This Easy Braided Pizza Loaf is a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, you’ll have a golden, flaky loaf filled with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara. The braided design not only looks impressive but also locks in all those irresistible flavors, making every bite a perfect blend of crispy crust and melty goodness.
Perfectly portioned and bursting with bold, comforting flavors, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet effortless. The soft, pillowy dough contrasts beautifully with the crispy edges, while the cheesy center delivers a satisfying richness. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
What You’ll Need for This Easy Braided Pizza Loaf
- 13.8 ounces refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (substitute with provolone or a blend for variety)
- 3 ounces sliced pepperoni (or substitute with cooked sausage, veggies, or ham)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Make Your Braided Pizza Loaf
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it lies flat.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly down the center third of the dough, leaving about 2 inches on each side.
- Layer the Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni (or your chosen toppings) over the sauce.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both sides of the dough, starting from the edge of the filling to the outer edge.
- Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect. Tuck in the ends to seal.
- Brush the top of the braided dough with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Switch up the flavors by trying different sauces like pesto, alfredo, or barbecue sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce. For toppings, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers for a veggie twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or diced ham.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This braided pizza loaf is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with a fresh green salad or garlic breadsticks. For a fun appetizer, cut it into smaller slices and pair with marinara dipping sauce. It’s also great alongside a bowl of soup for a cozy dinner.
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, use the microwave, but be aware the crust may lose some crispiness.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save even more time, prep your toppings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. If you’re short on oven space, this recipe works great in a toaster oven too. For a shortcut, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-sliced pepperoni to cut down on prep work.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use homemade pizza dough? Absolutely! Just roll it out to a similar size as the refrigerated dough. Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble the loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if the dough is cold.
Easy Braided Pizza Loaf Recipe (with Refrigerated Pizza Dough)
Ingredients
- 13.8 ounces pizza dough, refrigerated
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Unroll pizza dough on a greased baking sheet.
- Spread pizza sauce down the middle of your dough.
- Add Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni on top of sauce.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal strips up each side of the dough.
- Fold 1-inch strips up and over pizza filling, alternating sides to get a braided look.
- Brush the tops of the braided dough with olive oil and then sprinkle with the garlic, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes then cut into slices and serve.