Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate party treat that’s equal parts cheesy, satisfying, and incredibly fun to eat, say hello to Pizza Monkey Bread. This pull-apart masterpiece is everything you love about pizza—gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, zippy sauce—all wrapped up in golden biscuit dough and baked until bubbly and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry group on game day or simply craving something comfortingly interactive, Pizza Monkey Bread is about to become your go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to make Pizza Monkey Bread, but each one plays a tasty role. Don’t skip a single element—the magic really happens when biscuit dough, melty cheese, and flavorful seasonings come together in every bite!
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The pillowy shortcut that gives this bread its signature pull-apart texture and layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for gooey, stretchy goodness that mimics classic pizza.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni: Brings a hit of spice and that unmistakable pizzeria vibe in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
- Olive oil: Helps everything brown beautifully and keeps the bread moist and rich.
- Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend infuses the bread with herby, irresistible pizza flavor throughout.
- Garlic powder: Lends a subtle warmth and classic garlic aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little spicy kick if you like your pizza with a bit of heat.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping): A must for dunking and sealing the pizza experience!
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab your Bundt pan and give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or a good rub with butter. This ensures nothing sticks, so you’ll have a perfect golden ring of Pizza Monkey Bread ready to slide out later!
Step 2: Combine All the Good Stuff
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the biscuit dough quarters, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Use your hands or a big spoon to make sure every piece of dough is coated with cheesy, savory goodness and those irresistible seasonings.
Step 3: Fill the Bundt Pan
Pour that glorious, well-mixed combination into your prepared Bundt pan. Lightly press the mixture down to help it settle in—just enough to compact it a bit, but not so tight that it can’t pull apart after baking. The dough rises as it bakes, creating all those beautiful pull-apart pockets!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the center of your oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden color on top and a bubbly, tantalizing aroma throughout your kitchen. When it’s done, let the Pizza Monkey Bread cool for at least 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto your serving plate.
Step 5: Serve and Dip!
While it’s still warm, set a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce nearby for dipping, and watch the loaf disappear as guests pull apart piece after piece. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, brush the top with some melted butter for a crisp, glossy finish.
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil will brighten the look and add fresh flavor right before serving. For a touch more decadence, dust the top with an extra handful of grated Parmesan as soon as it comes out of the oven so it melts in slightly.
Side Dishes
Pair Pizza Monkey Bread with a hearty green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette, or set out a bowl of warm, garlicky roasted vegetables. If you’re thinking party spread, creamy dips or a platter of crunchy crudités work beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the bread on a wooden board with ramekins of different dipping sauces (marinara, garlic butter, even ranch) nestled inside the ring. Or, slice leftovers into wedges, layer with more cheese, and broil them until bubbly for next-level snack bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra Pizza Monkey Bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day—if not more—thanks to all those soaked-in flavors!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Pizza Monkey Bread once it cools completely. Cut into portions, wrap them individually in plastic or foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat pieces of Pizza Monkey Bread in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—about 10 to 15 minutes. For snacking, a quick zap in the microwave works as well, though the crust may not crisp quite as much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! While biscuit dough creates that signature buttery, layered bite, homemade (or store-bought) pizza dough gives a chewier, more classic pizza flavor. Just cut it into small pieces and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
What’s the best pan if I don’t have a Bundt?
No Bundt pan? No worries! You can use any large loaf pan, cake pan, or even a deep pie dish. Just watch your baking time, as thicker pans may require a few more minutes to cook through.
Can I add different toppings?
Definitely! Pizza Monkey Bread begs to be customized. Try adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or sliced black olives to sneak in extra flavors and textures. Just keep the overall amount similar so the dough bakes evenly.
How do I make it vegetarian?
It’s easy! Swap the regular pepperoni for veggie pepperoni or simply leave it out, and pile in your favorite vegetable mix-ins instead. You’ll still get all the pizza flair without the meat.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Certainly. Double the ingredients and split the mixture between two Bundt or loaf pans. Bake them side by side, checking both for doneness, so everyone gets their fair share of Pizza Monkey Bread.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Monkey Bread is guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering—there’s nothing like watching friends and family eagerly pull apart the cheesy, aromatic bites. With endless ways to customize and simple steps to follow, this recipe is just waiting for you to make it your own. Gather your favorite people and enjoy every gooey, pizza-packed piece!
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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 and delicious twist on traditional pizza. This pull-apart bread is loaded with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, making it a perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit dough pieces, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fill the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared Bundt pan, pressing gently to compact slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize with other toppings like cooked sausage, bell peppers, or black olives.
- For extra crispiness, brush the top with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of loaf
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
