurant in the heart of Bloomfield, Pittsburgh. The restaurant, a local hangout during the 1960s and 70s, attracted Pittsburgh Penguins fans, although sightings of the players themselves were rare. Over time, this famous pizza bread was commercialized by Stouffer’s, but it never quite matched the original recipe. This homemade version brings back the taste of that nostalgic dish. The recipe allows you to start with an Italian loaf or make your own bread from scratch, resulting in a soft, flavorful base topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a snack or lunch, this pizza bread will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 1/4 cups | Warm water |
| 1 tablespoon | Granulated sugar |
| 2 teaspoons | Kosher salt |
| 14 cups | Unbleached all-purpose flour |
| 3 cups | Bread flour |
| 3 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| 2 cups | Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded) |
| 2-3 tablespoons | Fresh oregano, chopped |
| 2-4 tablespoons | Fresh basil, chopped |
| – | Marinara sauce (your favorite) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 970.3 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6g |
| Cholesterol | 46.8mg |
| Sodium | 2243.4mg |
| Carbohydrates | 163.2g |
| Fiber | 9.2g |
| Sugars | 12.5g |
| Protein | 34.9g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm water and a pinch of sugar. Stir in 1 packet of active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups of warm water with the proofed yeast mixture. Mix on the lowest speed.
- Add flour: Gradually alternate between adding all-purpose flour and bread flour, one cup at a time, until you’ve added 4 cups of flour in total (AP + bread). Keep the mixer running on low speed.
- Add salt: Once the flour is mixed, add kosher salt. Continue to mix and slowly add the remaining flour until the dough comes together. The dough should remain sticky.
- Test the dough’s readiness: Stop the mixer and check the dough. Pull the paddle attachment up to see if the dough stretches into a “window” over it. If it does, the dough is ready. If not, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough develops that windowpane effect.
2. Let the Dough Rest and Rise
- Knead the dough: Once the dough is ready, remove it from the mixer and turn it onto a floured surface. Knead it into a smooth ball.
- Prepare the pan: Lightly oil a large bowl or pan. Place the dough ball into the pan, turning it to coat with oil. Lightly oil the top of the dough.
- Create a steam box: Place the dough in a cold oven. Place a small loaf pan filled with boiling water on the lower rack. This will create a humid, warm environment for the dough to rise. Close the oven door and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Shape and Bake the Loaves
- Divide the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the oven and punch it down. Divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape the loaves: On a floured surface, shape each portion into an Italian loaf shape. Place the loaves on a large, lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Second rise: Let the shaped loaves rest for 30 to 45 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (218°C). Keep the water-filled loaf pan in the oven during preheating to maintain a steamy environment.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaves for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
4. Assemble the Pizza Bread
- Prepare the pizza bread: Remove the baked loaves from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each loaf in half lengthwise.
- Add the toppings: Spread your favorite marinara sauce over each half-loaf. Make sure to spread it evenly but don’t overdo it—less is more with the sauce to avoid soggy bread.
- Top with cheese and herbs: Add slices or shreds of mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped oregano and basil on top.
- Bake again: Return the topped loaves to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm. This pizza bread is a perfect snack or light meal, loved by kids and adults alike!
Pro Tips
- Dough consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, it’s okay to add a bit more flour. However, be cautious—adding too much flour can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy.
- Steam box trick: Keeping a small loaf pan filled with boiling water in the oven during baking creates a moist environment, which helps the bread develop a crispy crust while staying soft inside.
- Serving ideas: This pizza bread makes for a great party appetizer or game-day snack. You can even offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
- Alternative toppings: If you want to mix things up, try adding other toppings like pepperoni slices, sautéed mushrooms, or olives before adding the cheese.
Enjoy this nostalgic Pittsburgh-inspired Pizza Bread, and experience a taste that has been beloved for generations!
