If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor and endlessly fun to eat, the Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This gooey, cheesy delight features tender biscuit dough pockets smothered in mozzarella, pepperoni, and a buttery garlic seasoning that creates irresistibly savory bites. Whether it’s for a party, game day, or just a cozy night in, this pull-apart appetizer brings everyone together with its warm, melty goodness and pizza-inspired charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making any recipe truly outstanding. For this Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe, each component plays a crucial role—from the flaky biscuit dough providing a soft base to the cheeses and pepperoni delivering layers of rich flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (2 cans, 16 oz total), cut into quarters: This easy-to-use dough creates the soft, pillowy bites perfect for pulling apart.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully throughout, giving each bite that signature stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup, halved or quartered): Adds bold, zesty flavor and a satisfying meaty texture that screams pizza night.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkles on a slightly sharp, nutty note, enhancing the overall cheese blend.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Coats the dough for buttery richness and helps the herbs and spices penetrate every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with comforting, savory depth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant mix that brightens each mouthful with classic pizza herbs like oregano and basil.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional): Freshens up the finished dish with a pop of color and mild herbal notes.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Essential for dipping, it complements the richness and makes every pull-apart bite even more irresistible.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously—this prevents sticking and helps form those perfect pull-apart shapes.
Step 2: Combine Dough, Cheese, and Pepperoni
In a large bowl, toss the quartered biscuit dough pieces with shredded mozzarella, halved or quartered pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese. This helps the flavors blend and ensures you get a little of everything in each piece of dough.
Step 3: Mix the Buttery Seasoning
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a bit of spice, the crushed red pepper flakes. This savory buttery mixture coats the dough and infuses every bite with flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Dough Pieces
Pour the butter and herb mixture over the dough and cheese combo, then gently toss to coat everything evenly. This step is key for that rich, garlicky goodness throughout the bread.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the coated dough pieces into the prepared pan, spreading them out evenly so they bake uniformly. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the middle is fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool, Invert, and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the monkey bread cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this resting time helps it hold shape when you flip it. Invert the pan onto a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and get ready for dipping and devouring.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley really brightens this dish, adding a lovely color contrast and a hint of fresh, earthy flavor that balances the cheesy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this pull-apart snack with a bowl of warm marinara or your favorite pizza sauce for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal while keeping the focus on those irresistible pizza flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by ramekins of different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy arrabbiata, or even a creamy pesto. For a fun twist, let guests pull their own pieces from the center, making it a playful and interactive centerpiece at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This preserves the flavors and keeps the bread soft yet slightly chewy for next-day snacking.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked monkey bread in the pan by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for fresh, warm pizza bread anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for around 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bread’s texture just right and the cheese melty and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough would add a wonderful texture and flavor, though it might require a slightly longer bake time. Be sure to cut the dough into small pieces similar in size to the biscuits for even baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the pepperoni for vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or roasted peppers. You can even add cooked spinach or artichokes for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can toss everything together and place the pan in the fridge before baking. Just pull it out about 15 minutes before baking to come to room temperature, then bake as usual.
What kind of cheese works best for this monkey bread?
Mozzarella is the star for meltiness and stretch, but mixing in Parmesan adds a lovely sharp flavor. You could also experiment with provolone or a bit of cheddar for extra depth.
How do I make sure the bread doesn’t stick to the pan?
Generously greasing your pan is essential. You can use butter or a non-stick spray, and consider dusting the pan lightly with flour or cornmeal for an even easier release after baking.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is like bringing the best parts of pizza night into one irresistible, shareable bite. It’s easy, fun, and downright delicious—a guaranteed hit no matter the occasion. So gather your ingredients, invite some loved ones, and enjoy the magic of pulling apart warm, cheesy, flavorful bites that satisfy every pizza craving in the best possible way.
Print
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
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is a cheesy, pull-apart appetizer loaded with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and buttery garlic goodness. It’s fun to eat, easy to make, and perfect for parties, game days, or a family movie night snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Monkey Bread
- 2 cans (16 oz total) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (cut into halves or quarters)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish & Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough with Cheese and Pepperoni: In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuit dough pieces with shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a separate small bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat Dough with Butter Mixture: Pour the seasoned melted butter over the biscuit dough mixture and gently toss everything together to coat all pieces evenly with the flavorful butter.
- Transfer to Pan: Carefully transfer the coated dough mixture into the prepared bundt or loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a serving plate. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare this appetizer ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking, making it convenient for parties.
- For exciting variations, swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives to customize the flavors.
- Using a metal bundt pan instead of glass or ceramic will yield crispier edges if you prefer a crunchier texture.
