There’s something magical about the fusion of pizza flavors with the pull-apart goodness of monkey bread. Imagine gooey cheese, pepperoni, and seasoned dough, all baked to perfection. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for game nights, parties, or just a fun family dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 32 oz refrigerated canned biscuits, quartered
- 6 oz pepperoni, halved slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Directions
- Preheat and Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, halved pepperoni slices, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution.
- Season the Mixture – Pour the melted butter over the biscuit mixture. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired. Toss again to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Monkey Bread – Transfer the seasoned biscuit mixture to your prepared pan. Press down lightly to ensure everything bakes evenly.
- Bake – Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy – Let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrients
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of this irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread!
What is Pizza Monkey Bread?
Pizza Monkey Bread is a delicious, pull-apart bread dish infused with all the best flavors of pizza. It combines soft biscuit dough, melted cheese, pepperoni, and a medley of Italian seasonings to create a mouthwatering treat. Traditionally, monkey bread is a sweet dish, but this savory twist turns it into the perfect snack or meal for any occasion.
This dish is baked in a bundt pan or a baking dish, creating an attractive and easy-to-serve presentation. Once it comes out of the oven, it’s best enjoyed warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The pull-apart nature makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Using refrigerated canned biscuits cuts down prep time, making this recipe simple enough for anyone to make.
- Great for Sharing – The pull-apart format makes it the perfect dish for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable – You can adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, adding different cheeses, meats, or even vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly – Kids love the interactive aspect of pulling apart the cheesy, bite-sized pieces.
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of melted cheese, buttery biscuits, and zesty pepperoni is undeniably delicious.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions:
- Game Nights – A guaranteed hit for watching sports with friends and family.
- Parties and Gatherings – Guests will love the interactive and shareable nature of this dish.
- Potlucks – A unique and delicious addition to any potluck table.
- Family Dinners – A fun alternative to traditional pizza for a casual dinner.
- Movie Nights – The perfect finger food to enjoy while watching your favorite film.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about Pizza Monkey Bread is how easily it can be customized. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Different Cheeses – Try a blend of cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different cheese pull.
- Alternative Meats – Swap out pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken.
- Veggie Lovers’ Option – Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Twist – Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Garlic Butter Drizzle – Brush extra garlic butter over the top before serving for added flavor.
- Ranch Dip Option – Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping instead of marinara sauce.
Tips for the Best Pizza Monkey Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients – High-quality cheese and fresh pepperoni will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Grease the Pan Well – This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Evenly Coat the Dough – Make sure all biscuit pieces are well-seasoned and covered with cheese for the best flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on it in the oven; overbaking can make the bread too dry.
- Let It Cool Slightly – Allow a few minutes of cooling before serving to help everything set together.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which isn’t very likely!), you can store them properly to enjoy later:
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Reheating – Warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to enjoy this dish with a healthier twist, consider these alternatives:
- Whole Wheat Dough – Use whole wheat biscuits for a fiber-rich version.
- Turkey Pepperoni – Swap out regular pepperoni for a leaner option.
- Low-Fat Cheese – Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Less Butter – Reduce the amount of butter and use olive oil for a healthier alternative.
Pairing Suggestions
Pizza Monkey Bread pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages:
- Fresh Salad – A light green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Garlic Knots – Double up on the bread fun with some garlic knots.
- Wings – A perfect complement to pizza flavors, wings make the meal feel even more indulgent.
- Cold Beverages – Serve with soda, beer, or a nice glass of lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort food that blends the best parts of pizza with the fun, pull-apart nature of monkey bread. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family meal, or just craving a cheesy, garlicky treat, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for sharing, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!