Iowa State Fair Pizza Bread: A Blue-Ribbon Recipe

The scent of the Iowa State Fair is forever etched in my memory. Walking through the food stalls, a symphony of smells always surrounded me: sweet corn, fried dough, and something uniquely savory and comforting. That something, more often than not, was pizza bread. Not just any pizza bread, but a loaf bursting with tomato and herbs, its crust a golden-brown invitation to pure, simple joy. One year, I watched a woman proudly accept a blue ribbon for her pizza bread. I didn’t know it then, but that moment sparked a love for baking that’s stayed with me ever since. This recipe, inspired by her win, brings those cherished memories right back to my kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes dough cycle in bread machine)
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yields: 1 loaf
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups tomato vegetable juice
• 2 tablespoons pepper olive oil
• 1 egg white
• 1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fast-rising active dry yeast

Equipment Needed

• Bread machine
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack for cooling

Instructions

1. Ensure your bread machine pan is clean and dry.

2. Add the tomato vegetable juice to the bread machine pan.

3. Pour the pepper olive oil into the pan.

4. Add the egg white.

5. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese.

6. Add the dried basil.

7. Incorporate the dried oregano.

8. Pour in the sugar.

9. Add the garlic powder.

10. Add the onion powder.

11. Sprinkle in the salt.

12. Gently add the bread flour, ensuring it covers the liquid ingredients.

13. Create a small well in the center of the flour and add the fast-rising active dry yeast. This separation ensures the yeast doesn’t activate prematurely.

14. Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine.

15. Set the bread machine to the “white bread” setting with a “light crust” selection. This setting will handle the kneading, rising, and baking processes.

16. Once the bread machine cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread machine pan.

17. Gently remove the pizza bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Flavor Boost: For an even more intense flavor, try using roasted garlic powder instead of regular garlic powder. The roasting process mellows the garlic and adds a depth that enhances the overall taste.

• Olive Oil Infusion: If you can’t find pepper olive oil, infuse your own! Simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes to regular olive oil a few days in advance. This adds a subtle heat to the bread.

• Parmesan Perfection: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can affect the bread’s structure.

• Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is fresh by testing a small amount in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go!

• Dough Check (If Not Using Bread Machine): If you’re using the dough setting on your bread machine and baking in a traditional oven, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, punch it down, and shape it into a loaf. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

• Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease the bread machine pan or a baking sheet for oven baking to prevent the pizza bread from sticking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Iowa State Fair Pizza Bread is best served warm, allowing the aromatic herbs and cheesy notes to fully express themselves. Slice it generously and enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a simple marinara sauce for dipping.

• Room Temperature: Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Reheating: To reheat individual slices, toast them lightly or warm them in a microwave for a few seconds.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	5mg	2%
Sodium	400mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	8g	16%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture.
• Vegan Option: Replace the egg white with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the bread machine. Omit the parmesan cheese, or use a vegan parmesan alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dough for a fiery twist.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or marjoram to create unique flavor profiles.
• Cheese Variety: Use a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and asiago, for a richer flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Whole Wheat Variation: Substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more wholesome loaf.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
A: Yes, you can! Use your bread machine’s dough cycle, then bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Q: What if my bread is too dense?
A: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, avoid using too much flour, as this can lead to a dense loaf. Measure accurately.

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: While dried herbs provide a concentrated flavor, you can use fresh herbs. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the loaf from getting soggy?
A: Always cool the bread on a wire rack to allow air to circulate underneath.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this bread?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding chopped olives, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Iowa State Fair Pizza Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of nostalgia and a taste of community spirit. It’s a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a little bit of that blue-ribbon magic into your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and let the aroma of freshly baked pizza bread fill your home with warmth and joy. Enjoy!