Irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe 🍕🐒
This pull-apart pizza bread is a fun, cheesy, and shareable dish, perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time you’re craving pizza with a twist. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy release.
Step 2: Prep the Dough Balls
- Open the biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Flatten each dough quarter slightly with your fingers.
- Place a mini pepperoni slice and a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the dough.
- Fold and pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese and pepperoni inside. Roll into a smooth ball.
Step 3: Coat the Dough Balls
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Dip each dough ball into the butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Layer the coated dough balls evenly in the greased bundt pan. You can scatter extra pepperoni or cheese between layers for more flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- If unsure, you can check the middle with a skewer to ensure it’s fully baked.
Step 6: Cool and Flip
- Allow the monkey bread to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan.
- Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve warm with a bowl of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. The gooey, cheesy centers and crispy edges make this irresistible!
Tips for Success
- Seal Well: Ensure the dough balls are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Add More Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings—try cooked sausage, veggies, or additional cheeses.
- Crispier Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or mozzarella on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.
Enjoy this playful and delicious take on pizza that’s sure to impress friends and family! 🍕🎉
30 Popular Questions and Their Answers About Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
General Questions
- What is Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread?
It’s a pull-apart bread made with biscuit dough stuffed with pepperoni and cheese, coated in garlic butter, and baked in a bundt pan. It’s like a shareable pizza snack. - Why is it called Monkey Bread?
The name comes from how people eat it—pulling it apart with their fingers, similar to how monkeys use their hands. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the monkey bread, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread?
Yes, bake it first, let it cool, and freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. - How many servings does this recipe make?
It serves about 6–8 people, depending on portion size.
Ingredient Questions
- Can I use homemade dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza or bread dough as a substitute for refrigerated biscuit dough. - What type of pepperoni should I use?
Mini pepperoni slices work best, but you can chop regular pepperoni into small pieces if needed. - Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts better. - What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for a different flavor. - Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as substitutes for Parmesan.
Customization Questions
- Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, diced onions, bell peppers, or olives. - How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy pepperoni for a kick. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the pepperoni and replace it with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes. - Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough, pizza dough, or even puff pastry can be used instead of biscuit dough. - Can I use different herbs?
Fresh or dried basil, parsley, or thyme can be substituted for oregano.
Cooking Questions
- How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out?
Seal the edges of the dough tightly around the filling, and roll the dough balls into smooth balls. - What if my monkey bread isn’t fully baked in the center?
Cover the top with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to cook through without over-browning the outside. - Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a loaf pan or round cake pan, but adjust baking times accordingly. - What temperature should I bake it at?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. - Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake smaller portions in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, depending on your air fryer size.
Serving Questions
- How should I serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread?
Serve it warm with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. - What other sauces go well with it?
Ranch, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or spicy marinara are great alternatives. - Can I serve it cold?
It’s best served warm, but it can still be eaten at room temperature. - What side dishes go well with this?
A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a bowl of soup pairs nicely. - How do I keep it warm for a party?
Serve it in a warming dish or keep it in the oven at a low temperature (200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
Storage and Reheating Questions
- How long does it stay fresh?
It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds. - Can I store the dough balls separately before baking?
Yes, assemble the dough balls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake them later. - What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. - How do I prevent the monkey bread from drying out when reheating?
Cover it with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
With these FAQs, you’re fully equipped to make and enjoy Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread! 🍕🐒
Tips to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Even More Delightful
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Opt for high-quality pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and good Parmesan for the best flavors.
- If possible, use fresh herbs like oregano or basil for a fresher, more aromatic finish.
2. Customize Your Fillings
- Add a variety of fillings, such as cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, to make it more flavorful.
- Swap out the pepperoni for salami or turkey pepperoni for a different twist.
3. Experiment with Cheese
- Combine different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or smoked gouda with mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese between layers for more gooeyness.
4. Don’t Skimp on the Butter Mixture
- Ensure every dough ball is generously coated in the butter mixture for even seasoning and moisture.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a hint of heat.
5. Make It Crispy on the Outside
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on the top layer of dough balls before baking to create a crispy, golden crust.
- Brush the top of the bread with butter halfway through baking for added flavor and crispiness.
6. Use a Variety of Dipping Sauces
- Serve with marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping to suit different preferences.
- Add a small bowl of pesto or Alfredo sauce for an extra gourmet touch.
7. Add Herbs and Seasonings
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top after baking for a fresh and colorful garnish.
- For a flavor boost, add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or onion powder to the butter mixture.
8. Prep for Parties
- Assemble the monkey bread ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving so it’s fresh and warm.
- For easy serving at gatherings, bake the bread in muffin tins for individual portions.
9. Use an Air Fryer for Quick Bites
- For smaller batches or crispy edges, bake the monkey bread balls in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
10. Serve with a Salad or Side Dish
- Pair the monkey bread with a Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted veggies to create a complete meal.
11. Add a Sweet-Savory Twist
- Brush the top with a honey-garlic glaze or drizzle a bit of honey over the monkey bread after baking for a subtle sweet touch.
12. Bake Evenly
- To avoid undercooked dough, ensure the balls are evenly layered and not too tightly packed.
- Cover the bundt pan with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure the inside cooks thoroughly, then remove the foil for the last 15 minutes for a golden-brown finish.
13. Go Gluten-Free or Low-Carb
- Use gluten-free biscuit dough or fathead dough for those with dietary restrictions.
14. Create a Spicy Version
- Add jalapeños, spicy pepperoni, or chili flakes to the filling for a kick of heat.
15. Make It Sweet (for Dessert)
- For a dessert version, use cinnamon roll dough and replace savory fillings with Nutella, cream cheese, or chocolate chips.
These tips will take your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread to the next level, making it more flavorful, crispy, and perfect for any occasion! 🍕🐒✨