How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe Fast
Looking for a fun and fast way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in bite-sized, shareable pieces? This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is your go-to solution. Combining golden, crispy dough with gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time. Whether you’re feeding a party or treating yourself, this irresistible appetizer is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you want something tasty without the wait.
- Shareable Fun: It’s designed for sharing, making it ideal for game nights, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: Each bite is perfectly crispy on the outside, while the inside melts with cheese and toppings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings and spices to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to make a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of basic yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements that bring this dish to life.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The base that bakes into soft, fluffy bites with crispy edges.
- Pizza Sauce: Adds tang and richness that pairs beautifully with the cheese and dough.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly giving every piece that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Pepperoni Slices: Provides classic pizza flavor and a little spice in each bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix that elevates the pizza essence with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Melted Butter: Helps everything stick together and adds a golden crisp finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for added sharpness and crunch.
Variations for Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
You can customize this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe to suit your cravings or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with flavors, cheeses, and even entirely new themes by swapping out ingredients or adding extras.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and add diced bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms for a fresh veggie twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in shredded cheddar or provolone along with mozzarella for a cheese-packed version.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough or gluten-free bread pieces instead of traditional biscuits.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme finely chopped can replace dried Italian seasoning for a brighter flavor.
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by cutting the refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces. The little chunks will bake into soft, fluffy morsels with crisp edges, so try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. This mixture will not only add flavor but also create a crispy coating once baked.
Step 3: Coat the Dough Pieces
Toss the biscuit dough pieces in the butter and seasoning mix until each piece is lightly coated. The buttery herb coating is key to that deep golden crust.
Step 4: Layer the Monkey Bread
In a bundt pan or a round baking dish, layer the coated dough pieces with generous sprinkles of shredded mozzarella, bits of pepperoni, and dollops of pizza sauce evenly throughout the layers.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Parmesan
Finish off by sprinkling a bit more mozzarella and parmesan on top. This final layer ensures a cheesy, crispy crust once it’s baked.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from the pan and serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Even Pieces: Slice biscuit dough into uniform-sized bites to ensure even baking and texture.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
- Don’t Skip Butter: The butter and herb coating is what gives monkey bread its signature crispy, flavorful crust.
- Check Doneness: Watch for golden brown color on top as the timer nears to avoid overbaking.
- Test with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick to check; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheesy monkey bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the monkey bread on a wooden board or in the baking dish itself for a rustic, casual feel perfect for parties and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pizza monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked monkey bread layers in the baking pan wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month, then bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness or microwave on low power for about a minute if short on time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, homemade dough can work beautifully but may require adjustments in baking time and thickness for best results.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can use any round or square baking dish; just make sure it’s well-greased and adjust layering accordingly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The bite-sized cheesy bites are usually a hit with kids and make great party snacks.
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Replace cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter to keep it dairy-free and just as tasty.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to ramp up the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is hands-down one of the most enjoyable and speedy ways to serve up that beloved pizza flavor in an entirely new form. Give it a try for your next gathering or a cozy night treat, and watch how fast those cheesy, crispy bites disappear. You won’t regret it!
PrintPizza Monkey Bread Recipe
A quick and fun Pizza Monkey Bread recipe featuring golden, crispy biscuit dough bites layered with tangy pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cheesy appetizer, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – 1 can (about 16 oz)
- Pizza Sauce – 1/2 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups
- Pepperoni Slices – 20-30 slices
Seasonings and Coating
- Melted Butter – 1/4 cup
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Topping
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces, keeping them roughly the same size for even baking.
- Mix the Butter and Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: Toss the biscuit dough pieces in the butter and seasoning mix until each piece is lightly coated with the buttery herb mixture.
- Layer the Monkey Bread: In a bundt pan or round baking dish, layer the coated dough pieces alternating with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and dollops of pizza sauce evenly throughout the layers.
- Top with Cheese and Parmesan: Sprinkle additional mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top layer for a cheesy and crispy crust once baked.
- Bake and Serve: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes, until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool a few minutes before carefully removing from the pan and serving warm.
Notes
- Slice biscuit dough into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and fresher taste.
- Don’t skip the butter and herb coating for that signature crispy crust.
- Watch the bread near the end of baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pizza monkey bread, appetizer, shareable snacks, cheesy bites, party food, quick recipe