Get ready to elevate your snack game or simplify your dinner routine with the most irresistible treat: **Pizza Monkey Bread**! Imagine your favorite pizza toppings baked into a golden, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring every bite is a cheesy, savory explosion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun game day snack, or a unique weeknight entrée, this Pizza Monkey Bread fits the bill perfectly. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread: Your New Go-To Savory Treat
Have you ever found yourself making a delicious recipe and immediately brainstorming countless variations? That’s exactly what happened after I created my popular CrockPot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread. My mind began to whirl with possibilities: What other types of monkey bread could I conjure up? Could I successfully transition from a sweet, decadent pull-apart bread to a savory, satisfying one?
The answer came to me during a particularly intense pizza craving. That’s when the idea for Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread was born! It was one of those delightful moments where a simple craving transformed into a tangible, delicious reality. Staying home more often, I was determined to create a recipe using ingredients I already had on hand in the fridge and pantry. This foundational version focuses on the classic combination of pepperoni and mozzarella, offering a comforting and familiar flavor profile that’s universally loved.
But don’t think this is where the creativity stops! Future culinary adventures might include more adventurous variations, such as a surprising yet delightful ham and pineapple pizza monkey bread. Yes, I know, pineapple on pizza is a divisive topic, but we happen to love it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Regardless of the ingredients you choose to add, this savory pull-apart bread is consistently delicious. The timeless pairing of savory pepperoni and gooey mozzarella cheese is always a winning combination, and when served with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, it truly elevates an ordinary meal into an epic dinner or a highly shareable snack that will have everyone reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and enthusiastic hosts alike. Here’s why Pizza Monkey Bread is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Utilizing refrigerated biscuit dough dramatically cuts down on prep time, making this an ideal recipe for when you need something quick yet impressive. No yeast, no kneading, just deliciousness!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Who doesn’t love pizza? This monkey bread captures all the beloved flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, interactive format that’s perfect for sharing.
- Incredibly Versatile: From a casual weeknight dinner to a festive party appetizer or a satisfying game day snack, Pizza Monkey Bread is suitable for any occasion.
- Highly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily swap out or add your favorite pizza toppings to make it uniquely yours.
- Fun to Eat: The pull-apart nature of monkey bread makes it inherently fun to eat, encouraging communal enjoyment and conversation around the table.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baked in a single Bundt pan, cleanup is surprisingly straightforward, letting you enjoy your meal without dreading the aftermath.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Monkey Bread
Crafting this amazing Pizza Monkey Bread requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty lies in their simplicity and how they combine to create a symphony of pizza flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: This is the foundation of our monkey bread. We prefer using homestyle biscuits for their fluffy texture, but flaky layers work wonderfully too. For an extra buttery crust, consider butter-flavored refrigerator biscuits. Look for larger “Grands” style biscuits for generous pull-apart pieces.
- Pepperoni: The star of our savory bread! You can use regular pepperoni slices, mini pepperoni, or even turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. I recommend quartering larger pepperoni slices so they distribute more evenly throughout the biscuit pieces, ensuring pepperoni in every bite. However, whole circles work perfectly fine if you’re short on time.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This provides that classic gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all love about pizza. Pre-shredded works for convenience, but shredding your own from a block often melts smoother.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully. Shaved Parmesan, grated Parmesan, or even a pre-grated variety will all work.
- Olive Oil: Used to help the seasonings and cheese adhere to the biscuit pieces, ensuring every surface is coated in deliciousness.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This is crucial for giving our monkey bread its authentic Italian pizza flavor. Feel free to be generous with this!
- Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Garlic is non-negotiable for pizza. Garlic powder offers even distribution, while minced garlic (from a jar or freshly minced) provides a more intense garlic punch. Choose based on your preference.
Optional Garnishes and Additional Toppings:
Don’t stop at the basics! This recipe encourages customization:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh oregano, basil, or parsley after baking adds a vibrant aroma and fresh flavor.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives are fantastic, or if you only have whole olives, simply cut them in half.
- Cooked Sausage or Ham: For a meat lover’s version, pre-cook and crumble sausage or dice ham into small pieces.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach, roughly chopped, can be tossed in for a veggie boost.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick.
- Ranch Dressing: While marinara is traditional, a bowl of creamy ranch dressing makes a surprisingly delicious alternative dip!
Remember, this is your pizza monkey bread. Feel free to adapt it to what you have available in your pantry or refrigerator, and most importantly, to the pizza toppings you love most!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread
Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Absolutely crucial! Generously greasing your pan ensures that your magnificent pepperoni pizza monkey bread easily pops out, preserving its beautiful shape and preventing any frustration.
- Bundt Pan: The classic choice for monkey bread! A Bundt pan gives the bread its signature ring shape and makes for a stunning presentation. If you don’t have one, a 13×9 casserole dish can be used as an alternative, though the cooking time will be shorter (start checking for doneness after 25-30 minutes).
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to comfortably toss all your ingredients together. Even with a large bowl, sometimes a rogue biscuit piece or pepperoni slice might escape, so I recommend placing a large cutting board or sheet pan underneath to catch any flying bits.
- Wooden Spoons: Two wooden spoons are ideal for gently tossing the ingredients. This helps coat everything thoroughly without mushing the biscuit pieces together. You can also use your hands, but be careful not to overmix.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for quartering the refrigerated biscuit dough quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring Tools: Standard teaspoons, tablespoons, and measuring cups for accurate ingredient proportions.
- Serving Platter: Choose a large, circular serving plate that can accommodate the inverted monkey bread. This makes it easy for guests to grab individual pieces and dip them into marinara sauce. Ensure it’s sturdy enough for comfortable handling.
How to Make Delicious Pizza Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this savory sensation is much easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect Pizza Monkey Bread every time:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your monkey bread is ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a beautiful golden crust.
- Prepare Your Biscuits: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. On a clean cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut each biscuit into quarters. This creates the individual pull-apart pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, gently add the quartered biscuit pieces, pepperoni (quartered or whole, as desired), shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder (or minced garlic). Drizzle with a little olive oil to help everything stick.
- Toss Thoroughly: Using two wooden spoons or your hands (wearing gloves is a good idea!), gently toss all the ingredients together until the biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings. Be careful not to mash the biscuits.
- Prepare Your Bundt Pan: Liberally spray your Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. This is a critical step to ensure your monkey bread releases easily after baking.
- Fill the Pan: Carefully transfer the biscuit mixture into the prepared Bundt pan, distributing it as evenly as possible. You can top the mixture with a few extra pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of cheese for a more appealing presentation once baked.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked through, you can loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. The monkey bread should be golden brown and cooked all the way through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the bread set and makes it easier to invert. Then, carefully place a serving platter over the Bundt pan and, holding both firmly, invert the monkey bread onto the platter. Serve immediately with a warm bowl of your favorite marinara, spaghetti, or pizza sauce for dipping.
Preparation and Storage Tips for Leftovers
While this monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, proper preparation and storage ensure you can savor any leftovers later:
- Make Ahead: Due to the nature of refrigerated biscuit dough, it’s best to prepare your Pizza Monkey Bread dough closer to when you plan to bake it. Preparing it too far in advance can affect how it rises and bakes. However, you can chop your pepperoni and shred your cheese ahead of time to speed up the process.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), allow the monkey bread to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: For longer storage, cooled leftovers can be frozen. Place individual portions or the whole (if small enough) monkey bread into an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
- How to Reheat: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up (about 30-60 seconds per piece). For larger quantities or frozen pieces, the air fryer (at 350°F for 5-10 minutes) or oven (at 325°F for 10-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying) will yield the best results, ensuring a crispy exterior and melted cheese.
Recipe Variations to Inspire Your Culinary Creativity
The beauty of Pizza Monkey Bread lies in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Substitutions: As mentioned, you can easily swap homestyle biscuits for flaky layers or butter-flavored ones. For cheeses, try a blend of provolone and mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for a different tang.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the pepperoni! You can load it up with your favorite veggie toppings like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes.
- Vegan Option: This requires a few more swaps. Use plant-based refrigerated biscuits (ensure they’re vegan), dairy-free mozzarella shreds, and vegan Parmesan. Load up on fresh vegetables for flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Many brands now offer gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. This is a simple swap to make the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Smaller Serving Size: The main recipe makes eight generous servings, perfect for a standard Bundt pan. To halve the recipe, simply use one can of biscuits and adjust the other ingredients proportionally, baking in a smaller Bundt pan or an 8×8 inch baking dish. For individual portions, mini Bundt pans or muffin tins work great (adjust baking time accordingly). We also love our Pepperoni Pizza Toast for smaller groups!
- Make It Spicy: If you crave a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You could also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Meat Lover’s Delight: In addition to pepperoni, add cooked crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, or diced cooked ham for a hearty, meaty version.
- Supreme Style: Go all out with a mix of pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and black olives. Make sure all veggies are finely diced so they cook evenly with the biscuits.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double up on the garlic powder or minced garlic! You can also brush the top with a bit of garlic butter before baking for an extra aromatic crust.
Top Tips for the Best Pizza Monkey Bread
Achieving a perfect, golden, and delicious Pizza Monkey Bread is simple with these expert tips:
- Preheat Oven Thoroughly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before putting in your monkey bread. This is key for even cooking and a beautiful rise.
- Don’t Skimp on Non-Stick Spray: Generously spray every nook and cranny of your Bundt pan. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring the monkey bread releases cleanly and easily.
- Uniform Biscuit Pieces: Cut your refrigerated biscuits into roughly equal quarter-sized pieces. This promotes even baking and ensures each pull-apart piece is consistent.
- Consider Pizza Dough (with caution): While refrigerated biscuit dough is preferred for its puffiness, store-bought pizza dough can be used. However, it may result in a denser, less puffy monkey bread. Cut it into small pieces and toss as directed.
- Amplify the Flavor: Feel free to double the Italian seasoning and garlic powder (or minced garlic) for an even richer, more aromatic pizza flavor. A pinch of onion powder can also be a fantastic addition.
- Presentation Matters: Before baking, arrange some extra pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the biscuit mixture in the pan. This creates an inviting, visually appealing crust when served.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your monkey bread starts to get too dark on top before the center is cooked through, simply loosely cover the Bundt pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Serve with the Perfect Dip: While marinara sauce is our top choice for dipping, feel free to offer a variety! Spaghetti sauce, a rich pizza sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing all make excellent accompaniments.
- Complete Your Meal: For a balanced and satisfying dinner, serve your Pizza Monkey Bread alongside a crisp green side salad.
- Nutrition Information Disclaimer: Please note that specific nutrition information, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, and other values, will vary based on the brands and exact ingredients you use. Always check product labels for precise dietary details.
What to Serve with Pizza Monkey Bread
This savory Pizza Monkey Bread is a fantastic Italian-inspired centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, especially for a family comfort food night or a casual get-together. Here are some dishes we love serving alongside it:
Salads for a Fresh Balance:
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- 7 Layer Salad
- Sauerkraut Salad
- Big Mac Salad
- Greek Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon Salad
- Kale and Apple Potato Salad
Appetizers to Complement the Feast:
- Crock Pot Spicy Mango Jerk Wings
- Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Wings
- Crock Pot Jamaican Jerk Wings
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Refreshing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst:
- Malibu and Coke
- Beer Margaritas
- Gin and Sprite Cocktail
- Coke Slushie
- Vodka and Sprite Cocktail
- Rum and Sprite Cocktail
- Tequila and Sprite Cocktail
When to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread
The versatility of Pizza Monkey Bread means it’s a fantastic option for almost any time and occasion:
- Casual Lunch: A satisfying and fun alternative to sandwiches or traditional pizza.
- Family Dinner: A hands-on meal that kids and adults alike will love. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Late Night Snack: Perfect for satisfying those savory cravings.
- Game Day Party: An absolute crowd-pleaser for sports gatherings. Easy to share and incredibly flavorful.
- Kids’ Parties: A fun, interactive, and customizable dish that will be a hit with younger guests.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Bring this to your next potluck, and watch it disappear! It’s unique and always a talking point.
- Movie Night: A delicious and comforting treat for a cozy night in.
Explore More Delicious Recipe Collections
If you loved this Pizza Monkey Bread, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipe collections for more inspiration:
- Game Day Appetizers: Over 30 fantastic appetizers designed to score big on flavor, from slow cooker dips to air fryer delights, perfect for enjoying while cheering on your favorite team.
- Comfort Foods: A comprehensive collection dedicated to heartwarming and soul-satisfying comfort food recipes that bring joy to any meal.
- Savory Snacks: Whether you need a quick munch between meals or to satisfy a specific craving, this collection offers endless savory snacking options.
- Sides for Chili: From crusty breads and fluffy biscuits to fresh salads and more, this roundup features all the perfect side dishes to complement a hearty bowl of chili.
- Side Dishes for Soup: Discover delicious and easy side dishes that pair wonderfully with any soup, including bread rolls, salads, and simple sandwiches, all without hours of preparation.
And if you’re always on the hunt for new and exciting recipes, make sure to check out our copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and our incredibly convenient CrockPot Recipes.
Stay connected and never miss a recipe by following Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest posts and culinary inspiration!
Pizza Monkey Bread
Pizza Monkey Bread is a fantastic Italian-inspired appetizer or main course. This pull-apart bread is incredibly easy to make and can be customized with all your favorite pizza toppings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 636 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans Refrigerated Biscuits
- 5 oz Pepperoni (approximately 2 cups, quartered or mini)
- 8 oz Mozzarella (approximately 2 cups, shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded or grated)
- 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons minced garlic (or garlic powder)
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce (for dipping)
- Olive oil (optional, for tossing)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each refrigerated biscuit into ¼ pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuits, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, then toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and the biscuit pieces are coated.
- Liberally spray a Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are covered.
- Transfer the biscuit mixture evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.
- Carefully invert the Pizza Monkey Bread onto a serving platter.
- Serve warm with a bowl of your favorite spaghetti, marinara, or tomato sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Bundt Pan
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Wooden Spoons (for tossing)
- Serving Platter