Easy Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe: A Cheesy, Pull-Apart Crowd-Pleaser

When you’re craving the comforting flavors of pizza but want something a little more fun and shareable, Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect solution. This recipe transforms classic pizza ingredients into a pull-apart masterpiece that’s ideal for parties, game nights, family dinners, or even as a creative appetizer for gatherings. Imagine golden-brown dough balls coated in garlic butter, layered with gooey melted cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings—all baked together to create a dish that disappears as fast as you put it on the table.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from the classic sweet monkey bread many of us grew up with, made from soft dough pieces baked with cinnamon sugar and glaze. This savory twist swaps out sweetness for a deliciously cheesy, garlicky, and pizza-loaded experience. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner idea or a host who wants to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe will become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

This dish isn’t just another pizza variation—it’s a game-changer for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: Using store-bought biscuit dough or pizza dough makes it fast to assemble.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love pulling apart cheesy bread balls and dipping them in marinara.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves as a finger food, making it great for parties or casual dinners.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings—sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms—for a personalized twist.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of pizza in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Easy Pizza Monkey Bread, you’ll need simple, easily accessible ingredients:

For the Monkey Bread:

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each) or 1 lb pizza dough
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into quarters)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Serving:

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
• Extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a bundt pan or tube pan with nonstick spray or butter. This helps the bread release easily after baking.

Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough, divide it into 1-inch pieces. This creates the bite-sized pieces needed for the pull-apart effect.

Step 2: Season the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to infuse the butter with flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Dough Pieces

Add the cut dough pieces into the butter mixture. Toss until every piece is coated in garlicky goodness. This step ensures your monkey bread is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices into the bowl with the butter-coated dough. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Make sure the toppings are evenly distributed for perfect cheesy bites.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, layering as you go to avoid clumps of cheese in one spot. Press down lightly to help the pieces stick together while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center pieces are fully cooked. A good test is inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the monkey bread to cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and watch everyone eagerly pull apart the cheesy pizza bread.

Tips for Success

• Check Doneness: Since the dough is stacked, the center can take longer to cook. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dough in the pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Perfect for prepping before guests arrive.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
• Freezer Option: Freeze baked monkey bread, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

The beauty of this Pizza Monkey Bread is that you can customize it just like a pizza:

• Supreme: Add diced green peppers, onions, black olives, and cooked sausage along with pepperoni.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce, add shredded cooked chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese.
• Veggie Delight: Use mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and extra mozzarella for a vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Style: Toss dough pieces in buffalo sauce and top with chicken and blue cheese crumbles. Serve with ranch for dipping.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese for a more indulgent cheese pull.

Why a Bundt Pan Works Best

While you can technically make monkey bread in a loaf pan or casserole dish, a bundt pan gives the best results. Its circular shape ensures even baking and allows the bread to pull apart beautifully. It also creates a stunning presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread

This dish fits almost any occasion:

• Game Day Snacks: A guaranteed hit for football parties or any sports gathering.
• Movie Night: Replace traditional pizza delivery with this fun, pull-apart version.
• Potlucks: Easy to transport and always crowd-pleasing.
• Kids’ Parties: Fun to eat and customizable with kid-friendly toppings.
• Casual Dinners: Serve alongside a salad for a quick family meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 550mg

(Nutrition values will vary depending on dough and toppings used.)

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