If you have ever dreamed of combining the irresistible fun of pull-apart bread with the bold, comforting flavors of pizza, then this Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to snack or appetizer. Imagine bite-sized biscuit dough pieces generously coated with melted cheese, zesty Italian seasoning, and pepperoni, all baked into a golden, gooey masterpiece that you can tear apart with your hands. It’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any time you crave a cozy, shareable treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together magically in this recipe, each bringing a distinct flavor or texture that ensures your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is a showstopper. From the flaky biscuit dough to the savory cheeses and pepperoni, every component plays its part perfectly.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (2 cans, 16.3 oz each): These flaky dough pieces form the soft, pull-apart base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Known for its melty texture and mild flavor, mozzarella adds that iconic gooey pizza stretch.
- Mini pepperoni slices (1 cup): Small but mighty, these provide the classic pepperoni punch in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a sharp, salty kick and helps develop a crispy crust on top.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Brings richness and ensures the dough pieces stick together beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A perfect blend of herbs like oregano and basil that infuse each bite with authentic pizza flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1 cup): Served on the side for dipping, it’s the classic finishing touch that ties everything together.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, generously grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking—this is crucial because the monkey bread will be inverted once baked. Next, cut each biscuit into quarters to create perfect bite-sized pieces that meld seamlessly with your toppings.
Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients
Place those quartered biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted butter. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss everything together until each dough piece is evenly coated and studded with cheesy, pepperoni goodness. This step ensures every bite delivers an explosion of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble in the Bundt Pan
Once your dough mixture is perfectly combined, transfer it into the prepared bundt pan. Press down gently but firmly so the pieces stick together and bake evenly. This step also helps your monkey bread hold its shape once baked and inverted onto the serving plate.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bundled up goodness for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and cooked-through center—that bubbly, crusty surface means you’re almost at the finish line. When complete, let the bread rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes; this rest time makes it easier to flip without losing its shape or warmth.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. The result is a stunning tower of cheesy, pepperoni-packed monkey bread that invites you to tear and share. Don’t forget to place a bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping—you’re going to want every bite to be dripping with that extra pizzazz!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top just before serving. This adds not only vibrant color but a fresh herbaceous aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy bread. A light dusting of red pepper flakes is a great option if you want to add a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads or roasted veggies to balance out the indulgence. A refreshing Caesar salad or some garlicky green beans provide a nice contrast to the savory, buttery texture of the bread. Alternatively, a simple bowl of mixed olives or marinated artichokes can keep the Italian vibe going.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the monkey bread on a wooden board surrounded by small ramekins of different dipping sauces like spicy arrabbiata, creamy ranch, or pesto aioli. Wrapping cocktail napkins around sticks used to pull apart the bread adds a playful touch and keeps things tidy. You could even arrange the monkey bread alongside individual cups of salad for a fun “build your own” pizza dip experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep the bread soft and the cheese fresh without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the baked monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your stored monkey bread in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the outer edges regain some crispiness. An air fryer works great too, giving you that fresh-baked texture without drying it out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to turn the bread chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to keep the flavor vibrant while keeping it meat-free.
What’s the best cheese to use for extra gooey monkey bread?
Mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts beautifully and stretches, but mixing in some provolone or fontina can elevate the gooeyness and add layers of flavor.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
You sure can! Homemade biscuit dough will give a more rustic taste and texture, but make sure it’s not too wet so it holds together when baked in the bundt pan.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! This cheesy, fun-to-eat monkey bread is very kid-friendly and great for little hands to pull apart. Just watch for the marinara if anyone is sensitive to acidic sauces.
How can I add a little extra crispiness on top?
A quick sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before baking creates a deliciously crispy, golden crust that adds another tasty textural layer to your monkey bread.
Final Thoughts
If you want a snack that feels like a warm hug and a party rolled into one, the Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, endlessly shareable, and bursting with all the flavors that make pizza a timeless favorite. So next time you want to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to delight every bite!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Enjoy a delicious, shareable Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread that’s perfect as a cheesy appetizer or party snack. This fun twist on classic monkey bread features bite-sized biscuit dough pieces loaded with mozzarella, mini pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, all baked together for a golden, pull-apart treat served warm with savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough and Cheese
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the monkey bread after baking.
- Mix Ingredients: Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and melted butter. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all the biscuit pieces are evenly coated and the ingredients are well distributed.
- Assemble in Pan: Transfer the coated dough mixture to the prepared bundt pan. Gently press the mixture down to compact it slightly, but do not overly pack it to maintain the pull-apart texture.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the monkey bread to rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes so it settles and becomes easier to remove. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
- Customize your monkey bread by mixing in chopped cooked sausage, bell peppers, or olives for added flavor and variation.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven or an air fryer for leftovers.
