Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and easy dish made with fluffy dough balls, coated in garlic butter and stuffed with cheese and pepperoni. It’s the perfect finger food for gatherings!
Honestly, who doesn’t love tearing apart a warm, cheesy ball of goodness? It’s like a pizza party in your hands! I can’t resist dipping it in marinara sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are essential for a soft texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit options available in stores.
Cheese: Mozzarella brings that gooey goodness, but you can mix it up! Cheddar or even Pepper Jack adds a nice twist. Just ensure it melts well.
Pepperoni: Mini slices are easy to manage. If you prefer a healthier option, try turkey pepperoni or diced veggies instead!
Butter: Unsalted is ideal for precise seasoning, but if you only have salted, just lower the added salt in your spices. Olive oil could work as a delicious alternative too.
Herbs and Spices: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are must-haves. For freshness, use real garlic and chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead.
How Do You Layer the Ingredients for Best Results?
Layering the ingredients properly is key to even cooking and flavor throughout the monkey bread. Follow these steps for success:
- Start with cutting the biscuits into quarters for bite-sized pieces—this ensures they soak up the buttery flavors well.
- When layering in the pan, alternate between biscuit pieces, cheese, and pepperoni. This way, every bite gets a delightful mix of flavors!
- Make sure to distribute the seasonings, like the garlic butter and Parmesan, evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
Remember, the more attention you give to layering, the better your monkey bread will taste and pull apart when it’s done!
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (buttermilk biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into small pieces)
For the Flavor:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. In total, you should set aside about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a bundt pan or a tube pan and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter to help the monkey bread release easily when it’s done baking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Next, take the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This will give you small pieces that will bake up fluffy and delicious.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter—usually about 30 seconds will do the trick. Then stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it’s nicely combined.
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Add the quartered biscuit pieces to the butter mixture. Toss them around with a spatula or your hands until each piece is evenly coated with that delicious garlic butter goodness.
5. Layer the Ingredients in the Pan:
Now it’s time to build your monkey bread! Start layering in the bundt pan with a few biscuit pieces, followed by some shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of pepperoni slices. Keep doing this until you’ve used all the biscuit pieces, cheese, and pepperoni, being sure to distribute everything evenly.
6. Top It Off:
Once you’ve layered everything, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color and the reassuring smell of garlic and cheese filling your kitchen!
8. Cool and Invert:
When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Give it a gentle tap if necessary to help it come out cleanly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with a bit more parsley if you like, and serve it warm with marinara sauce in the center for dipping. Enjoy pulling apart those warm, cheesy, garlic-flavored bites with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix it up with cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure they melt well!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and layer it in the bundt pan, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Healthier?
Definitely! You can use whole-grain biscuit dough, low-fat cheese, and add lots of veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. You could also reduce the cheese quantity and increase the vegetable ratio for a more nutritious option!
