Name: Pizza Monkey Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or ~16 oz pizza dough); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Golden, pull-apart bites of buttery dough oozing with melted mozzarella, layered with zesty pepperoni, and kissed with a sprinkle of Italian herbs — that’s Pizza Monkey Bread. It’s everything you love about pizza, presented in a fun, shareable way that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or simply an indulgent snack with family.

This playful twist on a classic pizza is baked in a bundt pan to create a beautiful ring of cheesy goodness. Each piece pulls away with gooey strands of cheese and a pop of bold, savory flavor. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

Pizza Monkey Bread isn’t just another appetizer — it’s an experience. With its crispy edges, tender center, and flavorful toppings, it hits all the right notes for pizza lovers. It’s customizable too — swap pepperoni for your favorite toppings, add veggies, or load it up with extra cheese. The pull-apart nature makes it ideal for communal eating, ensuring fun and delicious bites for everyone.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Pizza Monkey Bread begins with a bit of prep and the right tools. Each piece of equipment ensures the dish bakes evenly and presents beautifully.

Essential Tools and Their Importance:

Bundt Pan: The signature ring shape of the monkey bread comes from using a bundt pan. It ensures even heat distribution and helps the bread bake through while creating that beautiful pull-apart form.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls — one for combining your dough pieces with seasonings and toppings, and another for melted butter or oil if using.
Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing the pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: To cut the dough into bite-sized pieces for easy pulling and serving.
Cheese Grater (if using block cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Spatula or Spoon: For gently mixing dough pieces with sauce, cheese, and toppings without squashing them.

Preparation Tips

Grease Generously: Make sure to thoroughly butter or oil the bundt pan to prevent sticking — it makes for a much easier release and prettier presentation.
Use Uniform Pieces: Cut your dough into even-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate, and your pull-apart pieces will be nice and consistent.
Layer Strategically: Layer dough, cheese, and toppings in stages as you fill the pan so that every bite is flavorful and cheesy.
Don’t Overfill: Leave a little room at the top of the bundt pan for the bread to expand as it bakes.
Rest Before Serving: Let the monkey bread cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it hold its shape and makes unmolding easier.

Ingredients for This Pizza Monkey Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or about 16 oz pizza dough, cut into small pieces)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into quarters)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Feel free to customize the ingredients with your favorite pizza toppings — cooked sausage, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a blend of cheeses.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease your bundt pan with melted butter or non-stick spray, making sure to coat all the nooks and crannies to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Pieces

If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough, cut it into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place the dough pieces in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Flavor the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the dough pieces and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Start layering in the bundt pan: add a layer of seasoned dough pieces, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, a few pepperoni slices, and a light dusting of Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese and pepperoni on top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the filled bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The internal dough pieces should be cooked through — you can check with a skewer or toothpick.

Step 6: Rest and Unmold

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, flavorful bites!

Notes

Dough Options: You can use store-bought biscuit dough for convenience or homemade pizza dough for a more artisan texture.
Cheese Choice: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and offers more flavor than pre-packaged shreds.
Toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment — sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños can be added for variety.
Sauce Inside vs. Dipping: A little pizza sauce can be mixed with the dough pieces for extra flavor, but keeping most of it on the side for dipping keeps the bread from becoming soggy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan: If you pack too much dough into the pan, the center may not cook through properly. Leave some room for expansion.
Skipping the Grease: Failing to grease the bundt pan well will make unmolding the bread difficult. Be thorough.
Uneven Dough Sizes: Cutting uneven pieces can lead to some undercooked or overcooked sections. Aim for uniformity.
Adding Too Much Sauce: Too much sauce inside the bread can make it soggy. It’s better to serve sauce on the side.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your oven — baking too long will dry out the bread. Check at the 30-minute mark.
Unmolding Too Soon: Letting the bread rest before unmolding helps it set and prevents it from falling apart.
Forgetting Layers: Layer your cheese and toppings as you fill the pan to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Not Testing Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check that the inner pieces are fully cooked. Undercooked dough will be gummy.

What to Serve With Pizza Monkey Bread?

8 Recommendations

Marinara or Pizza Sauce
A classic choice — serve warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping. It complements the cheesy bread perfectly.
Ranch Dressing
Cool and creamy ranch offers a great contrast to the warm, savory monkey bread.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, Parmesan, and croutons balances out the richness of the bread.
Antipasto Platter
Add an Italian flair with a platter of cured meats, olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Serve alongside garlic Parmesan chicken wings for a finger-food feast.
Tomato Basil Soup
A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs beautifully, making each bite of bread even more comforting.
Grilled Vegetables
Offer a side of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to lighten up the meal.
Sparkling Water or Italian Soda
For a refreshing drink option, serve sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or an Italian soda.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Store leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To maintain its texture, place parchment paper between layers if stacking pieces.

Reheating:

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges.
Microwave: Reheat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for 20–30 seconds, but note the bread may soften rather than stay crisp.

Freezing:
You can freeze Pizza Monkey Bread for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 12 servings)

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: ~220 kcal
Total Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~30mg
Sodium: ~550mg
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Fiber: ~1g
Sugars: ~2g
Protein: ~9g

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and gives a more traditional pizza texture. Just cut it into small, uniform pieces before tossing with seasonings and cheese.

2. Do I need a bundt pan, or can I use another type of pan?

While a bundt pan gives the signature shape and helps with even baking, you can also use a deep round cake pan or a loaf pan. Just be mindful of baking times and test for doneness.

3. How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your pan with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to coat every surface. This is key for easy release.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the monkey bread a few hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

5. What other cheeses can I use?

You can mix mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, fontina, or even pepper jack for an extra flavor kick.

6. Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course. Simply skip the pepperoni or replace it with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach.

7. How do I know when the monkey bread is done?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cheese. A toothpick or skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with melted cheese but no raw dough.

8. Can I freeze baked Pizza Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is a playful and delicious spin on classic pizza, bringing the joy of pull-apart bread to your table. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, it’s customizable, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Try it once, and it may just become your new favorite way to enjoy pizza!