A pull-apart, cheesy, garlicky, and pepperoni-packed party bread that combines the best of pizza and finger food.
Introduction
If there’s one dish that gets everyone at the table excited—especially during game night, casual dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings—it’s Pizza Monkey Bread. Imagine everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, Italian herbs, buttery garlic flavor—all layered into soft, pull-apart dough. Baked to golden perfection and served with marinara dipping sauce, this is a true crowd-pleaser.
Pizza Monkey Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make and eat. With every piece you pull, you get a delightful pocket of cheese, a hit of spice from the pepperoni, and that irresistible aroma of garlic butter. It’s ideal for sharing and absolutely addictive.
Let’s dive deep into this fun and flavorful recipe, from ingredients and substitutions to pro tips and variations. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a birthday party, or a weekend snack, this recipe will be a go-to favorite.
What is Monkey Bread?
Traditionally, monkey bread is a sweet, sticky, pull-apart bread made from small balls of dough coated in cinnamon sugar and baked in a bundt pan. It became popular in the U.S. during the 1950s and is often served for breakfast or brunch.
Pizza Monkey Bread is the savory, cheesy cousin. Instead of sugar, the dough is coated in garlic butter, cheese, herbs, and pizza toppings—creating layers of flavor that burst with every bite. It transforms a classic into something you can enjoy any time of day.
Why You’ll Love Pizza Monkey Bread
- Easy to make with store-bought dough, or customize it with homemade.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved—there’s something magical about food you can pull apart and dip.
- Great for sharing—perfect centerpiece for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable—you can switch up the cheeses, meats, or even make it vegetarian.
- Prep ahead—make it early, then bake just before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down everything you’ll need to make this savory masterpiece:
For the Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
You can also use store-bought or homemade pizza dough if preferred.
For the Fillings
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Use low-moisture mozzarella for gooey, stretchy results. - 1 cup pepperoni, chopped or use mini pepperoni
Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter version, or sub with cooked sausage or veggies. - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Dipping
- 1 to 1½ cups marinara or pizza sauce, warmed
Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan or tube pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for garlic butter
- Knife or kitchen scissors
- Spoon or tongs for assembling
- Baking sheet (to place under pan for any drips)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10–12-cup bundt pan well with nonstick spray or butter. You want to prevent the cheese and dough from sticking.
If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into quarters using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. If using pizza dough, tear or cut it into small golf ball–sized pieces.
Set up your ingredients “assembly line” style: chopped pepperoni, shredded cheese, garlic butter, and dough pieces ready to go.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
This flavorful butter will coat the dough, infusing every bite with garlicky goodness and Italian flair.
3. Toss and Combine
In a large bowl, combine:
- Dough pieces
- Garlic butter
- Shredded mozzarella
- Chopped pepperoni
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes
Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything until the dough is evenly coated and the fillings are distributed.
4. Layer in the Bundt Pan
Scoop the dough mixture into your greased bundt pan, layering it evenly. Lightly press the dough down as you go to eliminate air gaps.
The pan should be about ¾ full to allow room for the dough to rise while baking.
5. Bake
Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes.
6. Rest and Unmold
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate or board.
The cheese will still be gooey, and the bread should come out in one beautiful, pull-apart mound of savory joy.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with bowls of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead
- Assemble the dough and fillings, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- Bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before placing in the oven.
Leftovers
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispness.
Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic Pizza Monkey Bread, the variations are endless. Here are a few ideas:
1. Supreme Style
Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and green peppers for a supreme pizza flavor. Make sure any vegetables are cooked and drained well to avoid sogginess.
2. Buffalo Chicken
Swap pepperoni for shredded rotisserie chicken, toss with buffalo sauce, and mix in crumbled blue cheese or ranch seasoning.
3. Veggie Lovers
Use black olives, spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Meat Lovers
Use a combination of pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, bacon, and diced ham.
5. Pesto Chicken
Swap out marinara for pesto, use shredded chicken and mozzarella, and sprinkle with pine nuts and Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- Use cold dough: It’s easier to handle and less sticky.
- Don’t overload with wet ingredients: Too much moisture from veggies or cheese can make the center soggy.
- Grease the pan well: Get into every crevice to avoid sticking.
- Test doneness: Use a knife to check that the dough in the center is fully cooked.
- Let it rest before flipping: This helps it hold its shape and allows the cheese to settle slightly.
Nutritional Information (Estimate per Serving)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuits?
Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought pizza dough gives a more authentic pizza texture, but it may take slightly longer to bake.
Can I make this without a bundt pan?
Yes! Use a loaf pan, 9×13 pan, or even a large muffin tin. Adjust bake time accordingly and ensure it’s well greased.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Baked monkey bread can be frozen, though it’s best fresh. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
How do I keep it from falling apart?
Let it rest after baking for at least 10 minutes before inverting. A well-greased pan is also crucial.
Conclusion
Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate party food. It’s everything you love about pizza—cheesy, savory, a little greasy, perfectly seasoned—packed into a fun, shareable form that’s perfect for dipping, pulling, and devouring. It’s a creative twist on classic flavors that feels comforting yet exciting every time you make it.
Whether you stick to the classic version or get adventurous with toppings and fillings, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself baking it for birthdays, game nights, casual dinners, or just because.