Cheesy Pull-Apart Heaven: Gooey Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Pulling apart warm, cheesy pizza monkey bread makes game nights and casual gatherings instantly more delicious.

This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the comfort of soft bread with zesty pizza flavors that everyone craves.

Melted mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and savory pepperoni create irresistible bites packed with classic Italian-inspired goodness.

Each golden morsel bursts with tangy marinara and gooey cheese that stretches with every tear.

Simple ingredients transform into a shareable appetizer that sparks conversation and excitement around the table.

You’ll find this recipe so easy to assemble, even novice cooks can nail it perfectly.

Prepare to dive into a snack that turns ordinary moments into memorable culinary experiences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 343 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need for Pizza Monkey Bread

• Biscuit Dough or Pizza Dough: Soft, flexible foundation that provides the perfect texture and structure for monkey bread, choose refrigerated dough for convenience and consistent results.
• Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Essential for preventing sticking and adding rich flavor to the bread's exterior.

• Melted Butter: Creates a luscious coating that adds moisture and helps seasonings stick to the dough.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth and classic pizza-like aroma into every bite.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that transport your taste buds to rustic Italian kitchens.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that irresistible stretchy, melty texture quintessential to pizza-inspired dishes.
• Pepperoni Slices: Adds classic pizza protein punch and spicy, slightly crispy element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty undertones that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Marinara or Pizza Sauce: Perfect dipping companion that complements the bread's rich, cheesy character.

Tools That Help You Layer and Bake Easily

• Bundt Pan: Essential 10-12 cup pan with signature ring shape for even baking and beautiful presentation.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing dough pieces with butter mixture.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for cutting dough into uniform pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise 1-inch dough cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Pastry Brush or Spray: Ideal for greasing bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
• Aluminum Foil: Optional cover to prevent excessive browning during baking.
• Serving Plate: Large flat surface for presenting and serving the finished monkey bread.

Pull-Apart Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a bundt pan. Brush the pan with butter or spray it down so nothing sticks.

• Slice and Dice

Take your pizza dough and cut it into bite-sized chunks, roughly one inch in size. This will help create those delicious, pull-apart pieces.

• Create the Coating

Whip together melted butter with zesty garlic powder and Italian herbs. Toss your dough pieces in this flavorful mixture until they’re completely covered.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Start layering your coated dough in the bundt pan. Sprinkle cheese and pepperoni between each layer, creating a delicious landscape of savory goodness. Press down gently to make sure everything settles nicely.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown. If the surface starts getting too dark, drape some foil over it for the last few minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for a few minutes, then flip it onto a serving plate. Grab some marinara sauce for dipping and watch everyone dive in!

Tips That Boost Cheesy Goodness

• Replace refrigerated biscuit dough with homemade pizza dough or gluten-free alternatives for personalized texture and dietary needs.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, sharp cheddar, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
• Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between layers for extra nutrition and a colorful twist on the classic recipe.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add jalapeños, or drizzle hot sauce between layers for those who enjoy a spicier version of this pull-apart bread.

Serve Monkey Bread for Game Night or Lunch

• Family Pizza Night Centerpiece: Place the warm monkey bread as the star of your dinner table, letting everyone pull apart the cheesy, pepperoni-studded pieces together.
• Pizza Party Appetizer: Transform this dish into a crowd-pleasing starter by cutting into wedges and serving on a large wooden board with small marinara dipping bowls.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sports watching parties, this handheld bread lets fans grab quick bites without missing any exciting moments during the game.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack cooled pieces in a container for outdoor adventures, providing a portable and delicious meal that travels well and stays tasty at room temperature.

Keep It Warm and Tasty for Later

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire bread in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp up.
• Wrap completely cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld and saves time during busy weeknights.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

This pizza monkey bread is super easy for kids to help make. Children can tear dough pieces, sprinkle cheese, and add pepperoni under adult supervision. It’s a fun cooking activity that gets kids excited about making food.

• Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Just roll it out and cut into 1-inch pieces. Homemade dough can make the monkey bread even more delicious and personal.

• How do I know when the monkey bread is fully cooked?

Check the bread’s color and texture. It should be golden brown on the outside and not doughy in the center. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the middle – it should come out clean without raw dough.

• What if I want a vegetarian version?

Simply skip the pepperoni and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You can also increase the cheese amounts to make it more filling and flavorful for vegetarian guests.

Gooey Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Dazzling pizza monkey bread combines classic Italian flavors with playful American comfort food. Cheesy, herbed pull-apart bread delivers irresistible bites packed with marinara and mozzarella goodness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g / 7.05 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.53 oz) pepperoni, sliced (cut into quarters if large)
• ¼ cup (50 g / 1.76 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cans (16 oz / 453 g each) biscuit dough or pizza dough, refrigerated
• ¼ cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) butter, unsalted, melted
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8.12 fl oz) marinara or pizza sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to guarantee effortless bread removal.
2. Dough Preparation: Slice pizza or biscuit dough into uniform 1-inch pieces, creating bite-sized morsels perfect for communal sharing and pulling.
3. Seasoning Blend: Whisk melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, creating a robust aromatic coating that will elevate the dough’s flavor profile.
4. Coating Process: Gently tumble dough pieces in the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage of each morsel.
5. Layering Technique: Construct the monkey bread by alternating layers of seasoned dough with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to create a compact, interconnected structure within the bundt pan.
6. Baking Protocol: Bake for 35-40 minutes, covering with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning while ensuring complete internal cooking.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow bread to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by marinara or pizza sauce for an enhanced flavor experience.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the monkey bread releases smoothly without breaking when removing.
• Even Coating Technique: Gently roll dough pieces in butter mixture using a light hand, ensuring each piece gets an equal amount of seasoning for consistent flavor throughout.
• Layering Strategy: Pack ingredients tightly but not too densely to allow proper heat circulation, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior texture.
• Moisture Management: Cover with foil during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain optimal moisture levels in the bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg