If you’re searching for the ultimate party pleaser, look no further than Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread. This easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying pull-apart creation packs all the flavors of your favorite slice into a shareable, golden bundle of joy. With bubbling mozzarella, crispy edges, a garlicky buttery finish, and heaps of pepperoni, it’s a total showstopper for gatherings, game days, or a family night in—guaranteed to bring people running back for “just one more piece.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread lies in its simplicity; every ingredient brings something special, from stretchy cheese to savory pepperoni and flavorful herby butter. Gather everything fresh and let the magic happen!
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: These canned biscuits bake up pillowy-soft and make the perfect base for your handheld bites—no dough-making required!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate pizza cheese that melts beautifully and gives you those irresistible cheesy pulls when you dig in.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni: Adds a deliciously salty, classic pizza vibe to every single bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled in for a nutty, savory flavor that amplifies the overall taste.
- Unsalted butter (melted): This binds everything together and provides a rich, golden sheen once baked.
- Garlic powder: For an extra hit of flavor that makes the bread taste just like your favorite pizza parlor.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dough with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that scream “pizza!”
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Kick up the spice if you love a little heat.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as the final garnish.
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping: The essential sidekick for dunking every gooey, flavorful piece.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan for that classic monkey bread shape, or opt for a 9×13-inch baking dish if you prefer. This step is key—nobody wants to miss out on all those crunchy, cheesy edges stuck in the pan.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuit Dough
Open up your cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This creates perfect bite-sized pieces, ensuring every chunk of Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread gets evenly packed with flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Main Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the biscuit quarters, shredded mozzarella, mini or chopped pepperoni, and grated Parmesan. Toss them lightly so the cheese and pepperoni are evenly spread out—this means a cheesy, meaty bite every time.
Step 4: Make the Seasoned Butter
In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with your garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like spice. This buttery blend will infuse each piece with tons of classic pizza flavor and bake up gorgeously golden.
Step 5: Coat Everything Together
Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the biscuit, cheese, and pepperoni mix. Use a spatula (or clean hands!) to toss until every piece is glistening and well coated. This step ensures big flavor in every layer once it’s baked.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared pan, pressing down lightly to remove any major gaps. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden and the center is set—it’s worth the wait for those crunchy edges and gooey middle!
Step 7: Cool, Invert, and Serve
Let your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate for the ultimate wow factor. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and serve it up warm alongside plenty of marinara for dunking. Watch it disappear!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
Garnishes
A generous shower of fresh parsley is a classic touch, but feel free to add extra Parmesan or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and zing. Fresh basil ribbons or even a dash of dried oregano on top can also make your Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread eye-catching and aromatic.
Side Dishes
This pull-apart bread already packs a punch, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a light pasta dish for a full meal. For parties, add a platter of antipasto or fresh-cut veggies and let Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread be the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the bread out onto a large wooden board with little bowls of marinara and ranch for dipping. Or, try making mini monkey breads in muffin tins for single servings. For a “pizza night” twist, set up a topping bar with extra pepperoni, cooked sausage, or jalapeños and let guests choose their favorites before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, wrap the cooled Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, maintaining that signature chewiness and cheesy flavor.
Freezing
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread can be frozen for future cravings! Simply cool completely, wrap well in plastic and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions in the microwave for 30-second intervals until warmed through, or cover the whole loaf with foil and bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes. To regain that crispy edge, uncover for the last few minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Absolutely! Try sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or cooked sausage. Just be careful not to overload the dough—keep fillings proportionate for best baking results.
Can I use pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, pizza dough will work, but biscuit dough is what gives Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread its tender, fluffy texture and quick prep time. Just be sure to cut it into small pieces and adjust baking time as needed.
How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan very thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to cover every nook and cranny—especially if using a bundt pan. This helps the cheesy bits release easily for that perfect unmold.
Can I make this ahead?
You sure can! Assemble everything, cover and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Is Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread spicy?
It has just a hint of spice from the pepperoni and optional red pepper flakes. To make it milder, skip the flakes, or to turn up the heat, add a bit more or try spicy pepperoni.
Final Thoughts
If you want to make your next get-together truly special, Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is your ticket to instant smiles and empty plates. Every bite is as fun as it is tasty, so gather your friends and family—just be ready for this bread to vanish in no time!
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Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun twist on traditional pizza. It’s made with refrigerated biscuit dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, all baked together for a delicious pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 (16-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni:
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Serving:
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the dough: Cut each biscuit into quarters. In a large bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
- Season the bread: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour the seasoned butter over the biscuit mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate if using a bundt pan. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can add chopped cooked sausage, black olives, or diced bell peppers for variety.
- To make ahead, assemble the bread and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of loaf
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
