If you’re looking for a dish that brings all the best parts of pizza together in a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Pizza Monkey Bread is it! Imagine layers of soft, golden-baked biscuit pieces oozing with gooey mozzarella, studded with zesty mini pepperoni, and tumbled in herby garlic butter. Each savory pull is a mix of stretchy cheese, classic pizza flavor, and playful snacking all in one bite. Serve this appetizer at parties, game nights, or busy weeknights, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Pizza Monkey Bread.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s surprising how just a few pantry staples can create something so irresistible! Each ingredient in Pizza Monkey Bread has a role: giving you that classic pizza flavor, pillowy texture, or the perfect aromatic finish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for making every bite pop.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: These handy cans of dough are the ultimate shortcut for pillowy bread layers; be sure to quarter each one for perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings iconic pizza stretchiness and melt—you’ll love the satisfying cheese pulls with every piece.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that deepens the overall flavor; grate it fresh for the best texture.
- Mini pepperoni or diced pepperoni: Infuses each layer with a pop of classic pizza spice; feel free to get creative with your favorite variety.
- Olive oil: Helps toast everything to golden, flavorful perfection, while also carrying the garlic and seasoning throughout.
- Fresh garlic, minced: The savory aroma and vibrant flavor of real garlic make all the difference.
- Italian seasoning: A perfect all-in-one mix for that herby, pizzeria finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick for those who like a gentle heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens every bite with color and fresh flavor; save a little extra for garnish!
- Pizza sauce, for dipping: No pizza experience is complete without dunking—use a good-quality store-bought sauce or your favorite homemade version.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures that your Pizza Monkey Bread bakes up evenly and gets that beautiful golden top. Lightly grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray or olive oil so none of the cheesy goodness sticks behind. That curvy shape is what creates those gorgeous pull-apart layers!
Step 2: Cut the Biscuit Dough
Open both cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each one into quarters so you end up with bite-sized pieces, perfect for grabbing and pulling apart. This is the secret to that fun, shareable presentation.
Step 3: Toss Ingredients Together
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mini pepperoni, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until every piece is beautifully coated—messy hands are part of the fun here!
Step 4: Layer Into the Bundt Pan
Pour the mixture into your prepared bundt pan. Gently press the pieces down to eliminate air gaps; this helps the Pizza Monkey Bread bake evenly and stick together for flawless serving later on. Make sure the cheese and pepperoni are evenly distributed for the perfect flavor balance in every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is deeply golden brown and you can smell the savory, garlicky aroma. The cheese should bubble and the dough will be cooked through—resist the urge to pull it out too early for the best texture!
Step 6: Cool and Unmold
Let your Pizza Monkey Bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so the cheese sets just enough to hold everything together. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. If any cheese tries to stick, just ease it out with a spatula—it’ll still taste amazing.
Step 7: Serve With Pizza Sauce
Serve warm, paired with a bowl of pizza sauce for dipping. That combination of soft, cheesy bread and tangy sauce makes every pull-apart bite totally irresistible!
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a dusting of Parmesan right after unmolding for a fresh, colorful finish. If you want to take it up a notch, a bit of crushed red pepper on top looks gorgeous and adds a little spark.
Side Dishes
The hearty, cheesy nature of Pizza Monkey Bread pairs well with lighter sides. Think crisp green salads tossed in Italian vinaigrette, marinated olives, or a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad. These sides cut the richness and keep things balanced, especially for a party or weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to limit yourself to bundt pans! Try baking your Pizza Monkey Bread in muffin tins for individual servings, or on a parchment-lined sheet for a rustic, pull-apart loaf. Serve with a trio of dips—classic pizza sauce, ranch, and garlic butter—for a choose-your-own-adventure experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bread stays plenty soft, and the flavors only get better by the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Pizza Monkey Bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to a month—just defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes). This method keeps the outside crisp and the inside soft and gooey. In a pinch, you can microwave a single serving, but the oven is definitely worth it if you have time.
FAQs
Can I add other pizza toppings to Pizza Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even olives. Just keep add-ins precooked and diced small so they incorporate smoothly.
What type Appetizer, Snack
Regular homestyle refrigerated biscuit dough works beautifully, but you can use flaky layer varieties for even more pull-apart texture. Avoid sweet biscuit doughs, as they’re more suited for desserts.
Can this be prepped ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the bundt pan up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving for the freshest taste and best “wow” factor.
What dipping sauces can I serve besides pizza sauce?
Try ranch, pesto, or garlic butter for extra fun. Marinara is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix it up according to what your crowd loves!
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Really grease your bundt pan well, paying special attention to all the nooks and crannies. A light dusting of flour after greasing can also help, especially if your pan is prone to sticking.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting game night or just want a playful twist on pizza night, Pizza Monkey Bread is guaranteed to steal the show. It’s ooey, gooey, and so much fun to pull apart and share. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without it!
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Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 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 convenient pull-apart bread form. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for parties or a casual snack.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pepperoni Mix:
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or diced pepperoni
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Serving:
- 1 cup pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan.
- Cut biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine biscuit pieces, mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Toss well.
- Arrange in pan: Transfer mixture into the prepared bundt pan, pressing down gently.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm with pizza sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with cooked sausage, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- To make ahead, assemble in the bundt pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
