Description
Herb and Pepperoni Pull-Apart Pizza Ring
Ingredients:
1 can (16 oz) pizza dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese
20 pepperoni slices
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a bundt pan.
Fill dough squares with mozzarella and pepperoni, forming balls.
Layer dough balls in the pan and brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle with basil, thyme, and Parmesan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce.
A fresh herbaceous twist to the classic!
#HerbPizzaRing
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard 10-cup bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×15 inches. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into roughly 20 equal squares.
3. Place a small pinch of mozzarella cheese and one pepperoni slice in the center of each dough square. Gather the corners of each square and pinch them together at the top to form a sealed ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
4. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. They should fit snugly.
5. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, dried basil, and dried thyme. Brush this herb butter generously over the tops of all the dough balls.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
8. Let the ring cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate or board. Pull apart and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pull-apart ring warm for the best cheesy, stretchy experience. Place a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce in the center of the ring for dipping. For a fuller meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetable sticks. It’s perfect as a game-day appetizer, party centerpiece, or a fun, hands-on family dinner.
How-to Summary
Create this impressive dish by cutting pizza dough into squares, filling each with cheese and pepperoni, and shaping them into balls. Layer the balls in a greased bundt pan, brush with herb-infused butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake until golden. Invert and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely. Any 16-ounce portion of your favorite pizza dough, homemade or store-bought, will work perfectly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dough balls and place them in the pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Brush with butter and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I add other fillings?
Definitely. Try cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, olives, or different cheese blends like a mozzarella-cheddar mix.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can bake this in a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a deep pie dish. The presentation will be more of a “pull-apart loaf” than a ring, but it will taste just as good.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire ring, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the dough squares, as this can cause leaks and make the balls difficult to seal. Do not skip greasing the bundt pan thoroughly, or the ring will stick. Letting the ring rest in the pan for 5-7 minutes after baking is crucial; inverting it immediately can cause it to break apart. Finally, ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking and proper dough rise.
Conclusion
This Herb and Pepperoni Pull-Apart Pizza Ring is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully combines the familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza with fragrant herbs in a fun, shareable format. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet looks impressively elaborate. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, interactive centerpiece that will have everyone reaching for more. Enjoy the fresh, herbaceous twist on a classic favorite!
