The **pizza monkey bread recipe** is the greatest invention to ever happen to pizza night. Why assemble slices when you can pull apart cheesy, savory, bite-sized portions of pure comfort? This simple, satisfying dish takes the delicious concept of classic cinnamon monkey bread and transforms it into a savory, **pepperoni monkey bread** masterpiece. It requires just five minutes of prep and uses canned biscuit dough as a genius shortcut.

This is a fun, interactive, and incredibly flavorful **Quick Recipes** dinner that is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults. We’ll show you the simple steps to ensure every dough ball is perfectly coated, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—making this the best **recipe for pizza monkey bread** you’ve ever tried.

The Secrets to the Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Achieving the perfect, pull-apart texture and ensuring the cheese and sauce are evenly distributed are the key challenges in any **pizza monkey bread recipe**. We rely on a two-step coating process and the right pan choice.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Monkey Bread Pizza Recipe

The **monkey bread pizza recipe** relies on transforming basic canned biscuit dough into rich, savory garlic-herb bread with the following essentials:

• **Dough:** Canned refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grand) cut into quarters.
• **Sauce:** Marinara or your favorite pizza sauce.
• **Cheese:** Low-moisture mozzarella, which melts beautifully and minimizes moisture release.
• **Fat & Seasoning:** Melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• **Protein:** Sliced pepperoni, diced ham, or cooked sausage.

The Importance of the Bundt Pan

The Bundt pan is the non-negotiable tool for this **pizza pull apart bundt pan** recipe. Its unique shape allows heat to circulate evenly around the center and sides of the dough clumps. This ensures that the dough balls cook thoroughly—avoiding a raw center—and achieve a uniform, golden-brown crust, while the sauce collects beautifully at the bottom, ready for dipping.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake the Best Pizza Monkey Bread

Follow these quick steps to ensure every dough piece is savory, cheesy, and easy to pull apart.

1. Prep the Dough and Coating: Preheat your oven to 375°F ($190^\circ\text{C}$). Grease a 10- or 12-cup non-stick Bundt pan generously. Cut each refrigerated biscuit into four equal pieces. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. In a separate large bowl, combine the dough pieces, the melted butter mixture, and the Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Layers: The key step is tossing the cut dough in butter and seasoning first, ensuring every piece of the **pizza monkey bread recipe** is flavorful. In the large bowl, toss the seasoned dough pieces with the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and half of the marinara sauce. You want the dough balls coated in the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Pour the mixture into the prepared Bundt pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Pat the top lightly.
3. Bake the Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe: Bake for 35–45 minutes. The **pizza monkey bread recipe** is done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted deep into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
4. Cool, Invert, and Serve: Serve the **monkey bread pizza recipe** warm with extra marinara for dipping. Allow the **monkey bread pizza** to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. This short rest allows the sauce to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly. Place a serving platter over the pan and carefully invert the bread onto the platter. Serve immediately while warm with a small bowl of heated marinara sauce for dipping.

Variations, Toppings, and Freezer Prep

This **pizza monkey bread recipe** is a versatile **Dinner** solution that encourages customization. You can transform the base recipe into dozens of delicious variations.

Savory Topping and Cheese Variations:

• **Pepperoni Monkey Bread:** Use thinly sliced or diced pepperoni, which is the most classic and popular choice.
• **Sausage & Mushroom:** Cook and crumble Italian sausage before mixing it with sautéed mushrooms and adding it to the dough layers.
• **Cheese Blend:** Use Provolone, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack instead of (or in addition to) mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• **Supreme:** Add diced green peppers, black olives, and thinly sliced onions to the dough mixture.

Freezer Meal Conversion for Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

You can assemble this **pizza monkey bread recipe** entirely ahead of time and freeze it for later. Assemble the dough pieces, sauce, and toppings in the Bundt pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake directly from frozen at $350^\circ\text{F}$ for 60–75 minutes, or until cooked through.

For those interested in other amazing homemade pasta dishes, the no-boil method for our classic **[Manicotti Recipe]** (https://flavorillarecipes.com/manicotti-recipe) is another quick comfort food win. This **pizza monkey bread recipe** provides a fast, fun alternative to traditional baked pasta for your **Dinner** rotation.

Advanced Tips for the Best Pizza Monkey Bread

Achieving the perfect, gooey, pull-apart texture requires avoiding a few common pitfalls that can make the dough tough or leave the bottom layer soggy.

The crucial detail is ensuring the sauce has the right consistency. Because the bread relies on the sauce’s moisture to cook, if the sauce is too thick (like a pizza paste), the dough will not bake properly and may remain raw in the center. Thinning your marinara slightly with a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth is a pro tip. This ensures the sauce remains liquid during the baking process, fully penetrating the dough pieces and resulting in a tender, fully cooked interior. This attention to moisture ensures your **pizza monkey bread recipe** is moist and perfect every time.

Furthermore, do not skip the initial tossing of the dough pieces with the melted butter and seasoning. This step is essential for sealing the exterior of the dough, preventing the moisture from the marinara sauce from soaking in too quickly and making the bread soggy. The buttery, seasoned layer serves as a protective barrier, ensuring a fluffy, delicious bite instead of a heavy, waterlogged one. This small technique makes the difference between an average **recipe for pizza monkey bread** and a truly spectacular one.

When choosing cheese, it is always best to **shred your own** mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches (like potato starch) that prevent it from clumping, but these same starches inhibit melting, leading to a less gooey, stringy result. Freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts into the ideal, savory cheese pool necessary for authentic pizza flavor. For more authoritative tips on how cheese behaves in baked dishes, we recommend consulting resources like the **Serious Eats Guide to Cheese Science**.

This fantastic **pizza monkey bread recipe** is a perfect **Dinner** solution that is fun, fast, and easy to make. For a sweet, contrasting treat, you can easily adapt the technique for a sweet dough, or simply bake a batch of our delicious **[Brown Butter Brookies]** (https://flavorillarecipes.com/brown-butter-brookies) for a rich dessert.

FAQ: Common Questions About Pizza Monkey Bread

Can you use homemade dough for this pizza monkey bread recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade dough, but the recipe works best with a quick, high-yeast dough similar to biscuit dough. If using homemade dough, cut it into 1-inch balls and ensure it is lightly coated in flour and butter before mixing it with the wet sauce ingredients to prevent the dough from getting sticky and dense.

What is the best cheese for a pizza monkey bread recipe?

The best cheese for a **pizza monkey bread recipe** is low-moisture mozzarella, which provides the best melt and stretch. You can mix in a small amount of Parmesan for flavor, or provolone for a sharper, saltier taste. Avoid high-moisture fresh mozzarella, as it will release too much water during baking.

How to make pepperoni monkey bread?

To make **pepperoni monkey bread**, simply dice or quarter your pepperoni slices and toss them directly into the mixture along with the mozzarella cheese and sauce. Ensure the pepperoni is evenly distributed so every pull-apart piece has a savory bite of meat.

Can I bake this recipe in a standard loaf pan?

Yes, you can, but it will not cook as evenly. A standard loaf pan does not allow heat to circulate to the center, increasing the risk of a raw dough center. If using a loaf pan, use a slightly lower temperature ($350^\circ\text{F}$) and increase the baking time to ensure the center is fully cooked.

How long does leftover pizza monkey bread last?

Leftover **pizza monkey bread recipe** should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap loosely in foil and place in a $350^\circ\text{F}$ oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is tender again.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Quick and Flavorful Dinner

The **pizza monkey bread recipe** is a fun, easy solution for a quick **Dinner** that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum savory flavor. By utilizing simple baking hacks like canned biscuit dough and the perfect pan choice, you eliminate the mess and time associated with traditional pizza making. Embrace this amazing, versatile recipe as a new staple in your **Quick Recipes** rotation!

Recipe Summary: Quick Pizza Monkey Bread

→ Ingredients

• 2 (12 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• $\frac{1}{2}$ cup sliced pepperoni, diced
• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, $\frac{1}{2}$ tsp garlic powder, $\frac{1}{2}$ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Follow (How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut biscuits into 4 pieces each.
2. Toss dough pieces with melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Toss the seasoned dough with mozzarella, pepperoni, and half of the marinara sauce.
4. Place mixture into a greased Bundt pan.
5. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, invert onto a platter, and serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce for dipping.

Tools You’ll Need

• 10- or 12-cup Non-Stick Bundt Pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula