Cheesy, Pull-Apart Pizza Monkey Bread: A Fun Twist on a Classic
What do you get when you combine the pull-apart fun of monkey bread with the classic flavors of pizza? Pizza Monkey Bread! This recipe is an absolute game-changer for casual get-togethers, family movie nights, or a simple weekend snack. It takes the familiar comfort of pepperoni pizza and turns it into a shareable, interactive dish that’s impossible to resist. Made with simple canned biscuits and a handful of pizza-inspired ingredients, it’s the kind of food that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that food should be fun, and this recipe is the epitome of that philosophy. I love how it takes something so simple—canned biscuits—and transforms it into a show-stopping dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, and it’s a great recipe to get the kids involved in. They love the process of tossing all the ingredients together. The result is a perfect balance of fluffy dough, salty pepperoni, gooey melted cheese, and a punch of Italian seasoning. Serving it with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping is the final touch that makes this dish an absolute winner.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters
- 6 ounces pepperoni, sliced and halved
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Swaps and Notes
- Canned Biscuits: The recipe calls for 32 ounces of canned biscuits, which is typically two large cans. You can use any type of refrigerated biscuit you prefer, but a flaky biscuit works exceptionally well.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that classic pizza stretch, and Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or an Italian blend for a different twist.
- Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is classic, but you could also use small cubes of ham, cooked sausage, or even chopped vegetables like bell peppers or black olives for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to pre-cook any meats.
- Seasoning: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt is perfect for that savory pizza flavor. If you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a great addition.
- Garlic: If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use regular salt and a little extra garlic powder. The ratio is approximately 3 parts salt to 1 part garlic powder.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a standard-sized Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Cut the Biscuits: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into quarters. If you’re using larger pepperoni slices, cut them in half.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, halved pepperoni slices, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. If you’re using them, add the red pepper flakes now.
- Toss and Coat: Using your hands or a large spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece of biscuit and pepperoni is coated in the butter, cheese, and seasoning mixture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Use your hands to gently spread it out evenly. Don’t press it down too hard; you want it to have room to expand.
- Bake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To prevent the top from getting too brown while the center cooks, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. The bread should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Invert and Serve: Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Then, carefully place a large plate over the Bundt pan and, using oven mitts, quickly and confidently flip it over to release the bread.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the warm pizza monkey bread with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Forget the Spray: A well-greased Bundt pan is the key to an easy release. Be generous with the nonstick spray.
- Cover to Prevent Burning: The foil is a crucial step to prevent the cheese and pepperoni on the outside from burning before the inside of the bread is fully cooked.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute rest after baking is important. It helps the bread hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart when you flip it out of the pan.
- Garnish is Key: The fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pizza Monkey Bread is a complete party in itself. It’s fantastic as an appetizer for game day, a fun and unique side for a potluck, or a fun dinner with a simple side salad. A classic marinara sauce is the perfect dipping companion, but you could also serve it with a garlic butter sauce or even a creamy ranch dressing.
For drinks, a cold soda, a light beer, or sparkling water with a twist of lemon would all be great choices to go with this savory, cheesy snack.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This recipe is definitely a treat rather than a health food, with higher values for fat and carbohydrates due to the biscuits, cheese, and pepperoni. While it’s not something you’d eat every day, it’s a delicious and satisfying option for a special occasion or party. The calories are approximately 380 per serving, based on 8 servings.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and it’s heated through. The microwave will work, but it may make the bread a little softer.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Monkey Bread is one of those recipes that everyone loves and is always a hit. It’s a nostalgic, comforting, and undeniably fun way to enjoy the flavors of pizza. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch as it disappears piece by delicious piece. I’d love to hear how it went for you in the comments below!
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