This fun Pizza Monkey Bread is a delicious twist on classic pizza. With gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and fluffy dough, it’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
You can pull apart each bite like a kid on Christmas morning! I love serving it with marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, it’s hard to stop eating this cheesy goodness! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit or Pizza Dough: I like using refrigerated biscuit dough for its soft texture, but you can also use pizza dough if you prefer. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat or gluten-free dough.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza. I also add Parmesan for an extra flavor kick. If you want something different, try cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses!
Pepperoni: This adds a familiar flavor to the monkey bread. If you’re vegetarian, you can swap it for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even olives.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred pizza or marinara sauce works well. You can make your own sauce for a fresh taste, or if you want to keep it simple, use store-bought.
How Do I Ensure the Dough is Cooked Through?
Making sure your dough is perfectly baked can be tricky. Here are a few tips:
- Layer the dough pieces in a way that allows air to circulate. This helps them cook evenly.
- Check the bread a few minutes before the time is up. If the top is getting too brown, gently cover it with foil to cook the inside without over-baking the outside.
- When you take it out, look for a golden brown color on top and check if the dough bits near the middle look cooked. If unsure, give it a few extra minutes.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to enjoy this cheesy goodness with your family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a bundt pan or a round deep baking dish to keep your monkey bread from sticking.
2. Coat the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, take the bite-sized pieces of dough and toss them with melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is well coated for amazing flavor!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Now the fun part! Layer the dough pieces into your prepared bundt pan. As you add the dough, alternate with spoonfuls of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and some grated Parmesan. Keep going until the bundt pan is filled with delicious layers.
4. Add Extra Cheese:
Once you’ve layered all the ingredients, sprinkle some extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top. This will create a melty cheese layer that’s simply irresistible!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want the dough to be cooked through and golden brown, with the cheese all gooey and bubbly.
6. Cool and Invert:
Once baked to perfection, take the monkey bread out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. This reveals all those beautiful layers of cheese and pepperoni!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Your friends and family will love pulling apart this cheesy, pepperoni-studded treat!
Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍕
Can I Use Frozen Dough Instead of Refrigerated Dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use frozen dough, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before cutting it into pieces.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with your favorite vegetables. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great! You can also add some olives or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Can I Store Leftovers, and How Should I Reheat Them?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 30-45 seconds, but the oven will keep the bread a bit crispier.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Pizza Monkey Bread?
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Garlic butter, ranch dressing, or pesto also make delicious dips and can enhance the flavors of the monkey bread.
