Meat Lover’s Pizza Bread

Meat Lover’s Pizza Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

For the filling:

• ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)

• ½ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (or spicy sausage)

• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (or chopped cooked bacon)

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni

• ¼ cup chopped ham or Canadian bacon

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

• Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour.

• Mix until a sticky dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the filling:

• Cook the sausage and bacon if not already cooked. Drain excess fat.

• In a bowl, mix cooked meats (sausage, bacon, pepperoni, ham), cheeses, onion (if using), and Italian seasoning.

3. Assemble the pizza bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12 x 16 inches).

• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Evenly sprinkle the meat and cheese mixture over the sauce.

• Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

• Pinch the seams and ends to seal completely.

• Place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Brush the top with olive oil for a golden crust.

4. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

• If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

5. Serve:

• Let the pizza bread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

• Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm.

Tips:

• You can add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling if you like.

• Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping.

• Leftover pizza bread can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Would you like a quick homemade pizza sauce recipe to go with it?