Savory Pizza Pull-Apart

Key Ingredients for Savory Monkey Bread Perfection

Crafting the perfect pizza monkey bread starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to choose the best options:

• Refrigerated Biscuits: The foundation of this easy recipe! Any brand of refrigerated canned biscuit dough will work beautifully. For best results and a satisfyingly fluffy texture, we highly recommend Pillsbury Grands. These larger biscuits are readily available at most grocery stores and provide ample dough for a hearty pull-apart treat.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most potent and authentic flavor, infusing every piece of dough with its savory essence. However, if you’re short on time, a good quality garlic powder can be substituted at about half the amount of fresh garlic.
• Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, is crucial for achieving that classic pizza flavor profile. You’ll find it in the spice aisle of any grocery store. Ensure your seasoning blend is fresh for maximum impact.
• Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is a classic choice, offering a burst of salty, slightly spicy flavor. You can buy it pre-sliced and quarter each piece, or opt for mini pepperoni for an even quicker prep. For those seeking a vegetarian option, simply omit the pepperoni, or replace it with sun-dried tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or olives.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The king of meltiness! While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, shredding your own from a block often results in a creamier, smoother melt and can prevent a waxy texture. Use whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and umami depth that complements the milder mozzarella perfectly. Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Marinara Sauce: A must-have for dipping! Any good quality store-bought marinara or pizza sauce will work wonders. You can also elevate the experience with a homemade marinara for an even richer taste. Consider warming the sauce gently before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Pizza Monkey Bread

Creating this delicious pizza monkey bread is a straightforward process, perfect for a fun family cooking project or a quick snack preparation. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy release later.
2. Craft the Garlic Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir these ingredients until well blended. This fragrant mixture will coat your biscuit pieces, infusing them with incredible flavor. Set this aside.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Open your cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Separate each biscuit, then use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. This creates the perfect bite-sized chunks for your monkey bread.
4. Coat the Biscuit Pieces: Take a handful of the cut biscuit pieces and add them to the garlic oil mixture. Toss them gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Once coated, transfer these pieces to a separate large bowl. Continue this process until all of the biscuit pieces have been coated in the flavorful oil.
5. Add Toppings & Assemble: To the large bowl containing the coated biscuit pieces, add the quartered pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the cheeses and pepperoni are evenly distributed amongst the biscuit pieces. Carefully spread this prepared pizza monkey bread mixture evenly into your greased bundt pan, ensuring it’s not too tightly packed.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly; if using a dark-colored bundt pan, you might need an extra 5-10 minutes as dark pans absorb more heat. The monkey bread is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the dough is cooked through and springy to the touch.
7. Cool, Invert & Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This crucial cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly and the bread to firm up, making inversion much easier. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large serving plate or platter. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this fun, pull-apart pizza treat with family and friends!

Pizza Monkey Bread is a creative and incredibly fun culinary mashup that combines the savory flavors of pizza with the classic pull-apart nature of monkey bread. It’s made from bite-sized pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough, coated in a savory garlic-herb oil, then mixed with cheese and pepperoni (or other pizza toppings), and baked in a bundt pan. The result is a delicious, customizable, and shareable bread that’s perfect for dipping.

Absolutely! Freezing pizza monkey bread is a fantastic way to enjoy this treat whenever a craving strikes. First, allow the baked monkey bread to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, followed by an additional layer of plastic wrap or place it in a large freezer bag or another airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then transfer it to a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence with this popular dish!), ensure they are stored properly to maintain freshness. Place the cooled pizza monkey bread in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual portions, simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in the oven as described for frozen monkey bread, which can help retain a crispier texture.

Yes, you can certainly get a head start on your pizza monkey bread! You can assemble the entire dish, including coating the biscuits and layering them with toppings in the bundt pan, up to a day in advance. Once assembled, cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. Then, bake as instructed in the recipe. This advance preparation makes it perfect for busy entertaining or weeknight meals.

No bundt pan? No problem! While a bundt pan creates the iconic pull-apart shape, you can still make delicious pizza monkey bread using other baking dishes. A 9×13 inch baking pan or even a large cast-iron skillet can work. Simply spread the biscuit mixture evenly in the alternative pan. The baking time might need slight adjustment – keep an eye on it, baking until golden brown and cooked through, typically around 25-35 minutes depending on the pan’s material and size.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Dips for Your Pizza Monkey Bread

While warm marinara sauce is a classic and highly recommended accompaniment, the versatility of pizza monkey bread means it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your family’s favorite!

• Homemade Pizza Sauce: Elevate your dipping experience with a rich, homemade pizza sauce for unparalleled freshness and flavor.
• Easy Alfredo Sauce: For a creamy, decadent alternative, a smooth Alfredo sauce offers a delightful contrast to the savory pizza flavors.
• Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add a sophisticated twist with sun-dried tomatoes blended into your Alfredo for an extra layer of savory depth.
• Ranch Dressing: A popular choice, the tangy and herby notes of ranch dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pizza elements.
• Alfredo & Pesto Sauce Mix: For a gourmet touch, combine half Alfredo sauce with half homemade pesto for a creamy, herbaceous dip that’s bursting with flavor.
• Warm Nacho Cheese/Queso: For a cheesy, spicy kick, a warm queso dip can be incredibly satisfying.
• Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce: Simply melt butter with extra garlic powder and a pinch of parsley for a quick, savory dip that enhances the existing garlic notes.

Beyond dips, consider serving your pizza monkey bread with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or as part of a larger appetizer spread for parties and game nights.