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
- 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.
- Slice the pizza dough or biscuit dough into uniform 1-inch pieces, creating bite-sized morsels for easy pulling and sharing.
- 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.
- Carefully tumble the dough pieces into the butter mixture, gently rotating to ensure each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning.
- 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.
- Continue layering the dough, cheese, and pepperoni, pressing down gently to compact the ingredients and create a dense, interconnected structure.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven once the bread achieves a golden-brown exterior and appears fully cooked through.
- Allow the monkey bread to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, which helps it set and makes removal easier.
- Carefully invert the bread onto a serving plate, revealing the layers of cheesy, pepperoni-studded goodness.
- 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