Pizza Monkey Bread

The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Monkey Bread: A Cheesy, Pull-Apart Delight

The History of Monkey Bread and Its Pizza Transformation

Monkey bread, originally known as “pull-apart bread,” traces its roots back to Hungary, where it was traditionally called arany galuska, meaning “golden dumpling.” This sweet version was made with layers of buttery, cinnamon-sugar-coated dough balls baked into a caramelized, gooey loaf. The dish gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, especially after being featured on television cooking shows and in community cookbooks.

As American palates evolved and comfort food took center stage, creative bakers began experimenting with savory versions of monkey bread. Enter the Pizza Monkey Bread—a brilliant fusion of Italian-American pizza flavors and the beloved pull-apart format of traditional monkey bread. Combining mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and Italian seasonings, this variation quickly became a favorite for game-day spreads, potlucks, and family dinners. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience—warm, shareable, and undeniably delicious.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes Pizza Monkey Bread Irresistible

The magic of Pizza Monkey Bread lies in its layered ingredients that mimic all the best parts of a classic pizza—all wrapped into one gooey, tear-and-share masterpiece. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Biscuit Dough: The foundation. Pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury) is most commonly used for convenience. Each biscuit is cut into smaller pieces to create more surface area for flavor absorption and a soft, fluffy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating those signature cheese pulls. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can inhibit meltiness.
Pepperoni: Thinly sliced pepperoni adds a spicy, savory kick. You can substitute with salami, cooked sausage, or even ham for different flavor profiles.
Marinara Sauce: Used both inside and on the side for dipping. Opt for high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for maximum flavor.
Butter: Melted and mixed with seasonings, butter coats each dough piece, promoting browning and adding richness.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide depth and umami without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and parsley enhances the pizza-like aroma and taste.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps form a golden crust.
Optional Add-Ins: Green olives, banana peppers, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even jalapeños for heat lovers.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread from Scratch

Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping Pizza Monkey Bread that will have everyone reaching for more.

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a Bundt pan or a large round casserole dish with nonstick spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: Open the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into 4 equal pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Seasoned Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
Coat the Dough: Pour the warm butter mixture over the biscuit pieces. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Use a silicone spatula or clean hands to ensure full coverage.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1 cup of halved pepperoni slices, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over the dough. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
Layer in the Pan: Begin layering the mixture into the greased Bundt pan. Alternate layers with spoonfuls of marinara sauce (about ½ cup total), letting it drizzle between the dough balls. Finish with a top layer of extra cheese and pepperoni for a golden, bubbly crown.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Cool Slightly and Invert: Let the monkey bread cool for 5–10 minutes. Then, place a large serving plate over the pan and carefully flip it upside down to release the bread. Tap gently if needed.
Serve Warm: Pull apart the steaming, cheesy pieces and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread Every Time

Don’t Skip the Butter Coating: This ensures each bite is rich and flavorful. For extra decadence, use garlic-infused butter.
Uniform Dough Pieces: Cut biscuits into similar sizes so they bake evenly and no piece is undercooked or dry.
Grease the Pan Well: A stuck monkey bread is a sad monkey bread. Use butter and nonstick spray for foolproof release.
Use Room-Temperature Dough: Let the canned dough sit out for 10–15 minutes before handling. It’ll be easier to cut and less likely to tear.
Let It Rest Before Flipping: Cooling for 5–10 minutes allows the structure to set slightly, helping the bread hold together when inverted.
Keep It Warm: Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven (200°F) covered with foil until ready to serve.
Double the Batch: This dish disappears fast! Consider making two for parties or gatherings.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

Pizza Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile. Try these fun twists to suit any taste or dietary need:

Hawaiian Style: Replace pepperoni with diced ham and add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Veggie Lover’s: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and black olives.
Meat Lovers: Combine pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, bacon bits, and diced ham for maximum meatiness.
BBQ Chicken Version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce instead of marinara and pepperoni. Top with cheddar cheese.
White Pizza Style: Omit tomato sauce and use ricotta, garlic, mozzarella, and spinach. Drizzle with olive oil after baking.
Spicy Arrabbiata: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mix and use a spicy marinara sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or drop biscuits made from GF flour blend.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute with vegan cheese and plant-based butter. Ensure the dough is dairy-free as well.
Breakfast Monkey Bread: Swap in scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar cheese. Serve with hot sauce on the side!

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Pizza Monkey Bread is undeniably indulgent, understanding its nutritional content can help you enjoy it mindfully.

Nutritional Profile (per serving, approx. 1/12th of recipe):

Calories: ~380–420
Total Fat: 22–26g (Saturated Fat: 10–12g)
Carbohydrates: 35–40g
Protein: 12–15g
Sodium: 800–1,100mg (varies by ingredients)
Fiber: 1–2g
Sugars: 4–6g (mainly from dough)

Health Tips:

Portion Control: Serve in small portions alongside a fresh green salad to balance the meal.
Lower-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium butter, reduced-salt cheese, and no-salt-added marinara sauce.
Whole Grain Alternatives: Some brands offer whole wheat or fiber-enriched biscuit dough for added nutrition.
Leaner Proteins: Opt for turkey pepperoni or lean grilled chicken to reduce saturated fat.
Homemade Dough: Making your own dough allows control over ingredients, reducing preservatives and excess sugar.
Moderation is Key: Best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.

Ingredients

2 (16.3 oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count each)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup marinara sauce (divided)
Nonstick cooking spray or additional butter (for greasing)
Extra marinara sauce (for serving)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter.
Open biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Place in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Pour seasoned butter over biscuit pieces. Toss gently until fully coated.
Add mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and ¼ cup marinara sauce to the bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
Spoon mixture into the Bundt pan, layering with remaining ½ cup marinara sauce as you go. Drizzle sauce between layers for even distribution.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temp should reach ~190°F.
Let cool 5–10 minutes. Place a serving plate over the pan and invert to release.
Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

FAQ

Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish (unbaked) in the greased pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Why is my monkey bread soggy?
Too much sauce or underbaking can cause sogginess. Use only ¾ cup sauce total and ensure the center reaches 190°F. Drain excess grease after baking if needed.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead?
Yes, but the texture will be flakier and less bready. Adjust baking time as crescent dough browns faster.

What can I use instead of a Bundt pan?
A round casserole dish, cast-iron skillet, or springform pan works well. Adjust layering accordingly.

Is Pizza Monkey Bread kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love pulling it apart and dipping. Customize with milder toppings like plain cheese or mini meatballs for picky eaters.

Can I make it on the grill or in an air fryer?
For grill: Use a Dutch oven setup with indirect heat (~350°F) for 30–40 minutes.
For air fryer: Make mini batches in a greased pan or basket. Cook at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, checking frequently.

Summary

Pizza Monkey Bread combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with the fun, pull-apart format of classic monkey bread for an unforgettable crowd-pleasing dish. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, it’s comfort food at its most delicious and interactive.