Pizza Monkey Bread

What’s better than pizza? How about bite-sized, cheesy, gooey, and pull-apart pizza-flavored bread? Enter Pizza Monkey Bread, the perfect dish that combines the savory, comforting flavors of pizza with the fun and shareable nature of monkey bread. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a family on game night, or looking for an easy and satisfying snack, pizza monkey bread is a dish that delivers on every front.

This dish starts with soft, pillowy dough that’s coated in Italian seasoning, garlic, and butter, then stuffed with melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and other classic pizza toppings. Baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan, pizza monkey bread is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes. Serve it with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a fun, interactive dish that’s perfect for sharing.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to make pizza monkey bread step-by-step, offer tips for customization, and explore how to make this dish your own. Let’s create a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fun and Shareable: Pull-apart bread makes for a hands-on dining experience that everyone will love.
2. Packed with Pizza Flavor: Loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings, it has all the flavors of your favorite pizza.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, game days, movie nights, or as an easy weeknight dinner.
4. Customizable: Swap in your favorite pizza toppings or make it vegetarian—the options are endless.
5. Kid-Friendly: It’s bite-sized and fun to eat, making it a favorite with little ones.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Serving Size: 1-2 pull-apart pieces

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Pizza Monkey Bread:

• 2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough, cut into small pieces)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices (cut into halves or quarters)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Serving:

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (warm for dipping)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. This ensures the monkey bread doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully after baking.

2. Prepare the Dough

If using biscuit dough, separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters. If using pizza dough, cut it into 1-inch pieces. These small pieces will form the base of your pull-apart bread.

3. Create the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This flavorful mixture will coat the dough and infuse it with delicious pizza-inspired flavor.

4. Assemble the Monkey Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut dough pieces, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top and toss everything together until the dough is evenly coated with butter and the toppings are evenly distributed.

5. Layer the Dough in the Bundt Pan

Transfer the coated dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. Press them down gently to ensure the pieces stick together as they bake. If you want extra cheese and pepperoni, sprinkle a little more in between the layers as you go.

6. Bake the Monkey Bread

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—it should come out clean.

7. Cool and Unmold

Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate or platter.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the monkey bread with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve it warm with marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Let the fun begin as everyone pulls apart the cheesy, gooey pieces!

Ingredient Background

Dough

Refrigerated biscuit dough is the easiest option for this recipe, offering a soft, flaky texture that mimics pizza crust. Alternatively, pizza dough works well for a slightly chewier texture. For a homemade touch, you can also use freshly made pizza dough.

Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for its meltability and gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. For extra cheesiness, mix in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar cheese.

Pepperoni

Pepperoni is the quintessential pizza topping and adds a spicy, meaty flavor to the bread. For variety, you can substitute with sausage crumbles, diced ham, or vegetarian toppings like olives and mushrooms.

Garlic Butter

The garlic butter mixture is the key to infusing every bite with rich, savory flavor. Italian seasoning and garlic powder add that classic pizza taste, while the red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat.

Technique Tips

1. Grease the Pan Well: Ensure the bundt pan is thoroughly greased to prevent sticking. Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil works best.
2. Cut Dough Evenly: Cut the dough into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly throughout.
3. Distribute Toppings Evenly: Toss the dough, cheese, and pepperoni thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with toppings.
4. Cool Before Unmolding: Letting the bread cool slightly before removing it from the pan prevents it from falling apart.
5. Serve Immediately: Pizza monkey bread is best served warm while the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Pizza Monkey Breads: Use a muffin tin instead of a bundt pan to create individual portions—perfect for parties or kids’ lunches.
2. Pizza Monkey Bread Casserole: Instead of a bundt pan, bake the bread in a casserole dish and serve it as a pull-apart pizza bake.
3. Flat Pizza Monkey Bread: Arrange the dough pieces on a baking sheet for a flatter, pizza-like presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Add Extra Toppings: Include your favorite pizza toppings, like diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage, for a personalized twist.
• Make It Extra Cheesy: Layer additional shredded cheese in between the dough pieces for an even gooier result.
• Serve with Multiple Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or spicy buffalo sauce, for a fun and interactive experience.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Pizza Monkey Bread: Skip the pepperoni and add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza Monkey Bread: Substitute the marinara with BBQ sauce, and add shredded chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese.
3. Supreme Pizza Monkey Bread: Load it up with sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a fully loaded experience.
4. Breakfast Pizza Monkey Bread: Use scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and breakfast sausage for a morning twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

Pizza monkey bread can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven to restore the gooey texture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Low-Fat Cheese: Swap regular mozzarella and Parmesan for low-fat versions to cut down on calories.
3. Vegetable-Loaded: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes to balance the indulgence with a touch of nutrition.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Game Day Snack: Serve pizza monkey bread alongside other finger foods like wings, sliders, and chips for a winning party spread.
2. Family Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a fun, balanced meal.
3. Kids’ Birthday Party: Let the kids pull apart the monkey bread themselves—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Special Equipment

• Bundt Pan: A bundt pan gives the monkey bread its classic shape, but you can also use a round cake pan or casserole dish.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing the dough pieces with toppings and garlic butter.
• Silicone Brush: For greasing the pan or brushing on extra garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the monkey bread up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use homemade dough?
   Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the dish.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
   In addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for added flavor.
4. What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
   You can use a 9×13-inch baking dish, a round cake pan, or even a cast-iron skillet.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes, skip the pepperoni and load it up with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
6. How do I keep it from sticking?
   Grease the pan thoroughly and ensure the dough is evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture to prevent sticking.
7. What dipping sauces work best?
   Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but garlic butter, ranch, or buffalo sauce are also delicious options.
8. Can I reheat leftovers?
   Yes, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts until warm.

Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s fun, flavorful, and easy to make. With its cheesy, garlicky, and pull-apart goodness, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from game-day parties to casual family dinners. It’s endlessly customizable, kid-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch as everyone gathers around for a piece of this delicious, shareable masterpiece. Try this recipe today, and get ready to add it to your list of go-to comfort foods!

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