A crowd-pleasing, cheesy pull-apart bread ring made with pizza dough balls, marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni—baked to golden perfection and finished with fresh basil for the ultimate party appetizer or fun family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pepperoni pizza pull-apart ring is everything you love about pizza in a playful, shareable format. Ideal for gatherings, game nights, or even a cozy family dinner, it’s packed with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce. Each bite-sized piece is soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and full of cheesy, garlicky flavor. It’s easy to assemble and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular cut into halves)
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing bundt pan)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and cut into approximately 1½-inch squares.
3. Flatten each piece slightly, place a pinch of shredded mozzarella and a piece of pepperoni in the center, and pinch closed to form a sealed dough ball.
4. In a large mixing bowl, toss all the filled dough balls with olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and a few tablespoons of marinara sauce until lightly coated.
5. Layer the dough balls into the prepared bundt pan, adding extra mozzarella and pepperoni between layers for added flavor and texture.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the ring is golden brown, puffed, and bubbling.
7. Allow the bread ring to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve warm with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace pepperoni with sliced olives, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Add Heat: Mix in red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a fiery version.
• Herb Boost: Add Italian seasoning or chopped fresh oregano to the dough coating for extra flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Include bits of provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a multi-cheese filling.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a creamy pesto alongside the marinara.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked in the pan, tightly wrapped. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade dough works great. Ensure it’s soft and pliable for easy shaping into balls.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can use a round cake pan or oven-safe skillet. Arrange the balls in a circular pattern with a ramekin in the center.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, assemble the ring and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing in the oven.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for added depth.

Is it possible to make a mini version?

Yes, use a muffin tin to create individual pull-apart portions—great for parties or lunchboxes.

How do I keep the dough from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray, and make sure all dough balls are coated in oil and cheese.

What kind of pepperoni should I use?

Mini pepperoni is easiest to work with, but standard pepperoni cut into halves or quarters works just as well.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added for variety. Just make sure they’re cooked and well-drained.

How do I serve this attractively?

Flip it onto a large plate, garnish with basil, and serve with marinara in a small bowl placed in the center for dipping.

Conclusion

The pepperoni pizza pull-apart ring is a fun, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering. Its customizable nature makes it suitable for all tastes, and the pull-apart format ensures everyone gets a perfectly cheesy, garlicky bite. Whether served at a party, game night, or casual dinner, this dish is guaranteed to please every palate.

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