Pizza Monkey Bread

This Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

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There’s something undeniably magical about the moment you set a freshly baked Pizza Monkey Bread in the center of the table. The tantalizing aroma of herbs and melted cheese fills the room as everyone eagerly reaches for that first pull-apart piece. I’ve been perfecting this Pizza Monkey Bread recipe for years, and it consistently delivers that perfect balance of crusty exterior and pillowy center that makes monkey bread so addictive. What sets this version apart is how it transforms classic pizza flavors into a fun, interactive eating experience—each bite-sized piece becomes a treasure hunt of savory pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience that brings people together. Keep reading to discover how a few simple ingredients can create your new favorite crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

If you’ve ever struggled with making impressive party appetizers that don’t keep you trapped in the kitchen, this Pizza Monkey Bread solves that problem beautifully. The prep work can be done ahead of time, and the result looks far more complicated than it actually is—giving you maximum impact for minimal effort.

I first created this Pizza Monkey Bread when I needed something substantial but shareable for my son’s soccer team gathering. The look on those hungry teenagers’ faces when they pulled apart the first pieces—revealing stretchy cheese bridges between each doughy morsel—told me I’d found a winner. One mom even confessed she’d never seen her picky eater so excited about anything with herbs in it!

What makes this Pizza Monkey Bread truly special is its versatility. Having unexpected guests? Pull it together with whatever you have in the fridge. Hosting a themed party? Customize the flavors to match your menu. Feeding picky eaters? Everyone can select pieces with their preferred toppings. Unlike traditional pizza that requires careful distribution of toppings, this version ensures flavor in every bite.

Now, let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

For the Dough Base:

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough – The backbone of our Pizza Monkey Bread. I prefer the buttermilk variety for a subtle tang that complements the pizza flavors. For a homemade touch, you can substitute your favorite pizza dough recipe, though the texture will be slightly different.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Creates that irresistible golden crust and helps the seasonings adhere. If you’re watching sodium, salted butter works fine—just reduce the salt in your seasoning mix.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds a distinctly Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates this from standard monkey bread. A good quality extra virgin makes a noticeable difference, but any olive oil in your pantry will work.

For the Pizza Flavor Profile:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides that quintessential pizza stretch. For best results, use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself—pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that affect melting quality.
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, savory depth. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano elevates the recipe, but the green canister works in a pinch.
• 5 oz pepperoni, chopped – The classic pizza topping, chopped small enough to incorporate into every bite. Turkey pepperoni offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• 1 cup pizza sauce, divided – Half goes inside, half for dipping. My preferred store-bought is Rao’s, but any good quality sauce works well. For homemade, I’ve included a quick recipe in the variations section.

For the Herb Seasoning Mix:

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning – A convenient blend that captures traditional pizza herbs. If mixing your own, combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder – Provides aromatic depth without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic. For a more pronounced flavor, substitute 4 cloves of very finely minced fresh garlic.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds a gentle heat that enhances rather than overwhelms. Adjust according to your heat preference or omit for sensitive palates.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances all flavors. I prefer kosher salt for its clean taste, but table salt works fine in a pinch.

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers – Adds color, crunch, and nutrition. A mix of red, yellow, and green creates beautiful color contrast.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped black olives – Contributes a briny contrast that balances the rich cheese. Not everyone loves olives, so I often place these on only half the bread.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil – Finish with this for a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish. Add after baking to preserve its vibrant color and flavor.

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the bread cooks through without burning the exterior.
2. Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with cooking spray. A bundt pan creates the classic monkey bread shape, but a 9×13 baking dish works too—just watch for a shorter cooking time.
3. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the bread.
4. Chop the pepperoni into small pieces about 1/4-inch square. This size incorporates perfectly into the dough balls without creating awkward bites.

Step 2: Create Your Dough Balls

1. Open the biscuit cans and separate the dough into individual biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create 64 small pieces. The pieces should be roughly the size of a large marble—small enough to create nice pull-apart sections but large enough to stuff with goodies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. This mixture will help the seasonings stick while creating that beautiful golden exterior.
3. Working in batches, toss the dough pieces in the butter-oil mixture until lightly coated. You want coverage without sogginess—each piece should glisten but not drip.
4. Sprinkle half of your seasoning mix over the coated dough pieces and toss gently to distribute. The pieces should now be fragrant with herbs and spices.

Step 3: Assembly Process

1. Place half of the seasoned dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan, creating an even layer. The pieces should sit loosely—resist the urge to pack them tightly as they need room to expand.
2. Sprinkle half of both cheeses and half of the chopped pepperoni over this layer. If using bell peppers and olives, add half of those as well.
3. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce over these ingredients. The sauce should be distributed in a thin layer rather than pooling in one area.
4. Layer the remaining dough pieces on top, followed by the remaining cheese, pepperoni, and optional ingredients. The pan should be about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
5. Sprinkle the remaining herb seasoning mix over everything. This ensures flavor in every bite, even the top pieces.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

1. Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and the center reaches 190°F on an instant-read thermometer.
2. If the top browns too quickly but the center isn’t done, tent loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking. This prevents burning while allowing the interior to finish cooking.
3. Let the bread rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. This crucial resting period allows the structure to set and prevents the bread from falling apart when unmolded.
4. Warm the remaining 1/2 cup of pizza sauce and serve alongside for dipping. The contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the warm, tangy sauce creates the perfect bite.

Creative Pizza Monkey Bread Variations

1. Supreme Pizza Monkey Bread

Transform this into a complete pizza experience by adding 1/4 cup each of finely diced green peppers, onions, and mushrooms sautéed for 3-4 minutes to release their moisture. Include 1/4 cup of Italian sausage, browned and crumbled. This creates a more substantial version that works beautifully as a main dish with a side salad.

2. White Pizza Inspiration

Skip the red sauce and instead brush the layers with a mixture of 3 tablespoons olive oil mixed with 4 cloves minced garlic. Use a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and fontina cheeses. Add baby spinach leaves between layers and finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat contrast. The creaminess of this version makes it particularly luxurious.

3. Mediterranean Twist

Incorporate 1/4 cup each of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives. Use feta cheese in place of half the mozzarella and add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano to the herb mix. Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of pizza sauce for dipping. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that are perfect for summer gatherings.

4. Breakfast Pizza Monkey Bread

Perfect for brunch gatherings! Add 1 cup of scrambled and cooled eggs, 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, and replace some of the mozzarella with cheddar cheese. Serve with warm maple syrup for dipping—the sweet and savory combination is unexpectedly delightful. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix for awakening morning palates.

5. Dessert Pizza Finale

For a sweet ending, coat the dough pieces in a mixture of melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon instead of the savory seasonings. Layer with small cubes of cream cheese, mini chocolate chips, and chopped strawberries. After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This unexpected twist on Pizza Monkey Bread satisfies sweet cravings while maintaining the fun pull-apart format.

6. Quick Homemade Pizza Sauce

If you have an extra 15 minutes, make this simple sauce: In a saucepan, sauté 2 cloves minced garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil until fragrant. Add 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. This fresh sauce elevates the entire recipe with minimal effort.

Pizza Monkey Bread

This Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 8

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls

Ingredients

  

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For the Dough Base:

• 2 cans 16.3 oz each refrigerated biscuit dough
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pizza Flavor Profile:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 5 oz pepperoni chopped
• 1 cup pizza sauce divided

For the Herb Seasoning Mix:

• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• ¼ cup finely chopped black olives
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a bundt pan with cooking spray.
• Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt.
• Chop pepperoni into ¼-inch pieces.

Step 2: Create Your Dough Balls

• Cut each biscuit into quarters.
• Toss dough pieces in melted butter & olive oil.
• Coat dough pieces with half of the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Assembly Process

• Layer half the dough pieces in the pan.
• Add half of cheese, pepperoni, and toppings.
• Drizzle ½ cup of pizza sauce.
• Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Baking

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and 190°F inside.
• Let rest 5-10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
• Serve with remaining ½ cup pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Bundt pan vs. Baking dish: Bundt pan creates a classic shape, but a 9×13 dish works too (adjust bake time).
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble in advance, store in fridge, and bake before serving.
• Customizing flavors: Add sausage, mushrooms, or different cheeses for variety.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22g

Keyword cheesy bread recipe, Pizza monkey bread, pull-apart pizza bread

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Monkey Bread

Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You have two excellent options: Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if starting from cold. Alternatively, bake it completely, cool thoroughly, then wrap in foil. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The fully baked version freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How should I store leftovers?

On the rare occasion you have leftovers, allow the bread to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture when reheating, wrap individual portions in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 7-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the bread slightly tough—use 50% power in 30-second intervals to minimize this effect.

Can I make this with homemade dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?

Yes! You can use your favorite pizza or bread dough recipe—about 2 pounds of dough equals the two cans of biscuits. The texture will be chewier and more artisanal, but equally delicious. If using homemade dough, allow it to complete its first rise, then divide into equal pieces about the size of a walnut. The assembly process remains the same, but you may need to extend the final rise time before baking by 20-30 minutes.

How can I adapt this for dietary restrictions?

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit dough or pizza dough, and verify that your pepperoni and seasonings are gluten-free. For dairy-free needs, substitute plant-based butter and cheese alternatives designed for melting. Vegan versions work wonderfully with plant-based cheese, butter alternatives, and by replacing pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or vegan pepperoni. The adaptability of this recipe is part of its charm!

My monkey bread collapsed after removing it from the pan. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the bread hasn’t cooled enough before unmolding. The structure needs those 5-10 minutes to set properly. Another possibility is that the interior wasn’t fully baked—next time, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center reaches 190°F before removing from the oven. Finally, check that your bundt pan is properly greased, focusing especially on the central tube which can stick easily.

Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

Yes, pizza dough creates a chewier, more authentic pizza flavor. Cut about 2 pounds of dough into small pieces. The texture difference is noticeable—biscuit dough creates a fluffier, more bread-like result, while pizza dough offers more chew and elasticity. Both are delicious, just different! If using pizza dough, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Sharing the Joy of Pizza Monkey Bread

The first time I served Pizza Monkey Bread at a family gathering, my Italian grandfather—who prided himself on traditional cooking—watched with narrowed eyes as everyone clustered around the table. “That’s not pizza,” he muttered. But curiosity got the better of him, and when he finally tried a piece, loaded with pepperoni and dipped in sauce, a slow smile spread across his face. “It’s not pizza,” he conceded, reaching for another piece, “but maybe that’s okay.”

That’s what I love most about this recipe—it honors traditional flavors while reimagining them in a format that brings people together in a new way. There’s something about the physical act of gathering around and pulling apart this bread that creates connections and conversations that might not happen otherwise.

As you make this recipe your own—perhaps adding your family’s favorite pizza toppings or creating a version that reflects your cultural heritage—remember that food innovation often happens at this intersection of tradition and creativity. The texture creates perfect pockets to catch the flavorful ingredients, and unlike traditional methods that require precise technique, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving.

So next time you’re looking for something special to share with those you love, consider this Pizza Monkey Bread—where familiar flavors come together in an unexpected format, and every pull-apart piece invites connection. The aroma will transform your kitchen into something special, and the memory of sharing it might just become a new tradition of your own.