Save This pizza monkey bread transforms ordinary refrigerated biscuit dough into an irresistible pull-apart treat that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes.
I first made this for my son's birthday party as an experiment, and it became an instant hit. Now it's requested at every family gathering, and the kids love pulling apart the cheesy, pepperoni-filled pieces.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: creates the perfect pull-apart texture without any kneading or rising time
- Mozzarella cheese: use low-moisture part-skim for best melting and minimal sogginess
- Mini pepperoni slices: distribute better throughout the bread than regular sized ones
- Pizza sauce: adds authentic flavor look for a thick variety to prevent excessive moisture
- Dried Italian herbs: create that classic pizza shop aroma
- Garlic powder: provides depth of flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have
- Parmesan cheese: adds a salty umami note that enhances all other flavors
- Crushed red pepper flakes: optional but adds a gentle heat that balances the richness
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Thoroughly grease a bundt pan with olive oil, making sure to get into all the crevices. The bundt shape creates maximum surface area for crispy edges while keeping the interior soft and gooey. If you don't have a bundt pan, a deep round baking dish works too, though you may need to adjust baking time.
- Cut The Biscuits:
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, quarter each biscuit. This size is perfect for creating bite-sized pieces that will cook through properly while remaining tender. Cutting them any smaller risks dry pieces, while larger chunks might not cook in the center.
- Mix The Flavors:
- In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuits with all cheeses, pepperoni, herbs, and seasonings. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution. The cheese and pepperoni should be evenly scattered throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every pull-apart section.
- Add The Sauce:
- Pour pizza sauce over the mixture and toss until each piece is lightly coated. Be careful not to oversaturate the dough as too much sauce can prevent proper cooking. The pieces should be glossy with sauce but not swimming in it.
- Fill The Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan, pressing down lightly to fill gaps but not compacting too firmly. Ensure an even distribution throughout the pan for consistent baking. Leave a little room for expansion as the biscuits will rise slightly.
- Butter And Bake:
- Drizzle melted butter over the top to encourage browning and add richness. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be deeply golden and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean without any doughy residue.
- Rest And Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This resting period helps the structure set so it won't fall apart when inverted. Turn out onto a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Save The bundt pan shape is not just decorative it ensures even cooking from outside to inside. My favorite ingredient in this recipe has to be the mini pepperoni slices. I discovered them by accident when my grocery store was out of regular pepperoni, and they distribute so much better throughout the bread. My nephew who normally picks pepperoni off his pizza actually eats these because they blend seamlessly into every bite.
Storage And Reheating
Pizza monkey bread stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, wrap portions in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is convenient but will make the texture slightly chewy rather than maintaining the original contrast between crisp exterior and soft interior.
If you need to make this further in advance, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled bread for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Creative Variations
Transform this recipe to match your favorite pizza styles with simple swaps. For a Hawaiian version, add diced ham and pineapple tidbits. BBQ chicken lovers can replace some of the pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add shredded rotisserie chicken. Vegetable enthusiasts might enjoy diced bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
For a breakfast version, use cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese instead of the pizza toppings. The same baking method works beautifully, creating a morning pull-apart bread that's perfect for brunches.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this recipe in stages to save time on busy days. Mix the dry seasonings up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container. The cheese and pepperoni can be measured and refrigerated a day in advance.
For the ultimate convenience, assemble the entire recipe in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting in the oven. You may need to add 5 minutes to the baking time if starting with cold dough.
Serving Suggestions
This pull-apart bread makes an excellent centerpiece for casual gatherings. Surround it with small bowls of additional dipping options like ranch dressing, garlic butter, or marinara sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
For game day spreads, pair with other finger foods like chicken wings, vegetable platters, and spinach artichoke dip. The interactive nature of pulling apart the bread adds to the communal experience of watching sports together.
Save A silicone bundt pan can make removal significantly easier, though a well-greased metal one works fine too. Whichever you use, don't skip the 10-minute cooling period before attempting to turn out your creation.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep monkey bread from sticking?
Grease your bundt pan or baking dish generously with olive oil to prevent sticking and achieve a clean release.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend to create your preferred cheesy pull-apart experience.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Classic pizza sauce is popular, but garlic butter or ranch dressing are also delicious options for dipping.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for a meat-free version.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, warm leftovers in a low oven or briefly in the microwave to restore gooeyness and flavor.
- → Is it possible to prepare in advance?
You can assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Wait to add the melted butter until ready to bake.