Crispy Hasselback Garlic-Herb Pizza Sourdough Loaf Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an even richer flavor, you can sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the loaf after brushing it with the garlic-herb butter. This adds a salty, umami kick and creates an even crunchier crust.

If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before brushing, which balances the richness of the mozzarella and the savory pepperoni perfectly.

If you are serving this for a large group, you can prepare multiple loaves simultaneously on the same baking sheet, provided they have enough space between them for air to circulate. This ensures that all sides of each loaf get crispy. Always serve the bread on a warm platter or board, as the residual heat from the baking sheet helps keep the cheese melted and the bread soft for longer during your gathering.

Variations

• Spinach and Ricotta: Replace the pepperoni with chopped fresh spinach and add dollops of ricotta cheese to the pockets for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that is creamy and delicious.
• Spicy Jalapeno Popper: Add thin slices of fresh jalapeno and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella to give the bread a spicy kick inspired by classic jalapeno poppers.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the bread texture changes significantly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

If you have leftovers, allow the bread to cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Storing it properly helps prevent the crust from becoming overly tough or chewy. Consume any leftovers within two days for the best quality, as the bread will naturally start to lose its crispness and texture over time once it has been baked and cooled.

You can prep the loaf entirely, including stuffing it, up to two hours before baking. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. If you need to prep further in advance, store the stuffed loaf in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you are ready to serve, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then brush it with the butter mixture and bake as directed.

Serving ideas

This hasselback bread is best served immediately, while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. Place the loaf on a large wooden board or a platter, allowing guests to pull apart their own wedges.

Because the bread is pre-sliced into an accordion pattern, it is incredibly easy for everyone to grab a portion without needing a knife or extra serving utensils. It is a fantastic centerpiece that encourages interaction and is sure to be the first thing to disappear from the table.

Pair this loaf with a simple side, such as a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. The acidity of a fresh salad or the brightness of a tomato-based dipping sauce complements the rich, buttery flavors of the bread perfectly.

Whether you are hosting a casual game night or a cozy dinner, this pull-apart bread is a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any menu, providing a satisfying and savory experience for all.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Hasselback Garlic-Herb Pizza Sourdough Loaf

Prep 15 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 40 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb sourdough boule
• 250 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 4 oz pepperoni slices
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the sourdough boule crosswise in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust. This creates the accordion-style pockets necessary for stuffing.
2. Carefully insert the mozzarella slices and pepperoni into every crevice created by the grid cuts. Ensure the cheese and meat are distributed evenly throughout the loaf for maximum flavor in every bite.
3. Whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Brush the mixture generously over the entire loaf. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) until the cheese is blistered and the crust is golden brown.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.