Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Make Irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread: A Cheesy Recipe!

Have you ever craved a playful pizza monkey bread that combines the best of pull-apart fun with classic Italian flavors?

Melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce create an irresistible combination that sparks excitement at any gathering.

Crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of herbs, gooey cheese, and savory pizza ingredients.

Small pieces of dough coated in garlic and parmesan transform this recipe into a social dining experience.

Friends and family will huddle around, eagerly tearing apart these delectable morsels.

You’ll want to serve this immediately while the cheese is still molten and the aroma fills the room.

Pizza Monkey Bread That Steals the Show

  • Assemble this delicious dish in just minutes using simple store-bought ingredients like pre-made biscuit dough and basic seasonings.
  • Engage children in the fun mixing and layering process, making it a perfect family cooking activity that creates delightful memories.
  • Transform classic pizza flavors into a shareable, pull-apart bread that works brilliantly as an appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner side dish.

Ingredients List for Pizza Monkey Bread Night

Bread Base:
  • Biscuit Dough, Pizza Dough: Soft, versatile base for creating a pull-apart bread. Store-bought or homemade works great. Choose fresh, pre-made dough for convenience.
Cheese and Protein:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza flavors that add richness and savory depth. Shredded or chunk cheese melts beautifully. Choose full-fat cheeses for best flavor and melting.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provides moisture, aromatic seasoning, and herbal notes. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels. Fresh or dried Italian seasoning works well.
Serving and Finishing:
  • Marinara Sauce, Pizza Sauce: Perfect dipping companion that complements the bread's flavors. Homemade or store-bought options are suitable. Choose a sauce with robust tomato flavor.

Bake Pizza Monkey Bread with Confidence

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a bundt pan and give it a generous coating of butter or non-stick spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Slice and Dice the Dough

Take your pizza dough or biscuit roll and slice it into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1-inch pieces.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Tumble the dough chunks into this zesty mixture, ensuring each piece gets a flavor bath.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Tower

Start layering your dough in the bundt pan, creating mouthwatering levels with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Parmesan cheese

Repeat the layers until you’ve used all ingredients. Press down gently to compact everything.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color. If the top starts getting too dark, drape some aluminum foil over it during the final 10 minutes.

Step 6: Reveal and Devour

Let the bread rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Carefully flip onto a serving plate. Serve piping hot with marinara sauce for dipping and watch everyone dive in!

Tips That Make Pizza Monkey Bread Even Better

  • Prevent Sticking: Grease the bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal and avoid bread breaking apart when serving.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Alternate dough pieces with cheese and pepperoni to create delicious pockets of flavor in every bite, maximizing taste distribution.
  • Monitor Browning: Watch the top carefully during baking and tent with aluminum foil if it browns too quickly, protecting the surface from burning while ensuring even cooking.
  • Sauce Pairing Perfection: Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the overall flavor and creating a fun, interactive eating experience.
  • Customize Your Creation: Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar or add herbs like basil to personalize the recipe and suit your taste preferences.

Save and Reheat Pizza Monkey Bread Easily

  • Store leftover pizza monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
  • Warm the bread at 350F for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. This method helps restore the original crispy texture.
  • Quickly reheat individual portions for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough and chewy.
  • Enjoy reheated pizza monkey bread within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. Serve immediately after reheating with fresh marinara sauce for the best experience.

Favorite Sides with Pizza Monkey Bread

  • Grab a hoppy IPA or light pilsner to cut through the rich, cheesy flavors and refresh your palate with each bite.
  • Toss together a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy contrast against the heavy, savory bread.
  • Whip up a spicy arrabiata sauce or garlic-herb ranch dressing to elevate the bread's flavor profile and add an extra layer of excitement.
  • Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the pepperoni and cheese with its fruity undertones.

Fun Flavors for Pizza Monkey Bread

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower pizza dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushroom slices to create a plant-based alternative that's packed with flavor.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use almond flour-based dough or cauliflower crust pieces instead of traditional biscuit dough to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Lovers' Variation: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce into the butter mixture for an extra kick of heat and zesty excitement.
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Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 1x

Description

Crowd-pleasing Pizza Monkey Bread brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen table. Gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and savory pepperoni combine in this shareable snack that promises delightful pull-apart moments for hungry guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Protein:

  • 2 cups (200 g / 7.05 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.53 ounces) sliced pepperoni (cut into quarters if large)
  • ¼ cup (50 g / 1.76 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Dough:

  • 2 cans (16 oz / 453 g each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough

Coating and Seasoning:

  • ¼ cup (60 g / 2.12 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8.12 fluid ounces) marinara or pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy release of the finished dish.
  2. Slice the pizza dough or biscuit dough into uniform 1-inch pieces, creating bite-sized morsels for easy pulling and sharing.
  3. Craft a flavorful coating by whisking melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, creating a fragrant mixture that will infuse the dough with savory notes.
  4. Carefully tumble the dough pieces into the butter mixture, gently rotating to ensure each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning.
  5. Begin constructing the monkey bread by placing an initial layer of coated dough pieces in the bundt pan, interspersing mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese between each section.
  6. Continue layering the dough, cheese, and pepperoni, pressing down gently to compact the ingredients and create a dense, interconnected structure.
  7. Transfer the prepared monkey bread to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring the top to prevent excessive browning by covering with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes if necessary.
  8. Remove from the oven once the bread achieves a golden-brown exterior and appears fully cooked through.
  9. Allow the monkey bread to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, which helps it set and makes removal easier.
  10. Carefully invert the bread onto a serving plate, revealing the layers of cheesy, pepperoni-studded goodness.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by marinara or pizza sauce for dipping and enhancing the flavor profile.

Notes

  • Swap traditional biscuit dough with gluten-free options for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
  • Use turkey pepperoni or remove meat entirely for vegetarian variations, making the dish adaptable to different dietary preferences.
  • Let dough pieces rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before coating to ensure even butter absorption and better texture during baking.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh chopped herbs like basil or oregano into the butter mixture for a more aromatic and vibrant pizza monkey bread experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 to 10
  • Calories: 343
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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