Get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe, a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Imagine bite-sized pieces of tender biscuit dough, perfectly seasoned and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and a blend of Italian spices, all baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan. It’s the ultimate pull-apart treat that’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or anytime you crave something cheesy, savory, and downright addictive. This Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe turns snacking into an event, with every piece bursting with pizza-inspired goodness that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients combine to create a harmonious balance of texture, flavor, and color in your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the fluffy biscuit dough that forms the base, to the cheeses that melt and glue everything together, and the pepperoni that adds that classic pizza kick.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (2 cans, 16.3 oz each): This convenient base provides the soft, fluffy texture that makes the monkey bread so deliciously pull-apartable.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Adds that familiar gooey, melty stretch which is essential for any pizza-inspired dish.
- Mini or chopped pepperoni slices (1 cup): The star savory ingredient delivering spiced, slightly crispy bites throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that layers beautifully with mozzarella.
- Olive oil or melted butter (3 tablespoons): Helps coat the dough and enhances the golden finish while adding richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with aromatic depth and classic pizza flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties it all together, providing that quintessential pizza taste.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your palate.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Marinara sauce (for dipping): Completes the pizza-inspired experience with tangy sweetness perfect for dunking.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and give your bundt pan a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. The bundt pan is essential because it helps the monkey bread bake evenly and gives you those signature ridges that make pulling it apart so satisfying.
Step 2: Cut and Combine
Take each biscuit and cut it into quarters—small enough to create plenty of poppable pieces but large enough to hold the delicious fillings. In a large bowl, mix these biscuit bits with mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with cheesy, herby goodness.
Step 3: Fill the Bundt Pan
Transfer the mixture carefully into your prepared bundt pan and use your hands or a spatula to press everything down evenly. This helps the dough cook through and keeps all those layers nicely nestled during baking, giving you perfectly structured monkey bread bites.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your creation for 30 to 35 minutes. The key is to watch for that beautiful golden brown color on top and to ensure the center is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like your favorite pizzeria and the edges pull away slightly from the pan.
Step 5: Cool and Invert
Once baked, let your monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting phase allows it to set a little so it won’t fall apart when you flip it over. Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate, and voila—your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is ready to wow!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a simple but brilliant way to add a vibrant green pop that contrasts beautifully with the golden, cheesy bread. It also adds a fresh, slightly peppery bite that brightens up each mouthful.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe alongside a warm, tangy marinara sauce for dipping. This pairing mimics that classic pizza combo everyone loves. For a heartier meal, pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to add some refreshing crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, place the monkey bread on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like garlic butter or spicy arrabbiata. You can also divide the monkey bread into mini individual portions baked in smaller bundt pans for personal servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out or get chewy.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unbaked assembled monkey bread in the bundt pan, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, for up to one month. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the outside is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that delicious texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded mozzarella works perfectly here and saves you time. Just make sure to choose a good-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to pepperoni?
Yes! You can swap pepperoni with sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes to keep that pizza vibe without the meat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free biscuit dough if available. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check packaging to be safe.
What type of bundt pan is best for this monkey bread?
A standard 10-inch bundt pan works best to give the bread its perfect shape and even cooking. Make sure to grease it well for easy release.
How spicy is the optional crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it altogether for milder tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and utterly shareable snack that brings people together, this Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Whether it’s for a casual night in or a festive occasion, it’s guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas and happy smiles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made pizza any other way!
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Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring pull-apart biscuit dough loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Baked together in a bundt pan, it’s perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Fat
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Cut Biscuit Dough: Cut each refrigerated biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces that will bake evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the biscuit pieces with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese, olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently until all pieces are well coated with the seasonings and cheese.
- Fill the Bundt Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, gently pressing the pieces down to distribute them evenly throughout the pan for consistent baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
- Cool and Invert: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes to set. Carefully invert onto a serving plate to reveal the pull-apart bread shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the pepperoni for cooked sausage or make it vegetarian by using olives and bell peppers instead.
- To make ahead, assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan and refrigerate unbaked for up to 4 hours before baking.
