Plain Pizza Bread
A flavorful garlic and Parmesan seasoned bread baked to perfection, ideal as an appetizer or snack for gatherings, offering crispy edges and savory toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw frozen unbaked bread in the microwave.
- Spread the bread on a greased and floured pizza pan or cookie sheet.
- Spread 4 to 6 cloves of garlic, steeped in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, over the bread, leaving 1/2 inch of edge.
- Top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, try roasting the garlic before steeping it in olive oil to enhance its sweetness. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, a blend of Asiago and Pecorino can work well. Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also use store-bought garlic oil if you're short on time. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the plain pizza bread warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping, or you can enjoy it with a side of Lorelei'S Eggplant Parmesan for a hearty Italian feast. For a more filling option, consider serving it with a bowl of Spaghetti Toss.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy rather than crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Pizza Bread contains roughly 527 calories, with 17g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (123% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but you'll need to adjust the baking time as it may require less time in the oven. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Thicker breads may need a bit longer than thinner varieties.
What can I add to the pizza bread for extra toppings?
Feel free to customize your pizza bread with toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage. Just remember to keep the toppings light so the bread doesn't get soggy. You can also try adding some mozzarella cheese for a melty finish.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure the garlic is well-drained after steeping in olive oil. Also, avoid overloading the bread with toppings. Baking it on a preheated pizza stone can help achieve a crispy crust, too.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).