Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is the dream mash-up you never knew you desperately needed—a bubbling, cheesy creation where zesty pepperoni and gooey mozzarella are tucked into soft, golden biscuits, then baked until perfectly pull-apart. This recipe isn’t just a dish, it’s an event; whether it’s for game night, a family movie marathon, or an impromptu gathering with friends, everyone ends up hovering around the table, savoring every pepperoni-packed bite. With oozy cheese and the unmistakable allure of pizza flavors, this appetizer turns any occasion into a party and guarantees there won’t be leftovers for long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread is how accessible the ingredients are—even on the busiest of weeks. Each component has a starring role: chewy biscuit dough forms the irresistible base, while Italian spices, cheese, and pepperoni deliver that classic pizzeria punch. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you preheat your oven.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The shortcut to pillowy, golden pull-apart layers that bake up beautifully every time.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into those iconic, stretchy, cheesy pulls that make this dish so fun to eat.
- Mini pepperoni slices: Perfect distribution in every bite; sub chopped regular pepperoni if needed.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty, nutty flavor and boosts the crust’s golden crunch.
- Olive oil: Helps everything brown up and adds a hint of richness.
- Garlic powder: Provides classic pizzeria aroma and flavor with zero work.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers herby depth—think oregano, basil, and thyme in one scoop.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick of heat if you like a spicy twist!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green for a polished presentation.
- Marinara sauce for dipping: Essential for that true pizza experience—choose your favorite jarred or homemade variety.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A little advance heat goes a long way toward a perfectly even bake! Take a bundt pan and grease it thoroughly with nonstick spray or olive oil. This ensures that every cheesy, golden piece of Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread will come out clean and ready to serve, with no stubborn sticking.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuit Dough
Open those biscuit cans (always a thrilling moment!) and cut each biscuit into quarters. Smaller pieces mean more nooks for melty cheese and pepperoni to hide inside every bite, creating the signature pull-apart experience that makes this dish a sure-fire hit.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a big bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and if you like a little fire, the crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything until the biscuits are evenly coated and the cheese and pepperoni are well distributed. Every piece deserves its share of cheesy, savory goodness.
Step 4: Pack It In
Transfer your pizza-loaded biscuit mixture into the greased bundt pan. Press down gently so everything is packed but not squashed—this helps the Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread bake up sturdy but still ultra fluffy, while locking in all that delicious flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking that the top turns deeply golden brown and the biscuit is cooked through (peek into the seams if you’re unsure). Your kitchen will fill with the unmistakable aroma of pizza night, and the anticipation is half the fun!
Step 6: Cool, Invert, and Serve
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps every cheesy bit hold together. Invert carefully onto a serving plate. If you’re feeling fancy (or want a touch of color), sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve it warm, pull-apart style, with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping, then watch it disappear.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley delivers color and a hint of herbal lift—perfect for party platters or casual weeknight dinners. For extra zip, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives each piece a flavor boost. Don’t forget the marinara! Pour it into a wide bowl for easy dipping and double the pizza-house experience.
Side Dishes
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread pairs brilliantly with simple sides. A crisp Caesar salad or Italian-style chopped salad offers freshness to balance the richness, while roasted veggies or a bowl of tomato soup make the meal feel even cozier. For a party spread, add olives, mozzarella balls, or a bowl of mixed nuts to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For a pizza night twist, try serving Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread on a wooden board with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing. Mini versions baked in muffin tins are a hit at kids’ parties. Circle your bread with bowls of warm dipping sauces—marinara, creamy ranch, or a spicy garlic butter—for a build-your-own dip bar that gets everyone involved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If miracles happen and there’s any Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread leftover, simply wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days—just keep the marinara sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze, let the bread cool completely first. Wrap the monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop pieces into a freezer bag for up to three months. When a pizza craving hits, your future self will thank you for the foresight!
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers or frozen slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes (add a couple extra minutes if straight from frozen). This brings back the bread’s pillowy texture and melty cheese, much better than microwaving, which can make things a bit chewy. Serve warm with fresh marinara and enjoy all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini pepperoni?
Absolutely! If you can’t find mini pepperoni, just cut regular pepperoni slices into quarters. This way, you’ll still get little bursts of pepperoni throughout the monkey bread for that perfect pizza bite in every pull.
Do I have to use a bundt pan?
A bundt pan is classic for the signature ring shape, but any oven-safe, deep pan will work in a pinch—try a round cake pan or even a loaf pan for a different look. Just be sure to adjust your bake time slightly and check for doneness in the center.
What’s the best way to keep this warm for a party?
If you need to keep Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread warm, set your oven to low (around 200°F) and cover the bread lightly with foil. This keeps it soft and melty, ready to serve, without drying it out while your guests arrive.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the biscuit, cheese, and pepperoni mixture ahead, transfer it into your pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before sliding into the oven.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! Simply skip the pepperoni or swap for your favorite pizza veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just be sure to pat any veggies dry so the bread stays fluffy, not soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little bit of pure fun to your table, you can’t beat Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just need a comfort-food fix, this gooey, cheesy masterpiece always gets people talking (and reaching for seconds). Give it a try next time you’re craving something deliciously different—your friends and family will absolutely thank you!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this fun and delicious Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread, a delightful twist on classic pizza flavors. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this pull-apart bread is loaded with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a blend of herbs and spices, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cans (16.3 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- Cut biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine biscuit pieces, cheeses, pepperoni, olive oil, seasonings, and red pepper flakes.
- Fill pan: Transfer mixture to the bundt pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool, then invert onto a plate. Garnish with parsley and serve with marinara.
Notes
- You can substitute regular pepperoni for mini slices.
- Best served warm; reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
