Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and loaded with pizza-inspired flavor — this Crusty No-Knead Pizza Bread is bakery-level delicious with almost no effort.
You don’t need a mixer or even to knead the dough. Just stir everything together, let it rise overnight, and bake it in a hot Dutch oven for a gorgeous golden crust.
Studded with pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella, this bread is bursting with savory goodness in every bite.
And when you pair it with a slather of Hot Honey Butter — sweet, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy — you’ll never look at ordinary bread the same way again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No kneading, no stress — the dough does all the work while you sleep.
- Loaded with flavor — think pizza meets artisan bread.
- Perfect crust — crispy exterior, tender chewy center.
- That Hot Honey Butter! It’s the sweet-spicy finish you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Bread
- 3 ⅓ cups (440g) bread flour, plus extra for shaping
- 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 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ 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 ½ cups (360ml) lukewarm water (70°F / 21°C)
Optional Hot Honey Butter
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons (63g) honey
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
- ⅛–¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, salt, sugar, herbs, and spices. Stir in the add-ins (pepperoni, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella). Pour in the water and mix with a spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
2. First Rise
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 3 hours, until doubled and bubbly. Then refrigerate for at least 12 hours (and up to 3 days).
3. Shape the Loaf
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a loose ball. Place on parchment paper and rest 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with your Dutch oven inside.
4. Bake
Score the dough with an “X” and carefully transfer (with parchment) into the hot pot. Cover and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
5. Cool and Serve
Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with Hot Honey Butter, pizza sauce, or tomato soup for dipping.
Make the Hot Honey Butter
Beat butter until creamy, then add honey, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust spice to your liking.
Pro Tip: Use leftover hot honey butter on cornbread, biscuits, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
With Hot Honey Butter, add approximately 70 calories and 8g fat per tablespoon.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover bread loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Hot Honey Butter: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 2–3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I skip the add-ins?
Absolutely. You’ll still get a delicious Italian-style bread — or swap in roasted red peppers or cheddar cheese for variety.
2. What kind of pot should I use?
A 6-quart Dutch oven is ideal. Just make sure it’s oven-safe to 450°F.
3. Can I make this dough faster?
For same-day bread, let it rise 4–5 hours at room temperature, skip refrigeration, and bake — though overnight resting gives better flavor.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free bread flour substitute, though the texture will be denser.
5. What can I serve it with?
Perfect alongside soups, salads, or pasta, or enjoy it on its own with warm honey butter or pizza sauce for dipping.
