Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and cheesy twist on traditional pizza! Made with dough pieces coated in olive oil, pizza sauce, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s perfect for sharing.
Who can resist pulling apart those fluffy, cheesy bites? I like to serve it with extra sauce for dipping—it’s a real crowd-pleaser at parties! 🍕😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The foundation of this monkey bread. If you can’t find refrigerated biscuit dough, you can make your own with flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. Just remember to roll it into small pieces!
Mozzarella Cheese: A must for that stretchy, melty goodness. You can use a blend of cheeses or substitute with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
Pepperoni: A classic topping! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken pepperoni works well. You could also skip it for a vegetarian version.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. If you want a bit more kick, try adding some hot sauce or crushed garlic to the sauce.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: For flavor enhancement. Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder, and fresh herbs can substitute for dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant taste.
How Do You Ensure the Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Well-Cooked?
Getting the right texture is key! First, properly preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps the bread cook evenly. It’s essential not to overcrowd the bundt pan; allow enough room for the dough to rise while baking.
- Make sure to coat each dough piece evenly in the butter mixture. This helps to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness—insert it into the thickest part; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it. This helps it hold its shape better.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a fantastic Pizza Monkey Bread that’s fluffy and delicious!
Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16.3 oz each)
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices or regular pepperoni, cut into smaller pieces if large
For Serving:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pizza Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Including the cooling time, you’re looking at about 50 minutes in total before enjoying this cheesy, pull-apart treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a bundt pan and grease it generously with cooking spray to make sure your monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This means you’ll have small, bite-sized pieces of dough that will be perfect for pulling apart in the final dish!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Add the quartered biscuit pieces to the bowl with the butter mixture. Gently stir to coat each piece of dough evenly, ensuring every piece is well covered in the flavorful mix.
5. Combine with Pizza Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some pizza flavor! Add 3/4 cup of pizza sauce to your coated dough and mix well so that everything blends nicely together.
6. Layer in the Bundt Pan:
Begin layering the mixture in the prepared bundt pan. Start with a layer of the dough pieces, then sprinkle some mozzarella cheese, a few pepperoni slices, and a little bit of Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all the dough and toppings, finishing with a layer of cheese and pepperoni on the top.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling cheese—this means your monkey bread is done!
8. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling time helps the bread settle. After that, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to reveal your delicious creation!
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve your Pizza Monkey Bread warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, gooey goodness!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your gooey, pull-apart Pizza Monkey Bread!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Biscuit Dough?
Yes! Whole wheat biscuit dough works great and adds a nuttier flavor. If you prefer gluten-free, look for gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough at your local store. Just follow the same instructions for baking!
Can I Freeze Pizza Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked monkey bread. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed!
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, simply place the leftover monkey bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 30-45 seconds or until hot.
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
You can customize this recipe by adding other favorite pizza toppings! Consider diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage to mix things up. Just make sure not to overload the bundt pan to keep it fluffy!