The Ultimate Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe for Cheesy Bliss

Crafting a delectable pizza monkey bread can turn any ordinary gathering into a memorable feast.

Cheese, herbs, and marinara sauce blend seamlessly in this playful appetizer.

Bite-sized pieces of dough create a fun, interactive dining experience that sparks conversation.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful explosion of flavor in every morsel.

Each twist and pull reveals melted mozzarella and zesty seasonings that dance on your palate.

Weeknight dinners or game day parties suddenly become extraordinary with this crowd-pleasing treat.

Prepare to be the hero of your next social event with this irresistible recipe.

What Makes Pizza Monkey Bread a Fun Appetizer

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Delivers an interactive, shareable appetizer that gets everyone excited and talking at gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making it adaptable for different tastes and restrictions.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish without requiring advanced cooking skills or complicated techniques.
• Family Dinner Hero: Transforms basic biscuit dough and pantry staples into a fun, delicious meal that kids and adults will devour together.

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Biscuit Dough: Pre-made dough that serves as the base for this pizza-inspired bread.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, stretchy cheese flavor and texture to the dish.
• Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza topping with spicy and savory notes.

• Sausage: Brings additional hearty and rich meat flavor to the monkey bread.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty cheese complement to the mozzarella.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Olives: Create a mix of fresh and tangy vegetable flavors throughout the bread.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Combine to provide a robust and zesty pizza-like seasoning profile.

• Melted Butter: Helps coat the dough and adds richness to the overall dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Serves as a classic dipping sauce for serving.

How to Bake Pizza Monkey Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a bundt pan and give it a generous spray of cooking spray or butter it up to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop The Dough

Take your biscuit dough and slice each piece into four equal quarters. Drop these bite-sized pieces into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Butter Bath

Drizzle melted butter all over the dough chunks. Gently toss and roll the pieces until they’re completely coated in buttery goodness.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Chopped pepperoni
• Crumbled sausage
• Sliced olives
• Diced bell pepper
• Minced onion

Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Sprinkle Magic Seasoning

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes

Shower the spice mix over the dough and toss until each piece is beautifully seasoned.

Step 6: Build Your Bread Tower

Carefully transfer the seasoned dough mixture into the bundt pan. Spread the pieces evenly to create a delicious landscape of flavors.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the bread looks completely cooked through.

Step 8: Release And Rest

Pull the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, flip the pan onto a serving plate, allowing the monkey bread to release smoothly.

Step 9: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve the bread while it’s warm. Set out a bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Pro Tips for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the bundt pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the monkey bread.
• Cheese Distribution Hack: Toss cheese and fillings gently to prevent clumping and create even flavor in every bite.
• Customize Texture: Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer taste.
• Test Doneness Trick: Insert a toothpick into the center to check if bread is fully cooked; it should come out clean with no raw dough.
• Flavor Boost: Brush the top with extra garlic butter right after baking for enhanced taste and glossy appearance.

Variation Ideas for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Vegetarian Pizza Monkey Bread: Replace pepperoni and sausage with diced mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts for a meat-free version packed with plant-based flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower-based dough to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Substitute Italian seasonings with taco seasoning, add jalapeños, black beans, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use almond flour-based dough or cauliflower crust pieces instead of traditional biscuit dough, incorporating low-carb ingredients like chicken and extra cheese.

Pairing Suggestions for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Dip into Marinara Magic: Embrace the classic pizza sauce's rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory monkey bread's cheesy, spicy profile.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the bread's richness and enhance its herbal seasonings.
• Kick Up with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or light lager to balance the dish's heavy texture and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy monkey bread.

Storage Advice for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Store leftover pizza monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the marinara sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place bread on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid tough texture. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

FAQs for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great and can add more authentic flavor to the monkey bread.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love this recipe because it’s fun to eat and customize with their favorite pizza toppings. It’s a great way to get children involved in cooking.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply replace meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage with vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or additional bell peppers. The cheese and seasoning will keep it flavorful.

• What marinara sauce works best for dipping?

Store-bought marinara sauce is fine, but homemade marinara or pizza sauce will elevate the overall taste and make the dish more delicious.

Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible pizza monkey bread combines classic Italian flavors with playful pull-apart fun, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer that sparks instant excitement. Cheesy, herby, and packed with marinara dipping sauce, this shareable treat promises to become an instant hit at gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Topping:

• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings and Additions:

• (Optional) Italian herbs or pizza seasoning to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly greasing a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
2. Break refrigerated biscuit dough into precise quarter-sized pieces, transferring them into a spacious mixing bowl for easy manipulation.
3. Drizzle melted butter across the dough fragments, gently tumbling them to ensure complete and uniform coating.
4. Incorporate a medley of savory ingredients including diced pepperoni, crumbled sausage, sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, and diced onions into the buttered dough.
5. Sprinkle a zesty blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes over the mixture, thoroughly blending to distribute the aromatic spices.
6. Carefully construct layers of the seasoned dough mixture inside the prepared bundt pan, ensuring even distribution for consistent baking.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior that indicates perfect doneness.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the bread to rest and settle for 10 minutes before confidently inverting onto a serving plate.
9. Present the monkey bread while warm, accompanied by a side of rich marinara sauce for delightful dipping.

Notes

• Customize toppings by swapping meats with vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.
• Reduce cheese quantity or use low-fat options to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to speed up assembly and minimize kitchen stress during cooking.
• Use gluten-free biscuit dough for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg