Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread

When you’re searching for the Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread, you want a dish that brings together gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and pillowy dough—all baked into the ultimate pull-apart experience. This recipe is pure comfort food, perfect for family game nights, potlucks, or any moment that calls for crowd-pleasing pizza flavor. I’ll walk you through everything: the story behind this recipe, all your dough options (from pizza dough to canned biscuits), expert tips for perfect monkey bread, tasty variations, and creative serving ideas. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make pizza monkey bread that rivals the best out there.

Why This Is the Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread

If you ask me, the best recipes are the ones that hold a story—something a little messy, a little nostalgic, and packed with flavor. The first time I made pizza monkey bread, I was trying to find an appetizer that even my pickiest eater would love. I started with a can of biscuits (because, let’s be honest, it was a Tuesday night and I was tired), tossed in mozzarella, pepperoni, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and baked it until the kitchen smelled like a corner pizzeria. That night, my family dove in—no forks, just fingers—and not a crumb was left. Since then, I’ve tested every dough imaginable, from store-bought pizza dough to leftover frozen bread dough, and every single batch brings people running to the table.

What makes this the best recipe for pizza monkey bread isn’t just how quickly it comes together, but how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re a biscuit-dough believer or swear by classic pizza dough, you’ll get that irresistible combination of crisp edges and soft, cheesy centers. The pull-apart format is perfect for sharing, which makes this recipe a go-to for parties and cozy family nights alike. For home cooks in Asheville and beyond, it’s proof that a few simple ingredients—and a little curiosity—are all you need for a winning dish.

And the options don’t stop there. Try it with canned biscuits for convenience or go for pizza monkey bread with frozen bread dough when you want something homemade but fuss-free. Want to skip the bundt pan? You can make pizza monkey bread without a bundt pan, right in a casserole dish or loaf pan. The main thing is to keep it fun and approachable, just like my grandma taught me.

I love adding stuffed fillings, switching out the classic pepperoni for sausage, mushrooms, or peppers to make a supreme pizza monkey bread, or just keeping it simple for the kids. Every time, the best part is those golden, cheesy, garlicky bits on top—and the laughter that comes when everyone’s reaching in for more. If you like this kind of kitchen story, you’ll love what’s next.

Looking for more creative bread ideas? Check out our bread recipes and explore even more fun, family-friendly meals on our appetizer collection—both packed with crowd-pleasers just like this one.

Ingredients and Dough Options

When it comes to the Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread, choosing the right dough base sets the tone. You can use refrigerated canned biscuits for a fast version, or classic pizza dough for more flavor. Both options earn rave reviews, whether you’re making pepperoni monkey bread with pizza dough or trying a quicker pizza monkey bread with canned biscuits route.

Choosing your base: biscuit dough or pizza dough

Using canned biscuits makes prep super simple—no kneading, no rising, just cut, toss with butter and seasoning, layer in the pan, and bake. The texture ends up fluffy and slightly sweet, with plenty of cheesy pull-apart bites. On the other hand, pizza dough (whether homemade or store-bought) gives you a chewier, more satisfying crust and lets you control toppings—perfect for customizing into supreme pizza monkey bread. For a middle ground, try pizza monkey bread with frozen bread dough: thaw it, cut into chunks, and treat it like fresh dough for easy prep without sacrificing flavor.

If you don’t have a bundt pan, don’t stress—this recipe works great without one. You can build it in a 9×13 baking dish or loaf pan and still get all the crisp edges and gooey centers you’d expect from pizza monkey bread without bundt pan setup.

Flavor enhancers: toppings, cheese & seasonings

To bring out the best flavor in your pizza monkey bread, prep these key ingredients:

• Mozzarella (shredded or mini slices) plus a sprinkling of Parmesan
• Sliced or mini pepperoni, sausage crumbles, mushrooms, bell peppers—go all out for a supreme pizza monkey bread
• Melted butter or olive oil tossed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt
• Optional fillings like cream cheese cubes for a stuffed pizza monkey bread experience, or adding peppers and onions to turn it into a supreme journey

Here’s a table of ingredients and why they matter:

Ingredient	Function / Flavor Impact
Pizza dough or canned biscuits	Base structure—fluffy vs chewy texture choice
Mozzarella + Parmesan	Melty, savory cheese pull and flavor boost
Pepperoni and/or vegetables	Adds savory bites and variety, esp. for supreme style
Butter/oil + garlic & Italian seasonings	Infuses garlic-herb flavor into every bite
Optional fillings (cream cheese, sausage)	Allows for stuffed pizza monkey bread creativity

Here’s a pro tip: if you’re craving even more cheesy indulgence, try swirling in some marinara or ranch dip before serving. Planning to serve it at a potluck or family gathering? Pair it with our casserole favorites or toss together a quick salad from our salad recipes to balance the meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that you’ve picked your dough and toppings, let’s get into how to make this irresistible pizza monkey bread. The best part? Whether you’re using pizza dough, canned biscuits, or even frozen bread dough, the method is almost the same—quick, forgiving, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Assembling the monkey bread

First, prep your dough. If you’re using pizza dough, divide it into small balls (about 1-inch pieces). For canned biscuits, cut each biscuit into quarters. Place your dough pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter or olive oil, tossing with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This is your chance to layer in the flavor—don’t be shy! Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and your choice of pepperoni, sausage, or veggies (for a supreme pizza monkey bread, toss in bell peppers and onions).

Next, layer everything into a greased bundt pan, loaf pan, or a 9×13 baking dish (for pizza monkey bread without bundt pan). Press lightly to settle, but don’t pack too tightly—you want those cheesy air pockets throughout.

Want to see more creative baking ideas? Our bread recipes section and appetizer category are loaded with step-by-step guides for beginner and advanced cooks alike.

Baking tips and adaptations

Bake your pizza monkey bread in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven. With biscuit dough, you’ll need 30–35 minutes; for pizza dough, expect 35–40 minutes, checking for golden brown color on top and bubbling cheese throughout. For frozen bread dough, allow for extra rise time—about 30–40 minutes before baking. If your top is browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. When done, let the bread cool for a few minutes before flipping onto a plate (if using a bundt or loaf pan).

Testing for doneness is easy: the edges should be golden and crisp, and the middle should pull apart cleanly with gooey cheese threads. If you’re serving stuffed pizza monkey bread, check that fillings are piping hot all the way through.

To reheat leftovers, just cover and pop back in the oven for 10 minutes at 325 °F, or microwave individual portions. This pull-apart pizza monkey bread recipe also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.

If you’re searching for more make-ahead comfort foods, check out our casserole recipes for tips on meal prepping and freezing.

Variations & Serving Ideas

One of the greatest things about this Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you crave classic flavors or want to surprise your guests with something new, there’s no limit to the delicious directions you can take.

Supreme, stuffed, and creative versions

For a loaded, pizza-parlor vibe, supreme pizza monkey bread is your answer. After tossing your dough pieces with oil and seasoning, add diced bell peppers, onions, olives, sausage crumbles, and extra pepperoni—this transforms your bread into a true pull apart pizza monkey bread recipe that feels like a feast.

If you love gooey surprises, try stuffed pizza monkey bread. Simply tuck small cubes of mozzarella, provolone, or even cooked sausage inside your dough pieces before layering in the pan. As it bakes, those bites melt into irresistible, cheesy pockets.

Vegetarian? Skip the meats and double up on cheese and veggies, or get inspired by our vegetarian recipes for other mix-ins that would work beautifully. And if you love switching things up, check out our main dish collection for more weeknight-friendly inspiration.

Serving, pairing and storage tips

Pizza monkey bread is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a side of warm marinara or ranch for dipping. The pull-apart style makes it a hit at parties, game days, or family gatherings—no forks needed, just lots of napkins!

Pair your monkey bread with a crisp green salad or a hearty soup for a balanced meal. If you’re planning ahead, leftovers keep well: store covered in the fridge up to three days. Reheat in a low oven (325 °F) for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Want to freeze it? Wrap cooled monkey bread in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to a month, and reheat directly from frozen.

Pizza monkey bread is as flexible as it is fun—try it with different cheeses, make a spicy version with jalapeños, or serve as the centerpiece of a casual gathering alongside other favorites from our party recipes.

FAQ

Can I make pizza monkey bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.

Can I use frozen bread dough instead of biscuits or pizza dough?
Absolutely. Thaw, cut, and use just like pizza dough. It may need to rise before baking for the fluffiest texture.

How do I make pizza monkey bread without a bundt pan?
Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a loaf pan; baking time stays about the same. The result is still perfectly pull-apart and delicious.

Can I add other toppings or make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap pepperoni for veggies, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage. It’s a highly customizable recipe—make it your own.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wanted a dish that turns pizza night into an interactive, shareable feast, this is it. The Best Recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread is easy, quick, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you use biscuit dough, pizza dough, or frozen bread dough, every bite is packed with cheesy, savory goodness. Add your favorite toppings, serve with a dipping sauce, and enjoy—the kitchen’s warm, the table’s set, and there’s always room for one more.

For more Southern-inspired bakes and family favorites, browse our breads section and don’t miss the main recipe index for even more dinner and party inspiration.

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