Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty twist on pizza! It’s made by tossing dough balls in yummy pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for sharing!
Let’s be honest, tearing apart this gooey bread is half the fun! I always end up sneaking more pieces than I planned. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😄
I love how easy it is to make this recipe! Just mix, layer, and bake. It’s great as a snack or party treat. Plus, it always disappears fast at gatherings!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is key for a quick and easy preparation. If you prefer homemade, you can use any biscuit or pizza dough recipe, but pre-made is a huge time-saver!
Pizza Sauce: A store-bought pizza sauce works great, but you can easily make your own by mixing canned tomatoes with Italian herbs. If you’re looking for a kick, try a spicy marinara!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is a must for that classic stretchy cheese effect. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based mozzarella shreds that melt well.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds a fun touch, but feel free to use diced ham, cooked sausage, or even veggies like bell peppers for a different flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option. Adding some flavored butter can also give a nice twist!
How Do I Get the Best Texture When Baking Pizza Monkey Bread?
Getting the right texture is all about layering and baking. Don’t rush the layering process—make sure each piece is evenly coated in butter and seasoning. This ensures each biscuit cooks well and stays flavorful.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to get that golden color.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Look for a crispy outside and a cooked-through inside.
- Letting it cool for a few minutes before inverting helps the structure hold together, preventing any mishaps.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
- 1 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pizza Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a quick treat! After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. All in all, you can be enjoying your cheesy, pull-apart bread in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take your bundt pan or round cake pan and grease it well to prevent sticking. You want your Pizza Monkey Bread to come out perfectly!
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This makes small, bite-sized pieces that are perfect for pulling apart when it’s baked!
3. Mix the Butter and Seasoning:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This delicious mixture will give your bread a wonderful flavor.
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces:
Now, toss the quartered biscuit pieces in the butter mixture. Make sure every piece is well-coated so they turn golden and flavorful as they bake.
5. Layer in the Pan:
Start layering the coated biscuit pieces in your greased pan. Add some biscuit pieces, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, and drizzle some pizza sauce over each layer. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used! End with a final layer of biscuit pieces topped with cheese and pepperoni.
6. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the bread to be golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Invert:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps set the bread. After cooling, carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
8. Garnish and Serve:
For a lovely finish, garnish your Pizza Monkey Bread with thinly sliced fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve it warm with extra pizza sauce in the center for dipping!
Enjoy the cheesy, pull-apart goodness of this fun and irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread!
Can I Use Homemade Biscuit Dough Instead of Refrigerated Dough?
Absolutely! Homemade biscuit dough will work just fine. Just ensure it’s similar in consistency to refrigerated versions to achieve that delightful pull-apart texture.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
You can swap out pepperoni for any of your favorite toppings! Cooked sausage, diced ham, or even sliced vegetables like bell peppers and olives make great alternatives for a different flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just ensure they’re tightly covered to keep them fresh. When ready to bake, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
