If you’ve ever wished pizza could be even more fun to share, you’re about to discover your new favorite recipe. Pizza Monkey Bread takes the irresistible flavors of classic pizza—melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and golden-baked dough—and transforms them into a playful, pull-apart masterpiece. Ideal for family dinners, game nights, and parties, this dish blends the comfort of monkey bread with the savory joy of pizza. The result? Gooey, buttery bites that disappear faster than you can serve them.
What Is Pizza Monkey Bread?
Pizza Monkey Bread is a pull-apart bread made by layering pieces of pizza dough (or biscuit dough) with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Instead of forming a flat pizza, you create bite-sized balls of dough stuffed or coated with your favorite pizza ingredients and bake them together in a bundt pan. The outcome is a dome of warm, cheesy bread that’s easy to tear apart and share.
This modern comfort food became a social-media sensation because it combines everything people love—texture, flavor, and fun presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & easy: Uses simple ingredients available in every kitchen.
- 🧀 Cheesy perfection: Stretchy mozzarella and melted butter coat every bite.
- 🍅 Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—pepperoni, veggies, or chicken.
- 🍽️ Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, kids, and gatherings.
- 🧑🍳 Pro Tip: Chill your cheese cubes before mixing; it prevents over-melting and keeps the bread structure perfect.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution or Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough | 2 cans (approx. 800 g total) | Homemade pizza dough for artisan texture |
| Mozzarella cheese (cubed) | 1½ cups | Mix with provolone or cheddar for deeper flavor |
| Pepperoni slices | ½ cup | Replace with turkey pepperoni, sausage, or veggies |
| Pizza sauce | ¾ cup | Use marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or pesto for variation |
| Melted butter | 4 tbsp | Garlic butter for a bolder aroma |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Substitute ½ tsp garlic powder |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Add dried basil or oregano for complexity |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tbsp | Optional but adds umami depth |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C / 350 °F. Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the dough: Cut the pizza or biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces.
- Add flavor: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Toss dough pieces until evenly coated.
- Layer: Add a few pieces of dough to the pan, followed by mozzarella and pepperoni. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool slightly: Let it rest for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Serve: Warm with marinara dipping sauce and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy goodness.
Flavor Variations
🍄 Veggie Lover’s Monkey Bread
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions for a colorful vegetarian twist.
🍗 BBQ Chicken Edition
Replace marinara with BBQ sauce, add cooked shredded chicken, and use a cheddar-mozzarella blend.
🥓 Breakfast Monkey Bread
Swap pizza sauce for scrambled eggs and bacon bits—perfect for brunch gatherings.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Serve with a variety of dips to enhance every bite:
- Classic Marinara: For the true pizza flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Rich and smooth.
- Spicy Ranch: Adds a cool yet zesty contrast.
- Pesto: A fresh, herby twist for gourmet appeal.
Expert Baking Tips
- Always layer cheese evenly between dough pieces to prevent hollow spots.
- To avoid sogginess, don’t overload with sauce—a light coat goes a long way.
- Use a bundt pan for even baking and a dramatic presentation.
- For a crispier crust, bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
- To make in an air fryer, use a smaller batch and bake at 170 °C / 340 °F for 15–18 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap portions individually; freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 175 °C / 350 °F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 | 10 g | 28 g | 14 g | 1 g |
Note: Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely. Homemade dough gives a richer, more authentic texture and flavor.
2. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes—assemble the bread, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
Use a round cake pan or loaf pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly.
4. Can I make it without meat?
Of course—replace pepperoni with mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
5. How do I prevent it from sticking to the pan?
Grease generously and sprinkle a bit of flour or grated Parmesan before adding dough.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Pizza Monkey Bread with a crisp green salad, tomato soup, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. For parties, serve it as a centerpiece surrounded by dipping sauces.
Conclusion
Pizza Monkey Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of everything comforting about food: melted cheese, golden crusts, and shared laughter. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding kids, or just treating yourself, this pull-apart masterpiece guarantees joy in every bite.
