Irresistible Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Pizza Twist: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Recipe

Prepare to delight your taste buds with our incredible Pull-Apart Pizza Twist! This crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple ingredients into a fun, interactive, and incredibly flavorful meal or appetizer. Imagine soft, homemade crescent dough layered with savory marinara sauce, rich melted American cheese (or creamy Velveeta), and crunchy bacon bits, all twisted into a magnificent ring that’s perfect for tearing apart and sharing. This twisted pizza bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, a favorite for a reason, and once you try this pull-apart pizza with a twist, you’ll understand what all the hype is about!

We have a deep affection for delightful bread recipes, whether they are savory or sweet. From hearty Pepperoni Hot Pockets and classic New York Pizza Dough, to indulgent pull-apart Cinnamon Rolls and our beloved Homemade Pillsbury Crescent Dough – we truly enjoy them all! Our passion extends to sweet treats like fluffy Donuts,rich Chocolate Cupcakes, and elegant Puff Pastry Cake! This pizza twist recipe fits right into our collection of easy-to-make, utterly delicious, and highly shareable dishes. It’s the perfect blend of savory goodness and comforting bread that everyone will crave.

Watch How To Make Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Pizza Twist:

Why You’ll Love This Pull-Apart Pizza Twist

This pizza twist recipe is absolutely amazing and incredibly versatile! It’s one of those quick and easy recipes you can whip up when you’re short on time but still want to serve something spectacular, and trust us, the children will rave about it! Its simplicity is a huge plus, especially if you’re making it from scratch with our Homemade Pillsbury Crescent Dough. However, for those busy days, feel free to use any refrigerated store-bought dough as a convenient shortcut. While tube crescent dough is preferable for its flaky texture, refrigerated pizza dough works wonderfully too, offering a slightly chewier crust.

The inspiration for this cheesy pizza twist came from my friend Susanna, who was captivated by a Pinterest pull-apart pizza braid. She perfected her version, and it quickly became a massive hit at her dinner table before she graciously introduced me to this cheesy, bacon-filled delight! When a recipe spreads by word-of-mouth (and taste-bud!) from table to table, you can be confident it’s a winner. While it may not be a deep-dish Chicago pizza with a twist, I can personally guarantee that it’s super delicious and will become a beloved staple in your home. You’re going to fall in love with this pull-apart pizza bread!

The beauty of this pizza twist lies in its adaptability. You can craft the crust from various doughs, including crescents, puff pastry, or traditional pizza dough, then fill it with an array of toppings of your choice. Our personal favorite combination is the irresistible duo of bacon and Velveeta cheese, which creates a uniquely creamy and savory experience. If Velveeta isn’t on hand, a fantastic substitute is to melt 4 ounces of orange American cheese slices over low heat with a splash of cream; this creates an easy, spreadable cheese sauce that mimics Velveeta’s melt perfectly. We’re always eager for new ideas, so please inspire us by sharing your favorite topping combinations in the comments below!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pull-Apart Pizza Twist:

Creating this delightful pull-apart pizza bread is incredibly straightforward, utilizing only the simplest of ingredients. The result is a savory, twisted pizza ring that’s ideal for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun weeknight meal. Here’s a closer look at what makes our version of the pull-apart pizza so special:

• Crescent Dough: The foundation of our pizza twist. For a truly exceptional taste and texture, we recommend using one batch of our Homemade Crescent roll dough. If time is of the essence, two tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls from the store will also work perfectly, providing convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Essential for that classic pizza flavor. Marinara sauce typically offers a sweeter profile compared to traditional Pizza Sauce, which we find pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese and bacon. Our Canned Marinara Sauce recipe is highly recommended for its depth of flavor.
• Velveeta Cheese: This processed cheese is renowned for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, similar to American cheese. It creates an incredibly creamy and spreadable layer. If Velveeta isn’t available, you can easily create a substitute by melting 4 ounces of American cheese slices with a small amount of cream over low heat in a saucepan. This ensures a beautifully smooth and spreadable cheese sauce for your cheesy pull-apart bread.
• Bacon Bits: These add a delightful salty crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you haven’t prepared and frozen our Oven Baked Bacon for convenience, high-quality store-bought bacon bits are an excellent alternative. For the freshest flavor, consider cooking and crumbling 6 slices of bacon yourself.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Pull-Apart Pizza Twists:

Crafting this delectable pizza twist is an enjoyable process, starting with the dough and culminating in a golden-brown, cheesy masterpiece. Whether you opt for our Copycat Pillsbury Pull-Apart Dough or two tubes of refrigerated crescents, the method involves rolling, stuffing, twisting, and then preparing for a satisfying tear-apart pizza stick experience. When served, it beautifully resembles a pizza ring with inviting “fingers” that are perfect for dipping. For entertaining, you can even place your favorite dipping sauce right in the center! Here’s how to bring this impressive dish to life:

1. Prepare and Divide Dough: If you’re using homemade crescent dough, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier handling. If using store-bought crescents, unroll them and clump them together to form a single mass. Then, divide the dough into three equal portions. A bench scraper can be very helpful for precise division.
2. Roll Out Dough: Take each of the three dough portions and roll it out into a circle approximately 13 inches wide. Aim for an even thickness across each circle to ensure consistent baking and a uniform texture in your final pizza twist.
3. Layer the Toppings: Carefully transfer one rolled-out piece of dough onto a foil-lined pizza pan. Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edge. This border helps seal the filling later. Then, generously top with 1/4 cup of your melted cheese sauce and 1/4 cup of crispy bacon bits.
4. Stack and Repeat: Place the second piece of rolled dough directly on top of the first, aligning the edges. Repeat the topping process: spread another 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, followed by 1/4 cup of melted cheese and 1/4 cup of bacon bits. Finally, top with the third and final piece of dough.
5. Seal and Slit: Gently pinch the edges of all three dough layers together around the entire perimeter to seal in the delicious filling. This step is crucial to prevent leakage during baking. Once sealed, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut approximately 9 strips around the edge of the dough, each about 3-4 inches deep. These slits will form your “twists.”
6. Twist the Strips: Carefully take each individual strip of dough and twist it twice. This creates the characteristic “twisted” appearance and ensures the layers of filling are beautifully exposed and baked to perfection. Arrange the twists neatly around the center.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pizza twist for 15-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. For even browning, you might want to bake it on the bottom rack of the oven initially.
8. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Once baked, remove the pull-apart pizza twist from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Present it warm with a side of extra marinara dipping sauce for an ultimate finger-food experience.

Unleashing Your Creativity: Pizza Twist Variations:

The beauty of pull-apart bread recipes lies in their limitless potential for customization! You can truly make these savory twists your own, adapting them for any craving or occasion. We’ve even seen festive versions, like Christmas tree pull-apart bread! Remember to always have extra pizza sauce on hand for dipping, no matter your chosen toppings. Here are some fantastic and creative ways to serve up your pizza twists, offering a delightful array of flavors:

• Buffalo Chicken Pull-Apart Bread: For a spicy kick, generously drizzle the layers with cooling Ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing. Then, sprinkle with tender Buffalo Chicken and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread: This sweet variation is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Brush the dough layers with rich melted butter and then sprinkle generously with a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. A drizzle of cream cheese glaze after baking would be divine!
• Classic Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread: Keep it simple yet incredibly satisfying. Fill your pull-apart bread with a hearty spread of classic pizza sauce and an abundance of melty mozzarella cheese for a pure, unadulterated cheese experience.
• Pepperoni Pizza Twist: A timeless favorite that never disappoints. Spread layers with traditional marinara sauce, a generous helping of mozzarella cheese, and plenty of zesty pepperoni slices. Add a touch of oregano for authentic flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Pull-Apart Bread: Infuse smoky flavors by spreading the dough with tangy BBQ sauce. Top with mozzarella, thinly sliced red onions, tender grilled chicken strips, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
• Meat Lovers Twists: For the ultimate carnivore’s delight, combine a robust marinara sauce with generous portions of diced ham, savory pepperoni, crispy bacon, and a blend of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella and provolone.
• Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pizza Twist: Indulge in creamy luxury with this twist. Spread a garlic-infused white Alfredo Sauce over the dough, then layer with grilled chicken strips, grated Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a rich, comforting treat.

Pro Tip: For an extra burst of savory goodness and irresistible aroma, brush the top of your pizza pull-apart bread with melted butter mixed with minced garlic before baking. This simple step adds tons of flavor!

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Pull-Apart Pizza:

While a pizza twist is robust enough to stand as a hearty main course on its own, its versatile nature also makes it an excellent candidate for one of many sides or a fun appetizer. In our home, we often enjoy it for a casual lunch or a delightful dinner. It’s incredibly kid-friendly and wonderfully easy to assemble, making it a stress-free option for any meal. To create a balanced and satisfying spread, consider pairing your pizza twist with these complementary dishes:

• How To Make Homemade Juice: A refreshing and natural beverage to cut through the richness of the pizza, offering a vibrant burst of fruit flavor.
• Canned Marinara Sauce: Always a good idea to have extra for dipping! A robust marinara enhances the pizza’s flavor and adds moisture.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad: For those who love a bit of spice, this salad offers a zesty, cooling counterpoint with fresh greens and creamy dressing.
• Southwest Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing: A vibrant and flavorful salad with a smoky, tangy dressing that adds a different dimension of taste and texture to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A healthy and delicious side that brings earthy sweetness and a satisfying texture, balancing the cheesy bread.

Essential Equipment For Making Pizza Twists:

To ensure a smooth and successful pizza twist making experience, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 16-inch Pizza Pan: This size is ideal for baking the pull-apart pizza, allowing it to spread out nicely and cook evenly into a perfect ring shape. A round baking sheet or even a large rectangular one would also work.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Essential for cleanly cutting the edges of the dough into strips, which are then twisted. A sharp tool ensures neat cuts and avoids tearing the delicate dough.
• Saucer Bowl: Perfect for serving your delicious dipping sauce right in the center of your pull-apart pizza ring, making it easily accessible for everyone.
• Small Saucepan: For melting the Velveeta or American cheese, ensuring a smooth and spreadable consistency for layering.
• Rolling Pin: To evenly roll out your crescent dough to the desired 13-inch diameter.

More Delicious Pizza Recipes to Explore:

• Dominos Pizza Dough (Copycat): Recreate your favorite delivery pizza experience at home with this authentic dough recipe.
• Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pizza: Indulge in cheesy perfection with this copycat recipe for a beloved pizza classic.
• Copycat Costco Chicken Bake: Bring the popular food court favorite home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
• Pizza Dough Recipe: A fundamental recipe for versatile homemade pizza bases, perfect for any topping.
• Alfredo Pizza: A creamy and rich alternative to traditional tomato-based pizzas, perfect for white sauce lovers.
• Easy Fruit Pizza: A delightful sweet pizza option, perfect for desserts or a refreshing treat.

More Irresistible Bread Recipes To Try:

If you’ve enjoyed making our pizza twist, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic bread recipes:

• French Bread Recipe: Use this versatile dough to create not only classic baguettes but also a stunning pull-apart garlic bread wreath!
• Feather-Light Hamburger Buns: Discover how to make incredibly soft and airy hamburger buns, perfect for elevating our Easy Cheeseburger Sliders!
• Subway Bread Recipe (Italian Herb and Cheese Copycat): Master the art of baking those iconic, aromatic, and cheesy Subway-style bread loaves right in your kitchen.

How To Make a Pull-Apart Pizza Twist: (Recipe Card)