If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, fun-to-eat dish that combines all the best flavors of pizza in a playful, shareable form, you’re going to adore this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s cheesy, savory, and loaded with pepperoni, all wrapped up in soft, bite-sized dough pieces that pull apart with ease. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want a fun weeknight meal, this recipe takes the classic monkey bread concept and transforms it into a pizza lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe come alive, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but key ingredients. Each element plays a special role, from the gooey cheese to the flavorful herbs, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough): Provides the soft, pull-apart base that makes this dish fun to eat.
- Mini pepperoni (or toppings of choice): Adds that classic pizza flavor and a little spicy kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that irresistible gooey stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella.
- Dried oregano: Brings the herbal aroma that ties it all together.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds an exciting hint of heat if you like things a bit spicy.
- Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping and boosting the pizza flavors.
- Melted butter and olive oil: These fats keep the bread moist and add richness to every bite.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a pop of fresh, bright herbal flavor right before serving.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with either non-stick spray or butter. This ensures your monkey bread won’t stick and will come out looking perfect.
Step 2: Cut the Dough into Bite-Sized Pieces
Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough instead, simply slice it into bite-sized chunks. This step is crucial because these small pieces will bake evenly and let you pull apart the bread easily later on.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the dough pieces with mini pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Tossing everything before baking helps distribute the cheese and spices evenly, so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Arrange the Mixture in the Pan
Layer the dough mixture into your prepared pan evenly. As you build the layers, the mingling of cheese and pepperoni between the dough balls creates that seriously addictive texture and taste.
Step 5: Add Butter and Olive Oil
Drizzle melted butter and olive oil over the top of your dough. This adds moisture, richness, and a beautiful golden color as the monkey bread bakes. Don’t skip this step; it really elevates the dish!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place your pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the bread to be a deep golden and the cheese completely melted. Test doneness with a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when your monkey bread is ready.
Step 7: Cool and Flip Out
Allow your pizza monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This short cooling time helps it hold its shape when you flip it, giving you a stunning presentation.
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil over the top for a burst of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan if you want to amplify the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This pizza monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables, balancing the indulgence with some fresh, vibrant flavors. A side of marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce completes the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual dinners, serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe family-style in the bundt pan so guests can pull pieces off as they please. Alternatively, slice it like a cake for a slightly more formal presentation that still keeps things fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reassemble pieces loosely to avoid sogginess and keep that pull-apart charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices or pieces in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Regular pizza dough works just as well. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps for the perfect pizza monkey bread texture.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sausage, olives, mushrooms, or even roasted peppers are delicious options to customize this recipe to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This dish is super kid-friendly, especially since it’s fun to pull apart and eat with your hands. You can omit red pepper flakes if you want to keep it mild for younger eaters.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try gluten-free biscuit or pizza dough options, but results may vary slightly in texture. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels for any hidden gluten.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the dough mixture to dial up the heat in your pizza monkey bread.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress friends or family with something fun, delicious, and utterly crave-worthy, don’t hesitate to whip up this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s a joyful twist on pizza that invites sharing and savors every bite, making mealtime memorable and totally satisfying.
Print
Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun, pull-apart dish combining cheesy, pepperoni-studded biscuit dough baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for sharing as a party appetizer or a casual snack, served warm with marinara dipping sauce and optional fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Pizza Monkey Bread
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or any toppings of choice (such as 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)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 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 during baking.
- Prepare the dough: Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough instead, cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy pulling apart once baked.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dough pieces, mini pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss thoroughly so that the dough pieces are evenly coated with cheese and seasoning.
- Layer the dough: Transfer and arrange the mixed dough evenly into the prepared bundt pan or baking dish, layering to fill the pan without packing too tightly.
- Add butter and olive oil: Pour the melted butter and olive oil over the dough mixture in the pan to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake the monkey bread: Place the bundt pan or baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully flip it out of the pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe with different toppings like cooked sausage, olives, mushrooms, or any pizza toppings you love.
- Using pizza dough instead of biscuit dough will yield a chewier texture.
- Make sure to grease your pan well to easily release the monkey bread after baking.
- Let the bread cool slightly before flipping to avoid breaking it apart.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or more garlic powder.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to help restore crispiness.
