Name: Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 16‑oz cans refrigerated pizza dough (or equivalent homemade dough, cut into 32 pieces); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp sea salt; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded low‑moisture mozzarella; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mini pepperoni slices; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish); Red pepper flakes (optional)

Few dishes capture the playful spirit and irresistible appeal of Pizza Monkey Bread. Combining the convivial pull-apart nature of classic monkey bread with the bold flavors of pizza, this Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is guaranteed to become a crowd-pleasing favorite at family gatherings, game-day parties, or casual weeknight dinners. As a professional chef with years of experience, I’m excited to share every facet of this recipe—from carefully selected ingredients to expert tips, tempting variations, and creative serving suggestions. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll feel confident crafting your own Pizza Monkey Bread masterpiece that delights both eyes and taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

Interactive Dining Experience: Guests can pull apart individual “monkeys,” turning mealtime into a fun, communal event.
Flavor Fusion: Classic pizza flavors—tomato sauce, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs—meld seamlessly into soft, buttery dough bites.

Adaptable & Customizable: Whether you prefer pepperoni and bacon or sun-dried tomatoes and basil, this recipe invites endless creativity.
Easy to Scale: From small family portions to party-sized batches, you can multiply or reduce quantities without losing quality.

Great Make-Ahead Option: Assemble in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake, making entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients

For consistency and the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Below is what you’ll need for one 12-cup bundt pan (serves approximately 8):

Dough Bites

2 (16-ounce) cans refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough, divided into small balls)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Filling & Layering

1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought, smooth consistency)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, whole-milk preferred)

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for color contrast)

1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or cut regular pepperoni into quarters)
Additional fillings (optional, see Variations below)

Finishing Touch

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Equipment & Prep

Before you begin, ensure you have:

12-cup bundt pan: Provides the signature ring shape and pull-apart sections.
Large mixing bowls: One for dough bites, another for melted butter mixture.

Pastry brush: For even butter and oil distribution.

Cooking spray or butter: To grease the bundt pan thoroughly.
Cutting board & knife: To prep any fresh herbs or toppings.

Wire rack: For cooling the baked monkey bread slightly before serving.

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Bundt Pan

Generously grease every nook and cranny of the bundt pan with cooking spray or softened butter.
Place the pan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips.

2. Cut & Coat the Dough

Divide the Dough: Open refrigerated pizza dough and cut each can into roughly 16–20 bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1½ inches each).

Make the Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sea salt until emulsified.
Toss the Dough: Add the dough bites to the butter mixture, gently tossing until each piece is evenly coated.

3. Layer the Monkey Bread

First Layer (Dough): Place a single layer of butter-coated dough bites in the bottom of the bundt pan, covering the surface.

Sauce & Cheese: Spoon one-third of the pizza sauce over the dough layer, then sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Scatter one-third of the pepperoni evenly.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni two more times, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

Parmesan Finish: Dust the top generously with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory crust.

4. Baking

Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Place the bundt pan on the center rack. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling between dough bites. If the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil for the last 5–7 minutes.

Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean (aside from melted cheese), the dough is cooked through.

5. Cooling & Release

Cool Slightly: Let the monkey bread rest for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
Release from Pan: Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving platter. Gently tap and wiggle to ensure the complete release of the pull-apart bread.

Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and a hint of heat.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread

Even Dough Bites: Aim for uniform size (1–1½ inches) so baking time remains consistent.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow refrigerated dough to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cutting—this prevents tearing and ensures fluffiness.

Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Drain any excess sauce from the dough-coated bites before layering to prevent a gummy texture.

Cheese Blend: A combination of low-moisture mozzarella and a sharper cheese (like cheddar or provolone) creates both stretch and depth of flavor.
Layering Technique: Press down gently on each layer to remove air pockets and ensure even distribution of sauce and cheese.

Creative Toppings: If adding vegetables (e.g., bell peppers or mushrooms), sauté them briefly to reduce moisture.

Make-Ahead Assembly: Assemble in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge—just add 5–7 minutes to baking time.
Freezer-Friendly: Unbaked monkey bread freezes well. Wrap pan tightly, freeze up to one month, then thaw in fridge before baking as directed.

Variations to Suit Every Palate

1. Meat-Lovers’ Pizza Monkey Bread

Replace pepperoni with cooked crumbled Italian sausage, bacon bits, and diced ham.

Add a drizzle of ranch dressing between layers for extra indulgence.

2. Veggie Supreme Monkey Bread

Incorporate sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, onions, and olives in place of meat.

Use goat cheese crumbles along with mozzarella for a tangy twist.

3. White Pizza Monkey Bread

Swap tomato sauce for a garlic-cream sauce (béchamel base with garlic and Parmesan).
Layer with ricotta dollops, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, then finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

4. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Monkey Bread

Mix shredded cooked chicken with Buffalo wing sauce for the filling.

Use blue cheese crumbles alongside mozzarella.
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

5. Margherita Monkey Bread

Emphasize simplicity: fresh tomato slices, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella for each layer.

Drizzle with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and a dash of balsamic glaze after baking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pizza Monkey Bread is versatile—serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even a creative side. Here are some pairing ideas:

Appetizer Spread: Surround the pull-apart bread with small bowls of extra pizza sauce, garlic butter, or ranch for dipping.

Salad Accompaniment: A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Soup Combo: Pair with a warm bowl of tomato bisque or minestrone for a comforting meal.

Beverage Pairings:
- Beer: A light lager or a crisp pilsner complements the dough’s richness.
- Wine: A medium-bodied Chianti or Zinfandel enhances tomato and herb notes.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water infused with lemon and rosemary for a refreshing counterpoint.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Underbaked Center: If the middle remains doughy, your pan may be overfilled. Reduce dough quantity slightly or use a larger pan.
Excessively Crispy Edges: Lower the oven temperature by 10°F (5°C) and extend baking time to ensure even cook-through without scorching.

Greasy Finish: Pat excess butter/oil from dough bites before layering. Alternatively, reduce butter by one tablespoon.

Sticking to Pan: Thoroughly grease and flour the bundt pan. For stubborn cases, run a thin knife around the edges before inverting.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble & Chill: Follow all prep steps, cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Increase baking time by about 5–7 minutes.

Freeze Unbaked: Wrap pan securely with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Reheat: Warm individual portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. A quick 20-second zap in the microwave works for urgent cravings, though the crust won’t remain as crisp.

Nutrition & Allergen Information

(Note: Values are approximate per serving for the basic recipe.)

Calories: ~350 kcal

Total Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)

Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 12 g

Sodium: 650 mg

Allergens: Contains gluten (wheat), dairy (milk, butter), and optional nuts or other allergens depending on variations. Always check labels and notify guests of potential allergens.

Conclusion

This Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe expertly marries the playful pull-apart experience of monkey bread with the classic, comforting tastes of pizza. From the initial dough coating to the glorious cheese pull, every bite is an homage to communal, joyful dining. By following this in-depth guide—complete with chef’s tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions—you’ll produce a star-worthy dish that dazzles family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to pull apart a piece.

Whether you’re planning a fun appetizer for a party or a novel twist on weeknight pizza night, this recipe serves as your blueprint for success. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings, sauces, and cheeses until you find your signature combination. Here’s to unforgettable gatherings and the simple joy of sharing pizza, one pull-apart bite at a time!