Pizza Monkey Bread

Introduction

Cheesy, gooey, and packed with bold pizza flavor, Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate shareable snack that brings people together! Imagine soft, buttery bites of dough infused with garlic, layered with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce—all baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan. It’s everything you love about pizza, but in a fun, pull-apart form that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy night in.

The first time I made this, the aroma of bubbling cheese and garlic filled the kitchen, and before I knew it, everyone was gathered around, eagerly pulling apart piece after piece. That’s the magic of Pizza Monkey Bread—it’s interactive, delicious, and impossible to resist!

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite pizza toppings—think crumbled sausage, sautéed mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. And let’s not forget the dipping sauces! A side of warm marinara is a classic choice, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a drizzle of hot honey can take it to the next level.

Surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, Pizza Monkey Bread delivers big pizza flavor in every cheesy, pull-apart bite!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Family gatherings
• Party appetizers
• Quick dinner ideas
• Pizza lovers

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

Here’s why Pizza Monkey Bread will become your new favorite:

• Easy and Fun to Make: Uses store-bought biscuit dough or pizza dough for a quick and simple recipe.
• Cheesy and Flavorful: Every bite is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty seasoning.
• Perfect for Sharing: Designed to be pulled apart piece by piece, making it great for gatherings.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage.
• Dippable: Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for an extra flavor boost.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 people
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pizza Monkey Bread:

• 2 cans (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or 1 lb pizza dough
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the pan

Ingredient Highlights

• Biscuit or Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and easy, while homemade dough adds a personal touch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, making every bite cheesy and gooey.
• Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza flavor, but you can substitute other toppings.
• Garlic & Italian Seasoning: Enhances the flavor, giving the bread an authentic pizza taste.
• Butter & Parmesan: Coats the dough for a rich, buttery texture and crisp edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pizza Monkey Bread:

Prepare the Dough Mixture:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Cut the Dough: If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough, cut it into 1-inch pieces.
3. Mix the Cheese and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Toss with Dough Pieces: Add the dough pieces and mini pepperoni to the bowl and mix until evenly coated.
5. Add Butter and Sauce: Pour the melted butter and pizza sauce over the mixture and toss until everything is well combined.

Assemble and Bake:

6. Layer in the Bundt Pan: Transfer the coated dough pieces into the greased bundt pan, spreading them evenly.
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
8. Cool and Flip: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.

How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread

Pizza Monkey Bread is best served warm and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• With Marinara Sauce – Serve with a side of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
• With Garlic Butter – Brush with melted garlic butter for extra flavor before serving.
• With Ranch Dressing – Offer ranch dressing as a dipping option for a creamy contrast.
• With a Cheese Fondue – Serve with a gooey cheese sauce for an indulgent experience.
• As a Party Appetizer – Place on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
• With a Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper or serve with a side of hot sauce.
• With a Salad – Pair with a fresh Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
• As a Breakfast Option – Serve with scrambled eggs and sausage for a savory breakfast twist.
• With Extra Toppings – Sprinkle with more cheese, fresh basil, or crumbled bacon before serving.
• With a Dipping Trio – Offer a variety of dips like marinara, pesto, and Alfredo for variety.

Additional Tips for Pizza Monkey Bread

Here are some tips to make your Pizza Monkey Bread even better:

• Use Fresh Dough: If using fresh pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cutting.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the dough pieces evenly so they cook through properly.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or crumbled sausage for variety.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños for heat.
• Brush with Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush on top after baking for extra flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure the middle pieces are fully cooked before removing from the oven.
• Reheat for Best Texture: Warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Recipe Variations for Pizza Monkey Bread

Here are 10 ways to switch up your Pizza Monkey Bread:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza Monkey Bread: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken instead of pepperoni.
• Buffalo Chicken Monkey Bread: Toss the dough with buffalo sauce and shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Hawaiian Pizza Monkey Bread: Add diced ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
• Veggie Lovers Monkey Bread: Use bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives instead of meat.
• Cheeseburger Monkey Bread: Add cooked ground beef and cheddar cheese for a burger-inspired flavor.
• Philly Cheesesteak Monkey Bread: Use thinly sliced steak, provolone cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers.
• Spinach and Artichoke Monkey Bread: Mix in chopped spinach and artichokes with cream cheese.
• White Pizza Monkey Bread: Use ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic butter instead of red sauce.
• Meat Lovers Monkey Bread: Add bacon, sausage, and ham along with the pepperoni.
• Four Cheese Monkey Bread: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan for ultra-cheesy goodness.

Freezing and Storage for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Freezing: Assemble the dough mixture and freeze it in the bundt pan before baking. When ready to bake, let it thaw for 30 minutes and bake as usual.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes for best results.

Special Equipment for Pizza Monkey Bread

Here are some tools to make preparing Pizza Monkey Bread easier:

• Bundt Pan: The best pan for shaping and even baking.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing the dough with cheese and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Pizza Cutter or Knife: For cutting the dough into pieces.
• Baking Spray or Brush: To grease the pan properly.
• Oven Thermometer: Ensures the correct baking temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions for Pizza Monkey Bread

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
   Yes! Just make sure to let it rest before cutting for easier handling.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate overnight before baking.
3. How do I keep it from getting soggy?
   Avoid adding too much sauce to the dough and bake until golden brown.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
   Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor.
5. Can I bake it in a different pan?
   A loaf pan or muffin tin can work, but baking times may vary.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a fun, pull-apart style! With its gooey, melty cheese, crispy golden edges, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this savory snack disappears almost as fast as it’s made. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, or get creative with your favorite flavors—everyone will be reaching for more!

I’d love to see your Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Happy baking!