Pizza Monkey Bread

Introduction Pizza is a family favorite, but have you ever tried it in a fun and interactive form? Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate dish for pizza lovers looking to add a little twist to their meal. This savory, pull-apart bread is loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning, making it a perfect dish for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

What is Pizza Monkey Bread? Pizza Monkey Bread is a playful, cheesy bread pull-apart dish made with pizza ingredients like dough, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce. The dough is cut into small pieces, rolled into balls, and coated in a mix of Italian seasonings, garlic, and melted butter before being baked to golden perfection. When it’s done, you can tear apart the bread, dip it in marinara sauce, and enjoy a fun, hands-on meal.

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

• 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough)
• 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of mini pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza topping)
• ½ cup of melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 cup of marinara sauce (for dipping)
• Optional: Fresh basil or oregano for garnish

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the dough doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dough: Open the cans of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to make smaller dough pieces that will be easier to roll.
3. Coat the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the biscuit dough pieces to the bowl and toss them until all pieces are evenly coated in the butter mixture.
4. Layer the Dough: Add a layer of dough pieces to the bottom of the prepared pan. Then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices. Repeat the layers, alternating between dough, cheese, and pepperoni until the pan is filled.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by poking a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
6. Serve: Once baked, remove the Pizza Monkey Bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For an added touch, garnish with fresh basil or oregano.

Tips for the Best Pizza Monkey Bread

• Customization: Feel free to get creative with your pizza toppings! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage or bacon.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the dough and assemble the layers the night before. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next day, just pop it in the oven for a quick, easy meal.
• Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the Pizza Monkey Bread warm right out of the oven. The gooey cheese and savory dough are irresistible!

Why You’ll Love Pizza Monkey Bread

• Fun and Interactive: Pizza Monkey Bread is perfect for kids and adults alike! The pull-apart nature of the dish makes it fun to eat and share.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni pizza or a veggie-loaded pie, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a short baking time, this dish is a great option for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
• Great for Sharing: Its pull-apart style makes Pizza Monkey Bread perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners.

Conclusion Pizza Monkey Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves pizza in a new and fun format. With its gooey cheese, savory toppings, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or just because, this playful twist on pizza is guaranteed to impress!

Serving and Storage Tips for Pizza Monkey Bread

Serving Tips:

• Warm and Fresh: For the best experience, serve Pizza Monkey Bread immediately after baking while it’s still warm and gooey. The cheese will be perfectly melted, and the flavors will be at their peak.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter on the side for dipping. You can also offer a variety of sauces like pesto or buffalo sauce to complement the pizza flavors.
• Garnish: Add a fresh touch by garnishing the Pizza Monkey Bread with some chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color to the dish.
• Side Dishes: Pair it with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the bread and cheese.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the Pizza Monkey Bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds.
• Freezing: If you want to make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish as instructed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked bread, though it may lose some of its fresh texture upon reheating.

These tips will help you enjoy your Pizza Monkey Bread even after the meal and keep it fresh for later!

1. Can I use a different type of dough for Pizza Monkey Bread? Yes, you can use any type of dough you prefer! While refrigerated biscuit dough is a popular choice, you can substitute it with pizza dough, croissant dough, or even homemade dough for a different texture and flavor.
2. How can I make Pizza Monkey Bread spicy? To give your Pizza Monkey Bread a spicy kick, you can add sliced jalapeños, hot pepperoni, or red pepper flakes to the layers. For an extra burst of heat, drizzle a bit of sriracha or hot sauce over the top before serving.
3. Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni or any meat toppings, and load up the dish with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives. You can also add extra cheese for more flavor.
4. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the pan? To avoid sticking, be sure to generously grease your bundt pan or cake pan with cooking spray or butter before adding the dough. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

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