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Easy Cheesy Football Pull-Apart Bread: Best Game Day Snack

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This easy cheesy football-shaped pull-apart bread is a game day showstopper. Made with store-bought pizza dough and a creamy blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, it’s ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb store-bought pizza dough (room temperature)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the garlic butter: In a small skillet over low heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×15 inches and ¼ inch thick.
  5. Spread the filling: Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Press the filling down gently.
  6. Roll it up: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
  7. Shape the football: Transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet. Curve the ends inward slightly to form an oval football shape. Taper the ends with your hands.
  8. Make the cuts: Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts across the top of the log, about 1½ inches apart, cutting about three-quarters of the way through the dough.
  9. Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Gently brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash.
  10. Add the laces: Sprinkle sesame seeds in a line down the center of the bread to mimic football laces.
  11. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If browning too fast, tent with foil halfway through.
  12. Finish with garlic butter: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the reserved garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  13. Cool slightly: Let the bread rest on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Notes

Room temperature dough is easier to work with. Don’t overstuff the bread to prevent bursting. Seal the seam well to minimize leakage. Let the bread rest for 5-7 minutes after baking for cleaner pulls. For variations, try a spicy buffalo version, pepperoni pizza football, veggie lover’s version, gluten-free option, or dairy-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: football bread, pull-apart bread, game day snack, cheesy bread, easy appetizer, Super Bowl snack, party food

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/easy-cheesy-football-pull-apart-bread-best-game-day-snack/