Pizza Monkey Bread

Golden, gooey, and packed with cheesy, pepperoni-stuffed bites, this pull-apart delight is everything you crave from pizza but in a fun, shareable format. Pizza Monkey Bread is the kind of dish that brings people together—perfect for game nights, parties, or even a cozy dinner with a twist. Picture this: warm, buttery dough, bubbling cheese, and savory pepperoni, all baked into a beautiful bundt. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with This Cheesy Pull-Apart Favorite

It’s not just about the ingredients, though they’re undeniably delicious. It’s the experience of pulling apart each soft, doughy piece that makes this one so irresistible. Every bite is a little surprise of flavor, warmth, and joy.

A Fun Twist on Classic Pizza with Party Roots

Monkey bread has long been a favorite at gatherings, often served as a sweet treat. But when you blend the concept with savory pizza vibes, magic happens. This savory version likely evolved from a blend of American party food traditions and the universal love for pizza. Its origins may be rooted in the Midwest, where creativity with canned dough has birthed many a weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This One

This cheesy ring of goodness isn’t just fun to eat—it’s smart, simple, and packed with perks. Let’s break it down:

Versatile: Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or even dinner with a side salad.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and stretches to feed a crowd.

Quick and Easy: Prep is a breeze thanks to store-bought dough.

Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or try a different sauce.

Crowd-Pleasing: Watch it disappear within minutes at any gathering.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead, then pop in the oven when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat for lunch or snack on cold—still delicious.

Pro Tips That’ll Make You Feel Like a Kitchen Pro

To really nail this dish, a few little tricks go a long way. Here’s how to make yours absolutely drool-worthy:

• Cut the biscuit dough evenly so each piece bakes at the same rate.
• Grease your bundt pan generously—this is sticky, cheesy goodness.
• Layer the ingredients as you go to ensure every bite gets love.
• Let it cool just a bit before flipping, so it holds its shape beautifully.
• Don’t skip the butter and seasoning mix—it brings that irresistible garlic-butter pizza crust vibe.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Want on Hand

This dish doesn’t require anything fancy, but a few reliable tools make all the difference:

Bundt Pan: Gives the bread its signature shape and even bake.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing dough pieces with all that cheesy, buttery magic.
Small Bowls or Ramekins: Perfect for prepping ingredients like garlic powder and oregano.
Pastry Brush: Helps coat every nook with buttery goodness.
Cooling Rack: Lets the monkey bread settle before serving.

What You’ll Need for the Ultimate Pizza Monkey Bread

Before we dive into the process, let’s get cozy with the cast of characters that make this recipe a hit. Each one plays its part in building those irresistible pizza flavors.

1. Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 2 cans (16 oz total) Soft, flaky base that holds everything together.
2. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups Melts perfectly, giving that ooey-gooey pull.
3. Mini Pepperoni Slices: 1 cup Adds savory, zesty bursts throughout.
4. Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted Rich coating for the dough and seasoning.
5. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon Infuses dough with bold, pizza-style flavor.
6. Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon Adds that classic Italian herb note.
7. Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (for dipping) Brings the whole pizza experience full circle.

Ingredient Swaps You Can Totally Pull Off

Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to preferences, here are a few easy switches:

Mozzarella: Use cheddar or provolone for a different melt.
Pepperoni: Swap for cooked sausage crumbles or mushrooms.
Butter: Olive oil works in a pinch.
Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic adds a real punch.
Marinara: Ranch or alfredo make fun alternatives for dipping.

Ingredients That Deserve the Spotlight

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: It’s the shortcut hero here, giving a flaky, buttery bite without the need to make dough from scratch.

Mozzarella Cheese: This is what gives you that satisfying cheese pull. Go for low-moisture part-skim for the perfect melt.

Let’s Make It Together, Step by Step

Now comes the fun part. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s turn those humble pieces into something truly craveable.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and oregano. Add the biscuit dough pieces (cut each biscuit into quarters), cheese, and pepperoni. Toss everything until evenly coated.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Layer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing lightly so it fills the shape.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   As you fill the pan, make sure cheese and pepperoni are well-distributed to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is cooked through. A skewer should come out clean.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let it rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully invert onto a plate or board.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce in the center for dipping.

Texture That’s Soft, Cheesy, and Totally Satisfying

The best part? That contrast between the crisp golden edges and the pillowy-soft center. Every bite bursts with gooey melted cheese and pepperoni nestled in garlicky, buttery dough. Dipped into marinara, it’s a little bite of pizza heaven.

Extra Tips to Nail It Every Time

Pulling it all together is easy with a few more friendly nudges:

• Use cold dough for easier handling and cutting.
• Press down the top layer lightly to help it form a uniform ring.
• Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Just a few things to watch out for and you’ll be golden:

• Overloading the pan: Leave a little room for the dough to rise.
• Skipping the grease: You’ll regret it when it’s time to flip.
• Uneven layering: Spread the good stuff evenly for flavor in every bite.

Let’s Talk Nutrition (It’s Worth It)

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 420

Note: These are approximate values.

Timing Breakdown to Plan Ahead

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Storing and Reheating Made Easy

You can prep this ahead by assembling it in the bundt pan and refrigerating until ready to bake. Once cooked, leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.

Delicious Ways to Serve It Up

Set it in the center of your table with marinara for dipping, or make it a meal with a fresh green salad and a cold drink. It also makes a killer potluck contribution or birthday party snack.

Leftovers That Don’t Feel Like Leftovers

Turn the extras into something new:

• Slice and toast for cheesy pizza croutons.
• Reheat and serve with scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast twist.
• Cut into smaller bites and thread onto skewers for party-style nibbles.

Extra Nuggets of Wisdom

A few more things to keep in mind as you make your way to cheesy, pull-apart glory:

• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Want it extra golden? Brush the top with butter halfway through baking.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone and mozzarella for deeper flavor.

Presentation Tips to Wow Your Crowd

Flip it onto a white platter, place a bowl of marinara in the center, and sprinkle with a little dried oregano or fresh parsley. A drizzle of garlic butter on top? Total showstopper.

Variations Worth Exploring

Here are a few spins to keep things exciting:

• Veggie Supreme: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken.
• Four Cheese: Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and parmesan—need we say more?
• Spicy Lover’s: Add jalapeños and chili flakes for a fiery version.
• Breakfast Style: Sub in scrambled eggs and cooked sausage.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
A1: Yes, but you’ll want to let it rise a bit and cut into small chunks for similar texture.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely. Just skip the pepperoni or sub in sautéed veggies.

Q3: What’s the best cheese blend to use?
A3: Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in provolone or cheddar adds more depth.

Q4: Can I prep this the night before?
A4: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh.

Q5: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A5: The top will be deep golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in oven.

Q7: Do I need a bundt pan?
A7: It helps with shape, but a loaf pan or round pan works too.

Q8: How do I reheat it without drying it out?
A8: Wrap in foil and warm in oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

Q9: Can I add extra toppings like olives?
A9: Go for it! Just don’t overload or it may not bake evenly.

Q10: What dip besides marinara can I use?
A10: Ranch, garlic butter, or even a cheesy dip would be amazing.

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something fun and delicious to snack on, Pizza Monkey Bread is a total game-changer. It’s gooey, golden, and bursting with those classic pizza flavors we all adore. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite—one warm, cheesy bite at a time.

Print