Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun, delicious, and shareable twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings, this pull-apart bread combines all the classic pizza flavors in a unique, interactive form. Made with canned biscuits, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, each bite is packed with cheesy goodness and savory spices. The addition of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted butter ensures a flavorful and satisfying experience. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces pepperoni, sliced: Adds a savory and slightly spicy kick, typical of traditional pizza toppings.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Provides gooey, melty cheese that holds the bread together and enhances the pizza flavor.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- 32 ounces refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters: Forms the dough base for the monkey bread, making it easy to prepare.
- ⅓ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that imparts classic Italian flavors to the bread.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle garlic taste.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Adds both saltiness and a hint of garlic to balance the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes, optional: Adds a touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh taste.
- Marinara sauce, for dipping: Complements the monkey bread with a tangy tomato flavor, perfect for dipping.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the refrigerated canned biscuits into quarters and slice the pepperoni pieces in half. This makes it easier to mix and ensures even distribution.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to taste. Toss the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and coated with the seasoning and butter.
- Transfer to Pan:
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To prevent excessive browning, cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. The monkey bread should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Invert and Serve:
- Once baked, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the pizza monkey bread. The bread should come out easily if the pan was properly greased.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish your creation with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the monkey bread warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the pull-apart fun and delicious pizza flavors!
Serving
Pizza Monkey Bread is best served warm, allowing the cheese to remain melty and the bread soft and flavorful. It makes an excellent appetizer or snack for gatherings and parties. Place it in the center of the table with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch as everyone enjoys pulling apart pieces of this delectable bread.
Notes
- Customizable Fillings: Feel free to customize the fillings to suit your preferences. You can add other pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled monkey bread before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the monkey bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
What can I use instead of pepperoni? You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats like salami, ham, or cooked bacon. For a vegetarian version, use vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
How do I know when the monkey bread is done? The monkey bread is done when it is golden brown on top and cooked through. You can test by inserting a skewer or knife into the center; it should come out clean or with melted cheese but no raw dough.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan? If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular baking dish or a round cake pan. Just ensure the pan is well-greased, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough? Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just cut it into small pieces as you would with canned biscuits.
How can I make it spicier? To add more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
What other dipping sauces can I serve with it? Besides marinara sauce, you can serve Pizza Monkey Bread with garlic butter, ranch dressing, or a cheesy dip.
Can I make this gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients, like the Italian seasoning and pepperoni, are gluten-free.
How can I make the monkey bread more flavorful? Enhance the flavor by adding more garlic powder, using a garlic-infused butter, or sprinkling additional Italian seasoning on top before baking.
What can I serve with Pizza Monkey Bread? Pizza Monkey Bread pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, pasta salad, or even as part of a larger appetizer spread with vegetables and dips.
In conclusion, Pizza Monkey Bread is a delightful and versatile dish that brings the flavors of pizza into a fun, shareable form. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite with its cheesy, savory goodness and easy preparation. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a family snack, Pizza Monkey Bread is a guaranteed hit.