Pizza Monkey Bread

Last weekend, I needed something fun and easy for our usual Friday family night. We had already done tacos, noodles, and make-your-own pizzas too many times. I opened the fridge, saw a roll of biscuit dough, some leftover pepperoni, and suddenly remembered an idea I saw months ago—Pizza Monkey Bread.

I quickly got to work, cutting up dough, tossing it in garlic butter, stuffing it with gooey cheese and little bits of pepperoni. By the time it came out of the oven, the kids were already crowding the kitchen. The smell was pure magic—cheesy, buttery, herby.

We placed the golden loaf in the center of the table, and it became an instant hit. Everyone pulled off warm, stretchy pieces, dipping them into marinara sauce, giggling with sauce-covered fingers. Dinner was done in minutes, and joy lingered well after the last bite.

Since then, this recipe has become our go-to for movie nights, unexpected guests, or just when we need a dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. It’s simple, satisfying, and always brings people together around the table.

Short Description

Pizza Monkey Bread features soft dough pieces tossed in garlic-butter, loaded with pepperoni and gooey cheese, then baked pull-apart style. Perfect for family pizza nights, parties, or cozy movie evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Interactive fun: kids love pulling dough apart
• Combines pizza flavors—no fuss on assembly
• Easy to modify with favorite toppings
• Great for sharing, even warm at room temperature

Ingredients

Dough & Assembly

• 1 can (16 oz / ~454 g) refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 12–15 slices pepperoni, cut into quarters
• 1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For sprinkling

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Tools & Equipment

• Bundt pan or deep baking dish
• Small bowl for butter mixture
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare garlic‑butter
Whisk melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

Step 2: Toss dough pieces
In a larger bowl, toss dough cubes with garlic-butter until coated evenly.

Step 3: Layer in pan
Grease bundt pan lightly. Layer half the dough cubes into pan, sprinkle half the pepperoni and mozzarella. Add remaining dough cubes, then top with remaining pepperoni and cheese.

Step 4: Bake monkey bread
Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Step 5: Add Parmesan
In the final 5 minutes, open oven, quickly sprinkle Parmesan over top and return to bake until melted.

Step 6: Cool slightly and serve
Let cool 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto a platter. Garnish with parsley.

Step 7: Share and enjoy
Serve warm, letting everyone pull apart cheesy pieces and dip in marinara if desired.

Notes & Variations

• Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or veggie toppings
• Make it spicy by adding red chili flakes to the butter mix
• Use pre-shredded Italian blend cheese for convenience
• Ensure pizza dough is cut to uniform cubes so baking is even
• For gluten-free, try a refrigerated GF dough option

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350 °F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed and cheese re-melts. Microwave reheats faster but softens the crust.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with warmed marinara or garlic dipping sauce. This is ideal for game night, casual gatherings, or as a fun appetizer alongside a crisp salad or veggie tray.

FAQs

1. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the monkey bread in the pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking. Let sit 10 minutes at room temperature before baking.

2. What dough brands work best?
Refrigerated pizza or biscuit dough from the store works well. Choose plain, unseasoned dough for flexibility.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and add sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell pepper instead.

4. How do I keep the basket crispy?
Brush the pan with a little butter before layering dough. Avoid overcrowding to let heat circulate.

5. Can I make mini individual monkey breads?
Yes, use a muffin tin to bake mini versions. Fill each cup similarly and bake about 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Monkey Bread is the playful twist my family loves—cheesy, flavorful, and just messy enough for fun. I adore how one pan can turn into a joyful, interactive pizza feast, leaving everyone smiling (and giggling with cheese-stretched fingers). It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for making memories around the table.

Try it at your next gathering—you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears. Snap a photo of your pull-apart moments and share it in the comments below. I’d love to see your toppings lineup! Happy baking and happy sharing.