Pizza Monkey Bread

by

Pull-apart pizza bites layered with mozzarella, pepperoni, and garlicky butter—perfect for parties or easy dinners!

  • Servings: 10–12

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30–40 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hour

  • Dietary Tags: Party Food • Kid-Friendly • Customizable

✅ Ingredients

🍞 For the Dough

  • 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each) or homemade/store-bought pizza dough, torn into golf-ball pieces

🧀 For the Filling

  • 1½ cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella

  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni (or mini pepperoni; sub cooked sausage or veggies)

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

🧈 For the Garlic Butter

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

🍅 For Dipping

  • 1–1½ cups warmed marinara or pizza sauce

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep & Preheat

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Grease a 10–12-cup bundt pan with spray or butter.

    • Cut biscuit dough into quarters (or tear pizza dough into small pieces).

  2. Make Garlic Butter

    • In a bowl, whisk melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

  3. Toss the Mix

    • In a large bowl, gently toss together dough, garlic butter, mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

  4. Layer in Pan

    • Transfer the mixture into the bundt pan, layering evenly and pressing lightly to remove air pockets. (Fill about ¾ full.)

  5. Bake Magic

    • Bake on a baking sheet for 30–40 minutes, until golden on top.

    • If browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

  6. Cool & Release

    • Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving board or plate so it comes out in one gorgeous, pull-apart loaf.

  7. Garnish & Enjoy

    • Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

    • Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

💡 Notes & Tips

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in the bundt pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bring to room temp for 20 minutes before baking.

  • Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

II. Brief Introduction

Get ready to elevate your pizza night—Pizza Monkey Bread combines stretchy mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and buttery garlic bliss in one irresistible pull-apart loaf. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd (or picky kids who love to dip)!

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep & Layer

  • Tear dough, toss with garlic butter and toppings, and load into a greased bundt pan for that signature pull-apart effect.

2. Bake to Perfection

  • As it bakes, the dough puffs and cheese melts, creating pockets of cheesy, meaty goodness with a golden crust on top.

3. Serve & Dip

  • Invert the loaf onto a board or plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with warm marinara for dipping—pure party food magic.

IV. Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Pepperoni Options: Swap for turkey pepperoni, cooked sausage, or your favorite veggies.

  • Cheese Swap: Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend for different flavors.

  • Herb Variations: Add fresh or dried rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning for extra aroma.

V. Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Veggie Stretch: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

  • Spice It Up: Switch olive oil and garlic mix for a sriracha butter for a kick.

  • Breakfast Twist: Add cooked bacon or egg bits to transform it into a savory brunch braid.

Perfect Served With:

  • A crisp Caesar or garden salad

  • Homemade garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks

  • Icy sodas or spiked iced tea for adults

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make Ahead: Assemble and chill before baking.

  • Leftovers: Store up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat in the oven to preserve that crispy exterior.

  • Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked loaf covered in pan, thaw overnight, then bake as directed.

VII. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~400 kcal | Protein: ~14g | Carbs: ~40g | Fat: ~20g | Sodium: ~650mg
Tags: Party Food, Kid-Friendly, Customizable

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade dough?
A: Absolutely! Pizza dough works just as well—adjust bake time as needed for thickness.

Q: Why use a bundt pan?
A: The center tube helps the loaf bake evenly, creating that fun pull-apart shape with crispy edges.

Q: Can I make smaller portions?
A: Yes—use a muffin tin to make mini monkey breads (bake 15–20 minutes).

IX. Author’s Note

This Pizza Monkey Bread quickly became a favorite in my kitchen—it’s hands-on, cheesy, and endlessly tweakable. My family adores tearing off pieces and dipping into the rich garlic pizza flavor. It’s definitely one of my proudest comfort-food creations!

X. Call-to-Action

Did you pull apart your Pizza Monkey Bread yet? 📸 Tag @KristyCookRecipes and share your topping twists or tricks! Want to go veggies-heavy or extra cheesy? I can’t wait to see your versions.

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