If you’re a fan of pizza and enjoy experimenting with new ways to enjoy your favorite flavors, Pizza Monkey Bread is an exciting dish you need to try. This cheesy, pull-apart bread combines the best elements of pizza—cheese, pepperoni, seasonings, and more—into a single, fun-to-eat meal. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, family gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, Pizza Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
With its convenience and versatility, this dish allows you to bring out your creativity in the kitchen. By using simple ingredients like canned biscuit dough, cheese, and pizza toppings, you can whip up this savory bread in no time. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sauces, sides, and additional toppings, making it a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
But what exactly is Pizza Monkey Bread, and how do you make it? In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, provide variations, and answer some common questions about this delicious dish. Along the way, we’ll suggest serving ideas, pairing tips, and even discuss how you can use this dish for various occasions.
What is Pizza Monkey Bread?
Pizza Monkey Bread takes the ingredients and flavors of a traditional pizza—cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic—and transforms them into an easy, shareable pull-apart bread. The dish is a twist on the classic sweet monkey bread but with savory pizza flavors. It’s typically made by cutting canned biscuit dough into smaller pieces, mixing them with pizza toppings, and baking everything together in a bundt pan for a visually appealing and tasty treat.
The result is a gooey, cheesy, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or serving alongside other appetizers. Because it’s baked in a bundt pan, Pizza Monkey Bread is easy to serve as a centerpiece at parties or family gatherings. You can even customize the recipe with your favorite toppings and cheeses, making it as simple or complex as you’d like.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pizza Monkey Bread
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential ingredients needed to make Pizza Monkey Bread:
1. Canned Biscuit Dough
Canned biscuits are the foundation of this dish. The dough is easy to work with and bakes up light and fluffy, creating the perfect texture for the pull-apart bread. For this recipe, you’ll need about 32 ounces of refrigerated canned biscuits, which you’ll cut into quarters.
2. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for Pizza Monkey Bread due to its perfect meltability and mild flavor. You’ll want to use about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella to ensure every bite is gooey and cheesy.
3. Pepperoni
Pepperoni is the classic pizza topping, and it adds a spicy, savory flavor to the bread. Slice the pepperoni into halves or quarters so that every bite of bread has a little bit of meat. For a variation, you can also use cooked sausage, salami, or even bacon.
4. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella. Use about ½ cup of grated Parmesan for the best results. Freshly grated Parmesan will provide the most flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
5. Butter
Butter is used to coat the biscuit dough, ensuring that the seasonings stick and the bread becomes golden and crispy as it bakes. You’ll need about ⅓ cup of melted butter for this recipe.
6. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme, and it’s essential for achieving that authentic pizza flavor. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
7. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the bread and pairs perfectly with the cheese and pepperoni. Use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in the mixture.
8. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for Pizza Monkey Bread. You can either use store-bought marinara or make your own homemade version. For an extra layer of flavor, serve with multiple dipping sauces like Alfredo or ranch.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Pizza Monkey Bread:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. The bundt pan shape helps create the pull-apart effect and ensures that every piece of bread is evenly coated with cheese and toppings.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuits
Take your canned biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will help create the bite-sized pieces that make Pizza Monkey Bread easy to pull apart.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until the biscuit pieces are evenly coated with cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings.
Step 4: Layer in the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared bundt pan. Make sure to spread the pieces out evenly so that they bake uniformly. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked. You can cover the top with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 6: Serve
Once the bread is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before flipping the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce or other dipping sauces.
Variations of Pizza Monkey Bread
One of the best aspects of Pizza Monkey Bread is how customizable it is. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Meatless Pizza Monkey Bread
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and replace it with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. You can also add spinach or artichokes for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Cheese Lover’s Pizza Monkey Bread
If you’re a fan of cheese, consider mixing in different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, gouda, or fontina. You can even add a layer of cream cheese for extra creaminess. The combination of various cheeses adds depth and richness to the dish.
3. Spicy Pizza Monkey Bread
For those who love a little heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy sausage to the mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Monkey Bread
Instead of the classic pizza toppings, try using shredded BBQ chicken, red onions, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping to complete the flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pizza Monkey Bread is a versatile dish that works well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal complete:
1. Dipping Sauces
While marinara sauce is the classic choice, Pizza Monkey Bread also pairs well with other dipping sauces. Try serving it with Alfredo sauce, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or a spicy buffalo sauce for an added twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up your own sauces at home using this guide to pizza dipping sauces.
2. Salads
Balance out the richness of the cheesy bread by serving it with a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad or a Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta will complement the dish perfectly.
3. Soups
Pair your Pizza Monkey Bread with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal. Tomato soup is a classic choice, but minestrone or a hearty vegetable soup would also work well.
4. Appetizer Platters
If you’re serving Pizza Monkey Bread at a party or gathering, consider adding it to an appetizer platter with other snacks like stuffed mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, or garlic knots. This creates a full pizza-themed spread that will please any crowd.
For more inspiration on pizza-style dishes, check out this fun recipe for Pizza Pockets, which can also be served as part of your meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Pizza Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they can easily be stored and reheated:
1. Refrigeration
Place any leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
2. Reheating
To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions—heat for about 1 minute until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or use an air fryer to bring back its golden, crispy edges.
3. Freezing
Pizza Monkey Bread can also be frozen for later use. To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Pizza Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time by assembling the ingredients in the bundt pan, covering it with plastic wrap, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions as usual.
2. What Other Meats Can I Use Besides Pepperoni?
If you’re looking to switch up the protein, you can use cooked sausage, Canadian bacon, salami, or even shredded BBQ chicken. Each variation will bring a unique flavor to the dish. For more protein-rich recipes, you can also explore this guide on BBQ chicken recipe.
3. Can I Make Pizza Monkey Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuit dough. You can find pre-made gluten-free biscuits in most grocery stores, or you can make your own from scratch.
4. How Do I Prevent the Center from Being Undercooked?
To ensure that the center of the Pizza Monkey Bread is fully cooked, you can cover the bundt pan with aluminum foil for the first 25-30 minutes of baking. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly and allow the inside to cook evenly. You can also check the center with a toothpick to make sure it’s done.
5. Can I Use a Regular Baking Dish Instead of a Bundt Pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to spread the dough evenly in the pan, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the bread is fully cooked.
Conclusion
Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect dish for anyone who loves pizza but wants to try something new and exciting. Its cheesy, pull-apart goodness is sure to be a hit with friends, family, and guests at any gathering. With its customizable toppings, you can tailor this recipe to suit any palate—whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or someone who enjoys a spicy kick.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, Pizza Monkey Bread is a versatile and fun dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please. So why not give it a try at your next party or family dinner? And if you’re craving more pizza-inspired dishes, be sure to check out other creative recipes like this Pizza Cupcake guide.
Enjoy your delicious creation, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sauces and sides for the ultimate meal experience!
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