Irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread

Bring all the flavors of pizza into a fun pull apart loaf with this pizza monkey bread recipe. It is the ultimate party snack or weeknight treat since it is loaded with gooey cheese spicy pepperoni and crisp buttery biscuit pieces. I have found it is always the first thing gone when friends are over and nothing beats serving it warm with a bowl of marinara for dunking.

The first time I brought this to a game night everyone raved and demanded the recipe. It became a regular request for family movie nights thanks to how quick and fun it is to make.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated canned biscuits: Quartered for a fluffy chewy bread that bakes up fast and absorbs all the flavors. Look for cans without artificial flavors for the best taste.
• Pepperoni: Halved slices to tuck between the biscuit pieces for pops of savory spicy flavor. Choose a quality brand with a nice spice blend.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic pizza stretch. Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and richness.
• Grated parmesan cheese: To boost the umami and give subtle nuttiness. Fresh grated has the best flavor and aroma.
• Melted butter: Coats everything making the edges crisp and buttery. Use real unsalted butter for the richest result.
• Italian seasoning: Gives a herby pizza shop taste. Check the jar is fresh and green for max flavor.
• Garlic powder: For mellow savory depth without raw garlic bite.
• Garlic salt: For a bit more punch of garlic and a perfectly seasoned dough.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional if you like gentle heat. I always sprinkle some for a little kick.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish adds fresh color and a touch of brightness at the end.
• Marinara sauce: For dipping is what really brings the pizza experience. Warm it gently before serving for the best texture.

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is fully heated before you begin. This ensures the monkey bread bakes through evenly and gets that deep golden edge. Grease a bundt pan or nine by thirteen inch baking dish well with nonstick spray so every piece comes out clean.

Mix the Dough:

In a big mixing bowl toss together the quartered biscuit dough pepperoni halves shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Use your hands or two big spoons to mix everything gently but thoroughly so the cheese and meats are tucked between the dough pieces. This way every bite has lots of flavor.

Season and Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter over the biscuit mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning garlic powder and garlic salt. If you love a little spice now is the time to add a few shakes of red pepper flakes. Gently toss the mixture so every dough chunk is coated in herby garlicky butter.

Assemble in the Pan:

Scoop the seasoned mixture into your prepared baking dish or bundt pan. Press it down gently as you go so there are no big gaps but do not mash it tight. Pressing down just enough helps the bread bake together but still keeps everything easy to pull apart.

Bake Until Golden:

Slide the pan onto the center rack. Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the top is deep golden and the cheese bubbles through the cracks. If you use a bundt pan check the deepest bread piece to make sure it is fully baked before pulling it out.

Cool and Serve:

Let the bread rest for a few minutes so everything sets up and is easier to handle. Flip out of the bundt or scoop from the casserole dish. Shower with fresh parsley for a pop of green. Serve it warm with a generous bowl of marinara sauce for dunking.

This recipe is one of my favorites because of the versatility with flavors and toppings. The smell of it baking always takes me back to the fun of pizza nights at home with my family when everyone would want to choose their own toppings.

Storage Tips

Pizza monkey bread keeps best covered in the refrigerator for two to three days. Rewarm slices in a low oven until gooey again or microwave for a fast snack. If you want to freeze extra pieces wrap tightly in plastic then foil to keep out air and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of biscuits use pizza dough or frozen bread dough cut into pieces. Swap mozzarella for Monterey jack provolone or even cheddar for different flavor. Turkey pepperoni or cooked mushrooms or olives also work well if you want to change it up or make a vegetarian version. Any Italian cheese blend will meld into the recipe just fine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crowd pleaser straight from the oven with a big bowl of warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. For a party platter surround the bread with veggies or extra cheese cubes for a fun presentation. It makes a great center dish for game days movie nights or any festive family gathering.

The History of Pizza Monkey Bread

This savory take on monkey bread borrows from both Italian American pizza shops and the classic American sweet monkey bread. It is a clever fusion that transforms a familiar treat into something new and shareable. The origins are hard to trace but it has popped up on party tables everywhere in the last decade and continues to win over new fans with every cheesy bite.

This easy monkey bread always disappears fast so be sure to make extra. Everyone loves digging in for warm cheesy pieces dunked in plenty of marinara.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Yes, homemade dough works well. Ensure it's soft and slightly enriched for the best texture.

→ What other meats can be used besides pepperoni?

Try cooked sausage, ham, or cooked bacon for a flavorful variation of the original.

→ How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the pan with non-stick spray or melted butter before adding the mixture.

→ Is there a substitute for mozzarella cheese?

Feel free to swap with provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend for similar melt and flavor.

→ How is this best served?

Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.