If you’re looking for a fun, shareable twist on classic pizza, Pizza Monkey Bread is your go-to recipe. Combining all the beloved flavors of pizza—gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce—into a pull-apart bread that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and steps. Let’s dive into how you can make this crowd-pleaser at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect fusion of pizza and comfort food. Each piece is loaded with cheesy, pepperoni goodness, and it’s fun to pull apart and enjoy with friends or family. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 32 ounces refrigerated canned biscuits (cut into quarters)
- 6 ounces pepperoni (sliced)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that your Pizza Monkey Bread doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the refrigerated canned biscuits into quarters. This will make it easier to mix and ensure each piece is bite-sized. Next, slice the pepperoni pieces in half. Having smaller pieces of pepperoni ensures that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If you like a little spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 4: Transfer to the Bundt Pan
Transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly. Ensure that the ingredients are well-distributed so that each piece of bread is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the Pizza Monkey Bread in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To prevent excessive browning, cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. The bread should be golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Invert and Serve
Once baked, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the Pizza Monkey Bread. It should come out easily if the pan was well-greased.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish your Pizza Monkey Bread with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Pizza Monkey Bread is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds, but the oven method will keep the bread’s texture better.
Helpful Notes
- Cheese: For the best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Customization: Feel free to customize your Pizza Monkey Bread with additional pizza toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they incorporate well with the biscuit dough.
- Bundt Pan Alternative: If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular baking dish or even a muffin tin to create mini pizza monkey breads.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use Fresh Herbs: Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding fresh basil or oregano to your Pizza Monkey Bread for an extra burst of flavor.
- Butter for Crispiness: Chef Bobby Flay recommends brushing the top with a bit of extra melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispier texture.
- Layering Flavors: Chef Ina Garten advises layering flavors by adding a sprinkle of garlic salt and a pinch of Italian seasoning between the layers of dough in the bundt pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned? Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Just ensure it’s a similar consistency to canned dough, so it bakes evenly.
2. Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time? You can assemble the ingredients in the bundt pan, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for prepping ahead of a party.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
4. What other dipping sauces work well with Pizza Monkey Bread? Aside from marinara, you can use garlic butter, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
5. Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread? Yes, after baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven directly from frozen.
6. How can I ensure the bread doesn’t stick to the pan? Make sure to generously grease the bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter. You can also lightly flour the pan after greasing for added protection.
7. What’s the best way to slice and serve Pizza Monkey Bread? Pizza Monkey Bread is designed to be pulled apart with your fingers, but you can slice it into sections if you prefer a neater presentation.
8. Can I add vegetables to the mix? Yes, diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added. Just make sure they are cut into small, even pieces to cook properly.
9. How do I know when the Pizza Monkey Bread is done baking? The top should be golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean, indicating the dough is cooked through.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, by using gluten-free biscuit dough and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Pizza Monkey Bread is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that brings together all the flavors of pizza in a fun, shareable format. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or a cozy family meal, Pizza Monkey Bread is a guaranteed hit. So next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!