If you’re a fan of all things cheesy, pepperoni-packed, and shareable, Pizza Monkey Bread is about to become your go-to party recipe! This delightful pull-apart bread combines the best elements of pizza—gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, garlicky butter, and a tangy dipping sauce—tucked into bite-sized pieces of biscuit dough and baked until golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting family game night, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself to a fun twist on pizza, this Pizza Monkey Bread is sure to disappear fast. It’s playful, messy in the best way, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread are easy to find but essential for nailing that classic pizza flavor and tender, cheesy texture. Each one brings something special to the party, so let’s break them down for you!
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret shortcut for fluffy, pull-apart pieces—the perfect base for everything cheesy and savory.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers maximum stretch and gooeyness with every bite—don’t skimp!
- Mini pepperoni slices: Adds that irresistible classic pizza flavor and a pop of color throughout the bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty bite that deepens the savory richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the flavors meld together and crisps up the biscuit pieces beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the bread with Restaurant-level garlicky goodness for true pizza-shop vibes.
- Italian seasoning: A must for that classic herby aroma and flavor—think oregano, basil, and thyme in every piece.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat—totally tweakable to your taste!
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping): No Pizza Monkey Bread experience is complete without this tangy side for dunking!
- Nonstick cooking spray: So the bread slides right out of the pan—no sticking, no mess, all glory.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan and Oven
Let’s kick things off by getting your equipment ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F, and give your bundt pan a good coat of nonstick cooking spray. This step guarantees the bread pops out easily and retains those pretty, curved bundt edges. No one wants to lose any cheesy bits to the pan!
Step 2: Cut and Combine the Biscuit Pieces
Open up the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and use a knife or clean scissors to cut each biscuit into quarters. Toss all the bite-sized biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl—these will become the perfect morsels for catching all the cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Add All the Flavorful Fillings
To your bowl of biscuit pieces, add in the shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and (if you like a little heat) those crushed red pepper flakes. This step is when it starts smelling like your favorite pizzeria right at home!
Step 4: Pour in the Melted Butter and Toss
Drizzle the melted butter all over the biscuit-and-filling mixture. Now, toss everything together—use clean hands or a big spatula—to evenly coat each piece. Every single bite should get a bit of butter, cheese, herb, and pepperoni!
Step 5: Fill the Bundt Pan
Tip the cheesy, buttery biscuit mixture into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it out so the filling is even all the way around. Give the pan a gentle shake or tap to let everything settle—uniformity helps it cook through without doughy spots in the center.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn beautifully golden and you might see some crispy cheese bubbling at the edges. Before calling it done, check the thickest part in the center to make sure the dough is cooked all the way through.
Step 7: Let Cool, Then Unmold and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the Pizza Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes (trust me, this makes releasing it a breeze). Carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Serve the bread warm—pull apart and dip the pieces into plenty of marinara or pizza sauce for the full experience!
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread
Garnishes
Pile on a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a dusting of chopped fresh parsley or basil, or even a few more mini pepperoni slices for a seriously eye-catching finish. A little drizzle of garlic butter or a shake of red pepper flakes before serving takes the presentation—and flavor—over the top.
Side Dishes
Pizza Monkey Bread is a star on any appetizer table but it’s also great with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw on the side. For bigger spreads, offer a fresh fruit salad or roasted veggies to contrast the rich, cheesy bread and keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, bring out the monkey bread on a wooden board surrounded by dipping sauces—think classic marinara, garlic butter, or even ranch. Or, try making individual mini monkey breads using muffin tins for a fun, grab-and-go twist. It’s also adorable torn into cups or jars for easy snacking outdoors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Simply wrap the leftover Pizza Monkey Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days and is just as scrumptious the next day, especially when reheated.
Freezing
Pizza Monkey Bread actually freezes surprisingly well! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap then foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re craving that cheesy pull-apart treat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftover monkey bread back to life, heat in a 300°F oven (covered loosely with foil) for about 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 20 seconds. Add a small bowl of fresh marinara, and your leftovers are party-ready again!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great; just cut it into small chunks and follow the same steps. Keep in mind bake times might be slightly longer since pizza dough is a bit denser.
What other toppings can I mix in?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped cooked sausage, sautéed onions or mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even some spicy jalapenos are all delicious additions. Just keep ingredients in small pieces for even distribution.
How do I know when the Pizza Monkey Bread is fully cooked?
Check that the top is golden brown and use a skewer or knife to test the center—if it comes out clean and the dough doesn’t look raw or gooey, you’re set. If in doubt, cover loosely with foil and bake another five minutes.
Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble the bread up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it off just before guests arrive for freshly melted cheese and irresistible aroma.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—just use vegetarian pepperoni or skip the meat entirely and bulk up with your favorite veggies like olives, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for your next crowd-pleasing party snack or cozy comfort food, Pizza Monkey Bread truly checks all the boxes. No one can resist the combo of melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and pillowy biscuit bites—all ready to be dunked into your favorite sauce. Dive in and let every cheesy, garlicky bite bring a little more joy to your table!
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Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun twist on traditional pizza, with all the flavors you love in a pull-apart bread form. This cheesy, savory bread is perfect for parties or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut each biscuit into quarters and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour melted butter over everything and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to the bundt pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara/pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize fillings with veggies, sausage, or olives.
- Check the center for doneness before removing from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
