Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make pizza bread recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family activity. This braided pizza bread is a game-changer, loaded with melted cheese and flavorful pesto. If you’re looking for homemade pizza recipes or how to make pizza from scratch, this video is for you. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious oven-baked bread that’s sure to become a comfort food favorite. Whether you’re planning a kids’ pizza party or a cozy night in, this recipe is a must-try. So, get ready to become the dinner hero of the night and enjoy this simple yet impressive pizza bread recipe!
Dough:
- 250g flour (180g white, 70g whole wheat)
- 8g instant yeast (~1 tsp or 1 packet)
- 150ml lukewarm water (just over ½ cup)
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Shortcut: Use ~450g of store-bought pizza dough instead.
Filling:
- Handful of fresh spinach
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 5-6 black olives, chopped
- Grated mozzarella (as much as you like)
- 2-3 tsp red or green pesto
- Italian herbs, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste
- Tip: Swap in your favorite cheese, sauce, or veggies.
Method:
- Activate yeast: Mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and 1 tbsp flour in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Make the dough: Combine the yeast mixture with remaining flour, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Knead for 4 minutes by hand or with a dough hook. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Prepare the dough: After rising, knead lightly and roll into a thin rectangle on floured parchment paper.
- Set up the braid: Cut equal slits along both long sides, leaving a center strip for filling. Ensure both sides have the same number of strips.
- Add filling: Spread pesto on the center strip, then layer spinach, tomato, cheese, olives, and seasonings.
- Braid the bread: Fold strips over the filling from each side, alternating to form a braid. Tuck the ends.
- Bake: Brush with olive oil. Bake at 390°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, slice, and serve with salad or veggies.
