If you’re craving a fun, shareable snack that bursts with cheesy, savory flavors, the Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful twist on classic monkey bread takes bite-sized dough pieces loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked into a gooey, golden masterpiece. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or whenever you want something irresistible, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will be fighting over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in making Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe a success. Each component plays a crucial role, from the dough’s soft texture to the savory tang of cheese and pepperoni, creating a perfect blend of flavors and colors that make the dish pop.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough: Soft and easy to separate, the dough forms the perfect pull-apart base.
- Mini pepperoni: Small, flavorful bites give a spicy meatiness that wakes up your palate.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This gooey, melty cheese holds everything together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of mozzarella.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian herb aroma to complement the toppings.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory depth enhancing every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who like their pizza with some heat.
- Marinara sauce: Essential for dipping, this sauce adds tang and freshness to each pull-apart piece.
- Melted butter and olive oil: These fats keep the bread moist while adding a rich, golden finish.
- Fresh basil (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds a bright, herbal note and gorgeous color.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking and give your monkey bread a lovely crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open your biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters for that ideal bite size. If you prefer using pizza dough, slice it into similar small pieces that will bake evenly and pull apart easily.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients Like a Pro
In a large bowl, toss the dough pieces with mini pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. This step ensures every little dough ball is well coated with cheese and seasoning, building layers of flavor throughout the dish.
Step 4: Layer the Monkey Bread
Spread the coated dough mixture evenly into your greased bundt pan. Distribute it carefully so that every pull-apart section has a good amount of cheese and pepperoni for that perfect bite.
Step 5: Add the Flavorful Finish
Pour the melted butter and olive oil over the layered dough. This simple addition locks in moisture, helps create a golden crust, and infuses the bread with a rich, savory taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the monkey bread for about 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown and the cheeses bubble and melt enticingly. Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness; if it comes out clean, you’re ready!
Step 7: Cool and Unmold
Allow your pizza monkey bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. The slight cooling helps it hold together and makes it safer to handle. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like.
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is a beautiful garnish that adds a pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese and meats. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for more flavor depth.
Side Dishes
Pair the pizza monkey bread with a crisp garden salad or a zesty Caesar salad to cut through the richness and add crunch. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and cured meats also complement this dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this casual recipe into a showstopper. Serve the pull-apart bread on a colorful platter surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like spicy arrabbiata, creamy ranch, or garlic butter. Make it interactive by letting guests pull their own pieces and dip as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pizza monkey bread in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days while maintaining the great flavors and texture with just a slight loss of crispness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese becomes melty again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy instead of chewy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for the Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and gives you flexibility with flavor and texture. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces as you would with biscuit dough, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
What other toppings can I add to the pizza monkey bread?
Feel free to get creative! Sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon all make fantastic additions. Just chop them small so they mix evenly with the dough and cheese.
Is it necessary to use a bundt pan?
While a bundt pan is ideal for easy flipping and the beautiful shape it gives, you can use a greased 9×9 baking dish if you don’t have one. The pull-apart effect and flavors remain amazing either way.
Can I make the recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian-friendly toppings like olives, roasted red peppers, or spinach. The blend of cheeses and herbs keeps it delicious.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick that balances the richness, but you can easily adjust the amount or skip them if you prefer a milder flavor profile. It’s all about your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so joyful about tearing apart that cheesy, savory pizza monkey bread and sharing it with loved ones. This recipe is easy, fun, and endlessly adaptable, making it a new favorite in your kitchen rotation. Go ahead and try the Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe—you’ll be delighted by how simple ingredients turn into such a crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing treat!
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Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and shareable twist on traditional monkey bread, packed with mini pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese baked inside soft biscuit dough. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, it’s baked in a bundt pan until golden and served with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough)
Fillings & Seasonings
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or any toppings of choice like sausage, olives, or mushrooms)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy layering.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dough pieces, mini pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly until the dough is evenly coated with cheese and seasonings.
- Layer the Dough: Arrange the dough mixture evenly into the prepared bundt pan, layering to create a textured, pull-apart bread.
- Add Butter and Olive Oil: Pour the melted butter and olive oil evenly over the dough in the pan to infuse moisture and a rich flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake the monkey bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza monkey bread to cool for 5 minutes before carefully flipping it out of the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for added freshness if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by substituting mini pepperoni with other toppings like sausage, olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- If using pizza dough instead of biscuit dough, ensure it is cut into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- The bread is best served fresh and warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and crispy edges.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted depending on your spice preference.
- To make cleanup easier, use non-stick spray or thoroughly butter the bundt pan before assembling.
