Name: Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits; 1/4 cup marinara sauce; 2 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 ounces pepperoni, cut in half (170 grams); 3 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 Tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Fresh diced parsley (optional); 1 1/2 cups warmed marinara sauce (for dipping)

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If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing, fun-to-eat, and irresistibly cheesy dish, this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine bite-sized pockets of warm, buttery dough filled with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and just the right amount of savory marinara sauce, all baked together in one glorious, shareable pull-apart loaf. This delightful recipe combines the comforting charm of classic pizza flavors with the playful, finger-friendly appeal of monkey bread, making it perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a round pizza crust with thick, golden-brown edges, topped with melted white cheese scattered with bits of pepperoni and fresh green parsley leaves. The crust is sprinkled with herbs and some white cheese crumbles, giving it a textured look. At the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, slightly shiny with small bubbles, and decorated with a few parsley leaves. The entire dish sits on a white marbled surface, showing the contrast between the warm colors of the pizza and the clean background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is delightfully simple because it uses straightforward, familiar ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and mouthwatering aroma that turn this dish into a showstopper.

Refrigerated biscuits (2 cans, 16 oz each): These form the soft, pillowy dough balls that hold all the delicious fillings.
Marinara sauce (1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 cups warmed): The tangy tomato base adds moisture and classic pizza flavor inside and provides a rich dip on the side.
Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (2 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
Pepperoni (6 oz, cut in half): Adds a spicy, savory kick that complements the mild cheese and dough.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Keeps the dough balls from sticking and adds subtle richness during baking.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with a classic blend of herbs like basil and thyme for authentic flavor.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Brushed on top after baking for a golden, flavorful finish.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top to enhance herbaceous notes and appeal.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick when sprinkled over the melted butter topping.
Fresh diced parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, vibrant contrast and a pop of green color.

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Seasoning

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). While it warms, whisk together the olive oil and Italian seasoning in a small bowl — this mixture will coat the dough balls, infusing them with herby goodness and preventing them from sticking together.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Balls

Open your canned biscuits and cut each into halves. Flatten each piece into roughly a 2-inch circle. This size will ensure the perfect bite size when filled and folded.

Step 3: Fill Each Dough Circle

Right in the center of each flattened piece, spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of marinara sauce, followed by a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 to 3 pepperoni halves. Fold the dough up around the fillings and pinch the edges tightly to seal the ball. To finish, gently roll between your palms to smooth out the shape, ensuring none of those delicious fillings escape during baking.

Step 4: Coat and Layer in the Pan

Transfer all the dough balls into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil mixture a little at a time while gently tossing, which helps keep the pieces separate and nicely coated. Now start layering: place half the balls in a greased 10-inch Bundt pan first, then sprinkle half of the leftover cheese and pepperoni over them. Add the remaining dough balls on top, then scatter the rest of the cheese and pepperoni to ensure cheesy, meaty pockets throughout the monkey bread.

Step 5: Bake the Monkey Bread

Place your pan uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. This time in the oven allows the dough to bake through while the flavors meld together in a glorious pizza-inspired symphony.

Step 6: Cool and Unmold

When your Pizza Monkey Bread is finished baking, take it out and let it cool for several minutes. Run a butter knife carefully around the edges of the Bundt pan to loosen the bread. Then place a large plate on top and flip the pan and plate together, allowing the monkey bread to release perfectly onto the serving dish.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Generously spoon melted butter over the top, then sprinkle dried oregano, freshly grated Parmesan, and optional chopped parsley. These final toppings add another layer of flavor, color, and irresistible aroma that will have everyone reaching for a piece instantly.

How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

A round, golden brown bread wreath sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface, made up of many small, puffed dough pieces layered with bits of pepperoni and melted cheese visible on top. The bread has a slightly crisp and browned texture with white grated cheese sprinkled evenly over it, and small fresh green parsley leaves scattered on top for color contrast. In the center, a clear glass bowl holds vibrant red tomato sauce, garnished with a small parsley leaf, filling the middle space of the wreath perfectly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh parsley on top is a great way to add a lively green pop and a fresh note that balances the richness of cheese and butter. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a touch of heat alongside the herby oregano and Parmesan.

Side Dishes

This pizza-inspired pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with simple side salads, like a crisp Caesar or a tangy arugula salad, to cut through the richness. You might also offer a bowl of warmed marinara for dipping, letting guests double down on that comforting tomato flavor with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the monkey bread right from the Bundt pan for a rustic party feel or arrange pieces on a wooden board surrounded by small dipping bowls of marinara and ranch dressing. It’s a visually inviting centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in and share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Pizza Monkey Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply warm it up to enjoy gooey cheese and tender dough again.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling the dough balls and layering in the Bundt pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy edges intact.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated biscuits?

Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuits make this recipe quick and easy, homemade pizza dough can be used for a chewier, more traditional texture. Just adjust baking time as needed since homemade dough might be denser.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe?

Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You retain all the cheesy, saucy goodness with added freshness from vegetables.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, but you will need to use gluten-free biscuit dough or pizza dough substitutes. Be aware that texture can vary depending on the brand, but it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this recipe if you avoid gluten.

How spicy is this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe?

The recipe itself is mild, with the pepperoni providing a little kick. If you like more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for an extra fiery twist.

What is the best way to serve this at a party?

Serve the Pizza Monkey Bread warm and keep extra marinara sauce nearby for dipping. Provide plenty of napkins and let guests pull apart their own pieces for a fun and interactive party experience.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is such a joyful way to bring pizza night to a whole new level of fun and flavor. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, a casual get-together, or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to wow your crowd and fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. Give it a try, and watch this shareable, cheesy delight quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!