Braided Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

This braided meat lovers pizza bread is loaded with savory seasoned beef, spicy pepperoni, and a blend of three cheeses, making it an irresistible appetizer for gatherings. The braided design not only looks impressive but also makes for easy sharing, bringing a fun twist to classic pizza flavors wrapped in soft, golden dough.

I first made this for a family game night, and it quickly became the star of the evening. Now everyone asks me to bring it whenever we get together.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: one half pound – choose lean to avoid excess grease that makes the bread soggy
• Dried oregano: one half teaspoon plus one eighth teaspoon divided – adds traditional Italian aroma and flavor, opt for dried rather than fresh for sturdier seasoning
• Garlic powder: quarter teaspoon – provides subtle depth to the seasoned beef
• Kosher salt: quarter teaspoon – use kosher salt for a milder, more even saltiness
• Pizza sauce: one jar – choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce with balanced herbs for best flavor
• Refrigerated pizza dough: one tube or about 13.8 ounces – consistent texture and quick prep make refrigerated dough a reliable choice
• Provolone cheese: four slices – meltable and mild, perfect for layering
• Thin-sliced pepperoni: two ounces or about one third cup – adds spice and classic pizza taste
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: one cup – stretchy cheese that binds the layers together
• Butter: two tablespoons melted – for brushing to create a golden crust
• Grated Parmesan cheese: two tablespoons – adds a nutty topping finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef:

Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet with one half teaspoon oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Break the meat apart with your spatula and cook until fully browned to develop rich flavors. Drain off excess fat completely to keep the bread from getting greasy. Allow the beef to cool slightly.

Mix in Sauce:

Stir one third cup of pizza sauce into the cooled beef mixture. This adds moisture and a tangy tomato kick to the savory meat layer. Set aside while preparing the dough.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the pizza dough onto a baking sheet with shallow sides. Gently stretch it into a rectangle shape ensuring even edges but avoid over-handling to keep it airy.

Add Filling Layers:

Spread half a cup of pizza sauce down the center of the dough, leaving a border on each side wide enough for braiding. Layer four provolone cheese slices over the sauce, then cover with the pepperoni slices, followed by the seasoned beef mixture, and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese to finish.

Create the Braid:

Use a sharp knife to cut one-inch wide strips vertically down each side of the dough, stopping at the edge of the filling strip. Carefully alternate folding the strips over and under the filling from each side, creating a braid that encases the mixture in the center.

Add Finishing Touches:

Brush the entire braided dough surface with melted butter to help it brown beautifully. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining one eighth teaspoon oregano evenly on top, adding extra flavor and a golden crust.

Bake and Serve:

Bake in a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. While baking, warm the remaining pizza sauce for dipping. Let the bread cool five minutes before slicing into twelve pieces and serving with the warmed sauce.

Save

One of my favorite memories with this recipe was making it for a birthday party where everyone was amazed that something so delicious could come from pizza dough and pantry favorites. The combination of pepperoni with seasoned beef felt indulgent yet familiar.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza bread in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate. It reheats well in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to regain crispness. For longer storage, freeze wrapped unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra five minutes to the bake time.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor twist. Mozzarella can be replaced with fontina or Monterey Jack if preferred. If you have no pizza dough, puff pastry dough works in a pinch but will yield a flakier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza bread warm with extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced appetizer or casual meal. It is also fun to serve alongside a pitcher of cold beer or sparkling water for a perfect party snack.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent soggy bread when using ground beef?

Drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly to remove excess fat before assembling to keep the bread from getting soggy.

→ Can I prepare the braid ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the braided dough, cover it, and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.

→ What type of cheese works best in this braided bread?

Provolone and mozzarella provide meltiness, while grated Parmesan adds a flavorful finish when sprinkled on top.

→ How important is the butter and Parmesan topping?

Brushing with melted butter and sprinkling Parmesan adds a rich, golden crust and extra flavor to the baked bread.

→ Is there a recommended sauce for dipping?

Warmed pizza sauce used inside the bread works perfectly as a dipping sauce, enhancing the overall taste.