Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
A fun, pull‑apart twist on classic pizza—bite‑sized dough pieces layered with savory tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs—perfect for parties or family dinners.
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
Instructions
- Prep Pan & Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12‑cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- Cut & Coat Dough: Cut dough into 32 bite‑sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Toss dough pieces until evenly coated.
- Layer 1: Arrange one third of the coated dough in the pan. Spoon ⅓ cup pizza sauce over, then sprinkle ⅔ cup mozzarella, ⅙ cup cheddar, and ⅓ cup pepperoni.
- Repeat Layers: Build two more identical layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Parmesan Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top layer.
- Bake: Place pan on a baking sheet; bake 28–32 minutes until golden and bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool & Release: Let rest 10 minutes. Invert onto a platter; gently tap to release.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes. Pull apart and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Uniform Pieces: Cut dough evenly (about 1–1½″) for consistent baking.
- Make‑Ahead: Assemble in pan, wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hrs; add 5–7 mins to baking time.
- Freezer‑Friendly: Freeze unbaked pan for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
- Variations: Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies, or use a white garlic‑cream sauce for a twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 mins.