Ah, Pizza Monkey Bread! This little gem holds a special place in my heart (and my stomach). You see, there’s just something magical about fluffy biscuit pieces combined with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni, all nestled in a warm, flavorful mix. It reminds me of cozy evenings spent with friends, diving into a mountain of cheesy goodness while laughing and sharing stories. Plus, the best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s game night, a family get-together, or a casual Friday night in, Pizza Monkey Bread is always a hit.
When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was looking for a fun, unique way to experience pizza. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza, right? But turning it into a pull-apart bread? Genius! It feels like you’re getting pizza and a fun party snack all in one. And trust me, watching everyone eagerly tugging at those cheesy pieces is truly entertaining. Now, let’s get into what makes this dish so special!
What’s in Pizza Monkey Bread?
Biscuit Dough: The star of the show! I like to use refrigerated biscuit dough because it saves time and gives that perfect fluffy texture. Plus, it cuts down on the mess!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey goodness! Mozzarella is my go-to because it melts beautifully and stretches oh-so-nicely when we pull apart the pieces.
Pepperoni Slices: These little circles of deliciousness add that quintessential pizza flavor. If you prefer a different protein, cooked sausage or even veggies can work wonders here!
Pizza Sauce: This provides the zesty base that ties everything together. I always keep some extra on hand for dipping because who can resist?
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a lovely salty kick and depth to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: Just a touch enhances the flavor profile, bringing that Italian flair we love.
Unsalted Butter: This helps everything bind, adds richness, and gives a lovely golden color to the bread when baked.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish, because we eat with our eyes first! Plus, a tiny bit of freshness really elevates the flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those delicious flavors.
Is Pizza Monkey Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect a bit. While Pizza Monkey Bread is not a salad (shocking, I know!), it does have some perks. The use of biscuit dough brings some convenient carbs to the table. The melted mozzarella cheese provides calcium, while the pepperoni offers some protein.
Of course, let’s not kid ourselves. This dish is more of a fun indulgence, perfect for parties or special occasions. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, opting for a low-fat cheese or adding more veggies (like bell peppers or mushrooms) can do the trick! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, and you’ll be all set!
Ingredients:
– 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 8*
How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan lightly. Those biscuit pieces deserve a great space to bake!
2. Open the tubes of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. If you’re feeling like a pizza chef in the making, get them as uniform as you can!
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the biscuit pieces with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, melted butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it until every piece is coated in goodness.
4. Carefully layer the biscuit mixture into the prepared bundt pan, pressing down gently to fill in gaps. You want it packed enough so it all sticks together.
5. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
6. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, flip it onto a serving platter—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
7. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley (if you’re feeling fancy!) and serve with the extra pizza sauce for dipping.
The Secret to the Best Pizza Monkey Bread
For a little extra oomph, feel free to add cooked sausage, bell peppers, or even olives to the biscuit mixture. I promise you won’t regret it! This dish can easily be served warm as a spectacular appetizer or snack at any party. Everyone loves a good pull-apart bread, and this one is bound to become a favorite.
So there you have it! Your Pizza Monkey Bread is ready to impress at your next gathering or just to enjoy on a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it! If you do, please let me know how it turns out; I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!
