Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and cheesy treat that brings the best of pizza into bite-sized pieces! It’s made with dough balls, pizza sauce, and lots of gooey cheese.
Making this dish is like a party in the kitchen. Just roll, dip, and bake! I love pulling apart the golden brown pieces while enjoying a movie. Who can resist cheesy goodness? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought refrigerated pizza dough is super convenient! If you prefer homemade, go for your favorite recipe. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough available at stores.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the star here, but feel free to mix things up! Provolone or cheddar can add a nice twist. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cheese alternatives.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni gives great flavor, but you can swap in turkey pepperoni or even diced vegetables for a healthier touch. Sliced olives or bell peppers work well too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but olive oil can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients for Best Results?
Layering is the key to this dish’s deliciousness! Start by coating the dough pieces in the butter mixture to ensure they’re flavorful. When layering, don’t rush; it should be a nice balance of dough, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce.
- Start with a layer of coated dough at the bottom.
- Add a sprinkle of mozzarella, followed by pepperoni and pizza sauce.
- Repeat this process until you use all your ingredients, finishing with a generous top layer of cheese and pepperoni.
This ensures every piece you pull apart is packed with flavor! Remember to let it cool slightly after baking so it holds its shape better when turning it out of the pan.
How to Make Delicious Pizza Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into smaller pieces)
- ¾ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious Pizza Monkey Bread takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Make sure to set aside a little time for it to cool before serving. Altogether, you’ll need around 50-60 minutes for this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your monkey bread bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, it’s time to prepare your bundt pan or round tube pan by lightly greasing it. This will help keep the bread from sticking!
2. Prepare the Dough:
Next, take your refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into roughly 1-inch pieces. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure they are bite-sized!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This mixture adds lots of flavors to your dough balls. Stir it together until well blended.
4. Coat the Dough:
Now, toss the cut dough pieces in the butter mixture until they are well coated. This step is super important for flavor!
5. Layer the Ingredients:
Start by arranging a layer of the coated dough pieces in the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the dough, then add a layer of mini pepperoni slices, followed by a drizzle of pizza sauce. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, making sure to finish with cheese and pepperoni on the top.
6. Bake It Up:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The dough should be fully cooked and golden brown; the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully turn the monkey bread out onto a serving plate. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for a pretty touch. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy pulling apart this cheesy, hearty treat!
Happy cooking and enjoy your tasty Pizza Monkey Bread! 🍕
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw and rise the frozen pizza dough according to package instructions before cutting it into pieces. This will ensure the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Pizza Monkey Bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Pizza Monkey Bread in advance and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives, diced cooked sausage, chopped cooked chicken, or even veggies like bell peppers and olives work well. Feel free to customize based on your personal preferences or dietary needs!
