Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with this irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe! Imagine bite-sized pockets of warm, cheesy, pepperoni-studded dough baked to golden perfection and served with a side of marinara for dipping. It is the ultimate finger food for game nights, casual parties, or whenever you crave a fun twist on classic pizza. This dish effortlessly combines the gooeyness of mozzarella, the zing of Italian seasonings, and the savory goodness of pepperoni wrapped in fluffy biscuit dough to bring a crowd-pleasing treat that is as easy to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the refrigerated biscuits create that pillowy dough, cheeses bring melt-in-your-mouth richness, pepperoni adds a spicy kick, and the blend of butter, olive oil, and garlic infuse every bite with mouthwatering flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- 2 (16.3 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (quartered): These provide the soft, doughy base that bakes into tender, pull-apart goodness.
- 6 ounces pepperoni, quartered: Offers a slightly spicy, meaty punch that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pizza vibe.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated: Adds a nutty, sharp depth to balance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup butter (melted and slightly cooled): Ensures every piece stays moist and golden brown while baking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Works with butter to keep the dough tender and adds a subtle richness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings: A fragrant mix of herbs that make the dough taste like authentic Italian pizza crust.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder): Infuses the bread with a mellow, aromatic garlic flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Marinara for dipping: The perfect tangy companion that ties all the flavors together with every dip.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix All the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuits, pepperoni pieces, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, melted butter, olive oil, Italian seasonings, and garlic. Toss everything together really well, making sure every piece of dough is coated with that flavorful buttery and herby mixture. This step coats about to ensure a deeply tasty and cohesive bite once baked.
Step 2: Bake it to Golden Perfection
Next, pour your savory mixture into a well-greased 10-inch Bundt pan for that signature monkey bread shape. If a Bundt pan isn’t available, a 9×13 baking dish will work just fine, though you’ll miss out on the dramatic presentation. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning on top. Since oven temps vary, begin checking every 5 minutes towards the end. You want to ensure the biscuits are fully cooked inside while the outside gets that irresistible golden crust.
Step 3: Unmold and Serve with Marinara
Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use a knife to gently loosen the edges of the bread from the sides of the pan — this helps you invert it cleanly. Flip the pan onto a large plate so the beautiful, cheesy pizza monkey bread is right side up and ready to wow. The best part? Pull apart the soft, cheesy bundles and dip them into warm marinara sauce for a sensational pizza party treat.
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe even more festive and flavorful, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top right after baking. You can also add a light dusting of red pepper flakes for a little heat or drizzle a bit of garlic butter over the top for an extra indulgent touch that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a party appetizer or casual meal, so pairing it with simple sides is key. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini complement the Italian flavors beautifully. If you want to keep things classic, a small bowl of Caesar salad or even some garlic bread on the side works wonders too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or pizza night, serve your Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe on a wooden cutting board surrounded by ramekins of marinara and ranch dressing for dipping. You can also layer it with thinly sliced fresh tomatoes and a handful of arugula on top to give it a fresh, gourmet look. Another fun idea is to add mini skewers so people can grab their cheesy bites without getting messy — perfect for cocktail parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Monkey Bread keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before covering to prevent sogginess. The flavors actually marry nicely overnight, so leftovers are still delicious!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe for even longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before popping it into the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your pizza monkey bread is in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy rather than soft and delightful. Reheating also refreshes the gooey cheese perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough will give you a chewier texture but the pillowy qualities of biscuits make it quicker and easier for this recipe. If you use fresh dough, cut it into small pieces and toss gently with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t eat pepperoni? What are some alternatives?
You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, or even vegetables like roasted mushrooms or bell peppers. This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is very versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
Since it relies on canned refrigerated biscuits, most standard varieties are not gluten-free. However, if you can find gluten-free biscuit dough, you can try substituting it and bake as directed for a gluten-free version.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two Bundt pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes to cook through completely.
How spicy is this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe?
It has a mild spice level due to the pepperoni and Italian seasonings. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni. For a kid-friendly version, mild pepperoni or no added heat works well.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and share, bringing comfort food vibes with a fun, interactive twist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, it never fails to impress with its cheesy pull-apart goodness and flavorful blend of ingredients. Take a moment to whip this up and watch it become a fast favorite in your home—trust me, you’ll want seconds and maybe thirds!
Print
Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and delicious pull-apart bread packed with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough tossed in garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection in a Bundt pan. Perfect for sharing and dipping in marinara sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and bursting with classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread Mixture
- 2 (16.3 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits, quartered
- 6 ounces pepperoni, quartered
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Dipping Sauce
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature while you prepare the dough mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuits, quartered pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, olive oil, Italian seasonings, and minced garlic. Toss everything thoroughly until well combined and evenly coated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking. If using a Bundt pan, a high-quality non-stick pan is recommended to ease removal.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the biscuit and pepperoni mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. After 20 minutes, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Check every 5 minutes towards the end to ensure the rolls are cooked through and the top is nicely browned.
- Remove and Cool Slightly: Once done, remove the pan from the oven. Use a knife to loosen the edges of the bread from the pan carefully to prevent sticking.
- Invert and Serve: Place a serving plate over the Bundt pan and carefully invert it so the monkey bread comes out with the prettiest side showing. Pull apart individual pieces and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using a good quality Bundt pan helps prevent sticking; otherwise, the bread may be difficult to remove.
- You can substitute garlic powder for minced garlic if preferred.
- Check doneness by ensuring the biscuits are cooked through and the center is no longer doughy.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
