Crispy Meat Lovers Pizza Bread with Golden Braided Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a beautiful, professional-looking shine and an extra-crispy crust, brush the braided dough with a simple egg wash or some melted butter before baking.

You can also sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder, dried oregano, or grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the crust right after brushing it. This small addition adds a wonderful aroma and an extra layer of savory flavor to every single bite of the crust.

If you find that your dough is springing back and refusing to stretch when you roll it out, it is likely too cold. Gluten becomes tight and elastic when chilled, making it difficult to shape.

Simply cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest on the counter for another 10 to 15 minutes to relax the gluten, then try rolling it out again.

Variations

• Three-Cheese Pizza Bread: Replace the ground beef with a blend of ricotta, parmesan, and provolone cheeses for a rich, meat-free option.
• Spicy Meat Lovers Bread: Add sliced jalapeños and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoned beef filling for a spicy kick.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze fully baked and cooled slices wrapped in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any condensation. Let the bread cool completely to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before storing it away.

You can assemble the braided pizza bread up to 4 hours in advance. Keep the unbaked, braided loaf covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve this delicious meat lovers pizza bread hot, sliced into thick, individual portions that showcase the beautiful layers of beef, pepperoni, and melted cheese inside.

Arrange the slices on a large wooden cutting board alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. It makes a fantastic centerpiece for a casual party spread or a fun family dinner.

To round out the meal, pair the rich and savory pizza bread with a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a tangy Italian vinaigrette.

Garlic parmesan wings, roasted vegetables, or a simple plate of fresh crudités also make excellent side dishes that balance the hearty, cheesy nature of the bread beautifully.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Meat Lovers Pizza Bread with Golden Braided Crust

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 10 minTotal 50 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb refrigerated pizza dough, room temperature
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed for dipping

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess grease from the skillet and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
2. Roll the room-temperature pizza dough out on a sheet of parchment paper into a large rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut diagonal strips about 1 inch wide along both of the long sides, leaving a solid 4-inch wide strip running down the very center of the dough.
3. Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese down the center strip of the dough. Layer the cooked and cooled ground beef evenly over the cheese, followed by the pepperoni slices. Top the meat layers with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, keeping the fillings piled neatly within the center boundary.
4. Fold the top and bottom ends of the dough over the filling. Starting at one end, fold the cut dough strips over the center filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Gently press the final strips to seal the braid securely, ensuring all fillings are well enclosed.
5. Transfer the parchment paper with the braided bread onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling through the gaps in the braid.
6. Remove the pizza bread from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack or cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. Warm the marinara sauce in a small bowl. Slice the warm braided bread into thick pieces and serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

640

Protein

34 g

Carbohydrates

66 g

Fat

27 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

1450 mg

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