Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun twist on pizza! It features fluffy bread pieces tossed with cheese, pepperoni, and tasty pizza sauce. Perfect for parties or movie nights!
This dish is like pizza but with a playful twist. I love pulling apart the cheesy pieces—it’s a messy but fun experience! Grab some napkins, and enjoy each gooey bite! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I recommend using refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick and easy base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat dough or even homemade dough if you’re up for a baking challenge!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for its stretchiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based cheese that melts well. I’ve also used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds a fun touch here, but you can swap it out for cooked sausage, bacon bits, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a meatless version.
Herbs & Spices: The seasoning mix brings great flavor to the dough. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a combination of basil and thyme works nicely, and if you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes!
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Ingredients?
Layering is key for even cooking and flavor in Pizza Monkey Bread. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with buttering the pan well to prevent sticking.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters to ensure bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the dough pieces with melted butter and spices—this step ensures each bite is flavorful.
- Layer biscuit pieces, cheese, and pepperoni in your pan, repeating until you reach the top. Ending with cheese and pepperoni adds a tasty finish!
Remember, don’t rush through the layering—take your time for a better final result!
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients for Your Pizza Monkey Bread:
For the Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz each)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pizza Monkey Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a minute to grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help the bread come out easily later!
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters or bite-sized pieces. It’s fun to let kids help with this part!
3. Combine with Delicious Spices:
In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Make sure everything is well coated!
4. Layer in the Pan:
Now, start layering! Add a few biscuit pieces to the greased bundt pan, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese and a handful of pepperoni slices on top. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used up all the biscuit pieces, cheese, and pepperoni. Make sure to finish with a layer of cheese and some pepperoni on top. Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over all of that deliciousness!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
6. Cool and Serve:
Take the monkey bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate; give it a little shake if needed to release the bread.
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
8. Enjoy With Pizza Sauce:
Serve the Pizza Monkey Bread warm with a small bowl of pizza sauce in the center for dipping. It’s time to pull apart those cheesy, pepperoni-filled pieces and savor each bite!
This recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious moment!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or follow the package instructions for quick thawing before cutting it into pieces.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, and consider adding a splash of pizza sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Pizza Monkey Bread by adding other toppings like diced bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that moisture from certain toppings may affect the overall texture.
What Can I Serve With Pizza Monkey Bread?
This dish pairs perfectly with additional pizza sauce for dipping. You can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out your meal!