Pizza Monkey Bread
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect for sharing
- Loaded with cheese
- Customizable toppings
- Great for parties
- Kid-friendly
- Delicious pizza flavor in every bite
The pull-apart style makes it fun to eat while the melted cheese and savory toppings make it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Monkey Bread
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 ounces each)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Garlic Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Serving
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan or tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Highlights
Biscuit Dough
Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and convenient while creating a soft and fluffy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates gooey cheese pulls between pieces.
Pepperoni
Adds classic pizza flavor and a slightly smoky, savory taste.
Garlic Butter
Enhances flavor while helping the bread develop a golden crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a Bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Time: 5 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 2: Cut the Dough
Open the biscuit dough packages.
Cut each biscuit into four equal pieces using a knife or kitchen scissors.
Place the dough pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Time: 5 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
Whisk until blended.
Time: 2 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 4: Coat the Dough
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the biscuit pieces.
Add:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
Toss gently until every piece is coated.
Time: 3 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Mix in:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Parmesan cheese
Stir carefully so ingredients distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Time: 3 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Add half of the dough mixture into the prepared Bundt pan.
Spoon half of the pizza sauce over the layer.
Add the remaining dough mixture and finish with the rest of the pizza sauce.
Avoid placing too much sauce in one area.
Time: 5 minutes
Intensity: Medium
Step 7: Bake
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C).
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes.
Time: 35 minutes
Intensity: Medium
Step 8: Cool
Remove the pan from the oven.
Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
This resting period helps it maintain its shape when unmolded.
Time: 10 minutes
Intensity: None
Step 9: Remove from Pan
Carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a serving plate.
Lift the pan slowly to release the monkey bread.
If needed, gently tap the pan to loosen it.
Time: 2 minutes
Intensity: Low
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with:
- Additional Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Time: 2 minutes
Intensity: Low
Serving Suggestions
Pizza Monkey Bread pairs perfectly with:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic butter
- Caesar salad
- Vegetable sticks
- Soup
- Pasta dishes
It can serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a casual dinner centerpiece.
Recipe Variations
Supreme Pizza Monkey Bread
Add:
- Diced bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
- Cooked sausage
Hawaiian Pizza Monkey Bread
Mix in:
- Ham
- Pineapple chunks
Vegetarian Version
Replace pepperoni with:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Onions
Four Cheese Version
Use a combination of:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Provolone
- Parmesan
Spicy Version
Add:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Jalapeños
- Spicy sausage
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds.
Freezing
Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Success
Use Fresh Cheese
Fresh mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor.
Grease the Pan Well
This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Even Distribution
Spread cheese and toppings evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Don’t Overfill
Leave some room in the pan for the dough to expand.
Serve Warm
Pizza Monkey Bread tastes best when the cheese is still melty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Too Much Sauce
Excess sauce can make the bread soggy.
Underbaking
Ensure the center is fully cooked before removing from the oven.
Skipping the Cooling Time
Allowing the bread to rest helps maintain its structure.
Uneven Dough Pieces
Uniform pieces bake more evenly.
Overmixing
Gentle mixing preserves the dough’s texture.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 of 8 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Calcium: 220mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 180mg
