Pizza Monkey Bread: A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Pizza Night

Short Description

Pizza Monkey Bread is a delicious, pull-apart dish that combines the best of pizza flavors in a fun and shareable format. This easy-to-make recipe features bite-sized pieces of dough stuffed with gooey cheese and savory toppings, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a creative twist on pizza night, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Interactive: This pull-apart bread makes eating pizza a hands-on experience, great for gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together effortlessly.
• Customizable: You can tailor the toppings and fillings to your personal preference.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, family dinners, or potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get kids involved in cooking and eating!

Ingredients

pizza dough
pepperoni slices
mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
marinara sauce
melted butter
minced garlic
dried Italian seasoning
fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a bundt pan or baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Prepare Dough: Cut the pizza dough into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Stuff the Dough: Flatten each piece and place a small amount of mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni inside. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
4. Coat the Dough Balls: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss each stuffed dough ball in the butter mixture until well coated.
5. Assemble in Pan: Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly.
6. Add Cheese and Extras: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese between the layers and add extra pepperoni if desired.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives instead.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Overload: Use multiple cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
• Meat Lovers: Incorporate crumbled sausage or cooked bacon for extra protein.
• Garlic Bread Style: Enhance the garlic butter coating for a more intense garlic bread flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked monkey bread in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the monkey bread a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What dipping sauces work best?

Marinara sauce is classic, but you can also try ranch, garlic butter, or spicy sriracha sauce.

Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Biscuit dough gives a slightly different texture but still works great.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray.

Can I make this in a different pan?

Yes, a regular baking dish or muffin tin will work, though baking time may vary.

What other fillings can I use?

You can experiment with different cheeses, meats, or even pesto for a unique twist.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers for a quick snack.

How do I make it extra crispy?

Brushing the top with additional melted butter before baking helps achieve a crispier crust.

Can I make a sweet version?

Absolutely! Swap out savory ingredients for cinnamon sugar and cream cheese filling.

Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun, shareable format. Whether for a casual family dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day treat, this recipe is bound to be a hit. With its easy preparation and endless customization options, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Try it today and make your next pizza night unforgettable!

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