Pizza Monkey Bread

Pizza Monkey Bread is a delightful culinary creation that masterfully combines the satisfying textures of monkey bread with the savory goodness of pizza. Imagine your usual pizza experience, but with a fun and interactive twist that encourages friends and family to pull apart delicious, cheesy, bite-sized bundles. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—the pull-apart nature of monkey bread, perfect for sharing, and the classic flavors of pizza that we all know and love.

In this recipe, refrigerated biscuits are ingeniously transformed into a pizza-inspired masterpiece. They serve as the bread base that envelops a flavorful filling of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Enhanced with Italian seasonings and garlic, each bite bursts with flavor, ensuring that the whole assembly comes together in one cohesive and satisfying dish. Perfect for parties, game nights, or even casual dinners, Pizza Monkey Bread is an irresistible treat that will have everyone gathered around, eager to dig in.

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

List of Ingredients with Measurements

• 2 (16.3 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (quartered)
• 6 ounces pepperoni (quartered)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
• 1/4 cup butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Optional Ingredient Substitutions

For those wishing to customize this recipe, consider the following substitutions:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace pepperoni with a vegetarian sausage or grilled vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Cheese Varieties: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.
• Garlic Variations: Substitute fresh garlic with roasted or sautéed minced garlic for a milder flavor.

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, gather all ingredients and a large mixing bowl. This preparation will ensure a smooth cooking experience, allowing you to focus on creating a delicious dish without pauses.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the mixing bowl, add the refrigerated biscuit quarters, quartered pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasonings, and minced garlic. Drizzle the melted and cooled butter over the mixture. Toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the seasonings, butter, and cheeses are evenly distributed over the biscuit pieces.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Once your mixture is ready, pour it into a greased 10-inch Bundt pan. Alternately, if you don’t have a Bundt pan, a 9×13 baking dish can also be used, though the presentation will differ slightly. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the monkey bread to bake for 35-45 minutes. It is important to cover the top with foil after the first 20 minutes or once the top begins to brown, to prevent over-browning while ensuring thorough cooking inside. Check every 5 minutes towards the end to confirm when done.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and use a knife to loosen the edges of the bread from the pan. Carefully invert the Bundt pan onto a plate and then again onto a serving plate, ensuring the golden-crusted top is facing up.

How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread

Best Ways to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread

Pizza Monkey Bread is best enjoyed warm. Arrange it on a large serving platter to invite guests to pull apart pieces with ease, showcasing its delightful design and allowing everyone to indulge at their own pace.

Serving Suggestions or Pairings

Pair the Pizza Monkey Bread with a warm marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy and savory flavor of marinara complements the cheesy, garlicky bread perfectly. For added variety, offer additional dipping sauces such as a creamy garlic sauce or a spicy arrabbiata. This dish also pairs well with a crisp green salad and a selection of cold beverages, making it a complete and satisfying meal option.

How to Store Pizza Monkey Bread

Proper Storage Methods

To store any leftovers, place the Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days without significant loss of texture or flavor.

Tips for Reheating or Freezing

When reheating, use an oven preheated to 350 degrees. Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps maintain its texture and avoid sogginess. If freezing, you can wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, storing it in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the standard reheating instructions.

Tips to Make Pizza Monkey Bread

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding: Avoid packing the biscuit pieces too tightly in the pan, as this can prevent even baking and result in a doughy interior.
• Covering Late: Cover the dish with foil once the top browns to avoid it burning while the center cooks thoroughly.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

• Uniform Sizes: Cut all the biscuit pieces and pepperoni evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
• Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning on top of the bread before baking.

Variation of Pizza Monkey Bread

Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe

• Buffalo Chicken Monkey Bread: Substitute pepperoni with shredded cooked chicken and mix with Buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese for a spicy variation.
• Hawaiian Style: Add diced pineapple and Canadian bacon for a sweet and savory twist on the traditional Pizza Monkey Bread.

Adjustments for Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure your cheeses and sauces are gluten-free verified.
• Vegan Option: Substitute regular biscuits with a vegan-friendly dough, and cheese with plant-based alternatives, ensuring the taste and texture remain satisfying.

FAQs

What Can I Do if the Dish Isn’t Turning Out Right?

If your Pizza Monkey Bread isn’t cooking evenly, check the size of your dough pieces and distribution within the pan. Uneven sizes can prevent proper cooking. Ensure all pieces are similar in size, and adjust baking times, adding foil as necessary to prevent over-browning.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Monkey Bread mixture and arrange it in a pan. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

What Can I Substitute for Ingredients?

For those wanting to substitute ingredients, use deli ham or cooked sausage as a pepperoni substitute. Consider using different cheeses like provolone or asiago to switch up the taste. For a garlic-free option, simply omit and rely on the Italian seasoning for flavor.

These simple steps, tips, and variations will help you prepare and enjoy Pizza Monkey Bread as a versatile dish that caters to different tastes and occasions.