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Crusty No-Knead Pizza Bread

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This no-knead pizza bread is a crusty, bakery-style loaf packed with the savory flavors of pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and herbs. With minimal effort and no kneading required, it’s perfect for beginners. Let the dough rise overnight and bake it in a Dutch oven for a golden, crisp crust and soft, cheesy interior.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 14 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 servings)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 and 1/3 cups (440g) bread flour

2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast

2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 heaping cup (135g) chopped pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, and/or olives

1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) room-temperature water

Optional Hot Honey Butter:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

3 Tablespoons (63g) honey

1 Tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1/81/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir in pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Pour in water and mix until all flour is moistened. Shape into a sticky ball.
  2. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 3 hours. Then refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a ball, and place on parchment paper in a bowl. Let rest 30 minutes while oven preheats to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  4. Score dough, then transfer parchment and dough to hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes until golden. Bread is done when it sounds hollow or reaches 195°F (90°C) inside.
  5. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes before slicing.
  6. To make hot honey butter: Beat softened butter until smooth. Add honey, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Beat until creamy. Adjust to taste.

Notes

  • Bread flour is best for texture; all-purpose works in a pinch.
  • Use fresh or dried herbs and garlic per your preference.
  • Bake without a Dutch oven using a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and add steam by placing a pan of boiling water in the oven.
  • Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
  • Try different add-ins like sausage, caramelized onions, or ham.

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