This Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on your favorite pizza! Made with fluffy dough balls, cheesy goodness, and pepperoni, it’s perfect for sharing!
You can pull apart each piece easily—just like a pizza party! I love serving it with marinara sauce for dipping. Everybody gets messy, but that’s half the fun! 🍕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The base of your monkey bread comes from refrigerated biscuit dough. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat biscuit dough or even homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cheese: I love using mozzarella because it melts beautifully and has that classic pizza flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based cheese. For a tangier kick, a blend of mozzarella and provolone works great!
Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is a classic choice. If you’re vegetarian, you could swap in veggie pepperoni or even olives and bell peppers for a delicious twist.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness. You can replace it with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative to keep it lighter or plant-based.
How Do You Layer the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor?
The layering technique is key in building tasty monkey bread. Start with a solid base of biscuit pieces, followed by cheese and pepperoni. This will create pockets of flavor throughout! Here’s how to do it:
- Place a layer of biscuit pieces in the bottom of the bundt pan.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese to create a gooey layer.
- Add pepperoni slices and dollops of pizza sauce on top.
- Repeat these steps, layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with biscuits and cheese on top!
This technique ensures every pull-apart piece has cheese and flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz each)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pizza Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Total time: about 50 minutes. Perfect for a fun snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grease a bundt pan or a round tube pan thoroughly with cooking spray or melted butter. This will make sure your monkey bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough and carefully separate each biscuit. Use a kitchen knife or kitchen scissors to cut each biscuit into quarters so that you have small dough pieces ready for layering.
3. Coat the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning together. Add the quartered biscuit pieces into the bowl and gently toss them until all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful butter mixture.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Begin layering the seasoned biscuit pieces in the greased bundt pan. Start by placing some dough pieces in the bottom. Then, add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a few slices of pepperoni. Drizzle a little pizza sauce over this layer.
Repeat this layering process—biscuit pieces, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce—until all your ingredients have been used. Make sure to finish it off with a final layer of biscuit pieces topped with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
5. Bake Your Monkey Bread:
Now it’s time to get baking! Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked all the way through.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate or cutting board, allowing the monkey bread to release easily.
If you like, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy pulling apart those cheesy, pepperoni-filled pieces—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuits Instead of Refrigerated Ones?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen biscuits completely before cutting them into quarters. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or use the microwave on the defrost setting for quick thawing.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You could also try adding some spinach for extra flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would add a delicious twist. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!