Pizza Monkey Bread

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Golden, gooey, and absolutely irresistible—Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart party dish that combines everything you love about pizza with the fun of finger food. Each bite bursts with melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, buttery dough, and zesty pizza sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection in a bundt pan. It’s cheesy, garlicky, savory goodness in every tear-and-share piece.

Perfect for game day, movie night, or a casual get-together, this crowd-pleaser is way more exciting than your typical pizza. And the best part? It looks impressive but is super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a centerpiece-worthy dish that’s sure to disappear fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

• Easy to Make: Uses simple store-bought dough or biscuit dough and takes minutes to assemble.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults; perfect for sharing.
• Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite toppings—sausage, olives, mushrooms, or even a veggie version.
• Fun to Eat: The pull-apart style makes it interactive and great for parties or casual snacking.
• Delicious Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Pizza Monkey Bread

Before diving into the gooey, cheesy world of Pizza Monkey Bread, it’s good to gather your tools and understand their role. Having the right equipment not only makes the process smoother but also ensures the best texture and bake.

• Bundt Pan: This is the star of the show. Its circular shape with a hole in the middle allows the dough to bake evenly and creates that signature monkey bread look. Nonstick is ideal to prevent sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing the dough pieces with oil, cheese, and toppings. Use a large one for easy mixing.
• Kitchen Shears or Pizza Cutter: These make it super simple to cut biscuit or pizza dough into small chunks.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision counts, especially for spices and oil.
• Spatula or Spoon: For gently folding all the ingredients together without mashing the dough.
• Oven Mitts: Since you’ll be working with a hot bundt pan, good mitts are a must.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Useful for brushing garlic butter on top after baking for extra flavor.

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Preparation Tips

• Grease Generously: Coat the bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and to get a golden crust.
• Don’t Overload: Mix-ins like cheese and pepperoni should be evenly distributed—too much in one spot can weigh the dough down.
• Use Cold Dough: Chilled biscuit or pizza dough is easier to cut and toss without sticking to your hands.
• Pre-Shred Cheese: Grate your mozzarella ahead of time if you’re not using pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly and evenly.
• Layer Flavors: Toss dough pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil before adding cheese and toppings for extra depth.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the monkey bread rest for 5–10 minutes before inverting. It helps everything set and come out cleanly.

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Ingredients for This Pizza Monkey Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this savory, cheesy pull-apart bread a reality. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store.

• 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into quarters)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (for dipping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Black olives
• Cooked crumbled sausage
• Diced bell peppers
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. This is key to making sure your monkey bread slides out perfectly golden and intact.

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Step 2: Cut the Dough

Open the biscuit cans and cut each piece into quarters using kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter. If you’re using pizza dough, cut it into roughly 1-inch squares. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

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Step 3: Season and Toss

Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the bowl of dough pieces. Toss everything gently to coat, making sure each piece is well-seasoned and slightly slick with oil.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings

Mix in the shredded mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and pepperoni (or your favorite toppings). Fold everything together carefully to evenly distribute the cheese and meat without squishing the dough.

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Step 5: Layer in the Pan

Spoon the mixture into your prepared bundt pan, layering evenly as you go. Lightly press down just to help it settle—don’t compact it too much, or it won’t pull apart easily after baking.

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Step 6: Bake

Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The internal pieces should be fully cooked and not doughy.

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Step 7: Rest and Release

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges, then invert the pan onto a large plate or serving board. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.

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Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with a side of pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Watch it disappear as everyone pulls apart their cheesy, gooey bites!

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Notes

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the dough mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving for maximum freshness and gooeyness.
• Customize It: Feel free to swap in your favorite pizza toppings—this recipe is super flexible. Think bacon, jalapeños, spinach, or even pineapple if you’re into sweet and savory.
• Use Fresh Cheese: For best melt and flavor, shred your mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Herb Garnish Upgrade: Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright flavor pop and also makes the presentation extra pretty.
• Serve It Up Hot: This is one of those dishes best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, while the cheese is still stretchy and melty.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Grease: If you forget to grease your bundt pan thoroughly, the monkey bread may stick and fall apart when you try to invert it. Don’t skimp!
• Overloading with Toppings: Too many toppings can weigh the dough down, making it soggy or undercooked inside. Stick to balanced amounts.
• Uneven Dough Chunks: Cutting the dough into uneven sizes leads to inconsistent baking—some bits may be raw while others are overdone. Keep your chunks uniform.
• Underbaking: If the middle feels doughy or raw, cover the top with foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. Better safe than soggy.
• Skipping the Rest Time: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but let the bread cool a bit so it sets and releases easily from the pan.
• Not Mixing Well: If you don’t mix the dough pieces thoroughly with the oil, cheese, and seasoning, the flavor won’t distribute evenly. Fold gently but completely.

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What to Serve With Pizza Monkey Bread?

Pizza Monkey Bread is already a showstopper, but pairing it with the right sides and dips can turn it into a next-level feast. Whether you’re throwing a party or planning a fun family dinner, these combos will complement the cheesy pull-apart goodness perfectly.

8 Recommendations

1. Marinara or Pizza Sauce – Classic and essential. Warm, rich tomato sauce makes every cheesy bite even better.
2. Ranch Dressing – A creamy dip that contrasts beautifully with the garlicky, savory dough.
3. Garlic Butter Sauce – For a rich, buttery finish, perfect for extra indulgent dipping.
4. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with parmesan and croutons offers a fresh, crunchy contrast.
5. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil with balsamic drizzle—light, fresh, and easy.
6. Mozzarella Sticks – Double down on the cheese with crispy, gooey sticks as a side snack.
7. Roasted Veggies – Add some balance with a colorful mix of oven-roasted peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
8. Sparkling Lemonade or Soda Floats – A fizzy drink keeps the fun vibe going and cuts through the richness nicely.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Pizza Monkey Bread stores surprisingly well and can be revived with minimal effort.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispy edges and gooey center. A microwave works too (30–60 seconds), but the texture will be softer.
• Freezer: You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

Pro Tip: Wrap in foil while reheating to prevent the crust from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes for a toasty finish.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — Based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~280
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 9g

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the dough and toppings used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes! Store-bought or homemade pizza dough works great. Just cut it into 1-inch pieces and follow the same steps. The texture will be slightly chewier than biscuit dough.

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2. Do I have to use a bundt pan?

Not necessarily. A loaf pan or even a round cake pan can work, but the signature shape and even baking comes best from a bundt pan. Just be sure to adjust baking time if needed.

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3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just avoid overloading so the bread bakes evenly.

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4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

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5. How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and the edges crisp. You can gently pull apart a piece to check for doneness inside. If it’s still doughy, return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes.

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6. What’s the best way to serve it?

On a large platter or cutting board with a bowl of warm marinara in the center. Let people pull apart their own cheesy pieces—it’s the fun part!

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7. Can I add extra cheese?

Definitely! More cheese means more gooeyness. Just make sure it’s well distributed and doesn’t make the dough too wet in spots.

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8. Is this good for kids?

Kids love it! It’s fun to pull apart and has all the flavors of pizza. Just be mindful of any spicy toppings if you’re serving younger ones.

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Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect mashup of comfort food and party fare. It’s easy to throw together, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a fun twist on pizza night, this dish delivers big flavor in every cheesy, garlicky bite. Serve it warm, watch it disappear, and don’t be surprised if people start requesting it for every occasion.

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