Pull Apart Monkey Bread with Pepperoni and Mozzarella

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This pull apart monkey bread is made with biscuit dough. It is loaded with extra stretchy, gooey mozzarella cheese, rolled in tangy parmesan, layered with meaty pepperoni, and baked to irresistible!

You may know Monkey Bread as an old-fashioned dessert, but this Pull Apart Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza Monkey Bread recipe is a savory twist on the classic. The dough is made from store-bought canned biscuits (a shortcut), making this recipe even easier.

Want more delicious bread recipes to try out?  Try making this delicious Rosemary Olive Oil Bread that is perfect to serve with soup. Or for something a little sweeter, make this Peach and Rosemary Focaccia Bread.

If you want more pizza recipes, start with making the best homemade pizza seasoning that works for any pizza recipe. Or have a go at making some lunch box pizzas that the kids will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

• Simple and Quick: Using store-bought canned biscuits significantly reduces prep time, making this an ideal easy recipe for busy weeknights or a great addition to impromptu gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: Its pizza-like flavors and fun, pull-apart bread format make it a hit among kids, encouraging them to join in the kitchen fun.
• Versatile: Easily customize this bread by adding your favorite pizza toppings, from olives and mushrooms to sausage and bell peppers, making it a new experience every time.
• Perfect for Sharing: The best part is this is designed to be pulled apart. this easy monkey bread recipe is a perfect social food, perfect for parties, family dinners, or movie nights.

What Is Monkey Bread?

Monkey bread is often a sweet dessert made with ground cinnamon, vanilla extract and sometimes served with a buttery brown sugar sauce or eve caramel sauce. But this is a savory pull apart monkey bread!

Each dough bite is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and filled with pizza sauce before being closed and rolled in butter and garlic parmesan cheese. If that isn’t enough to get your mouth watering, add in layers of pepperoni and even more mozzarella cheese between each bread bite. Finish it off with the remaining butter and cheese and then bake.

Serve with ranch, pizza sauce, or your dip of choice. This dish is perfect for entertaining, and you’ll be lucky if it lasts a full five minutes before every last piece is gobbled up. So, If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that will be the hit of your next get-together, then this bread is just what you need! 

What’s In This Pull Apart Monkey Bread Recipe?

• Biscuits: The base of this savory monkey bread, biscuits provide a fluffy, tender texture that perfectly complements the hearty fillings. Using store-bought canned biscuit dough allows for a quick and convenient preparation.
• Mozzarella Cheese Cubes: These gooey cubes of mozzarella melt inside each bite of the bread, creating pockets of stretchy, cheesy goodness that enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Pizza Sauce: This adds a tangy, robust tomato flavor, reminiscent of classic pizza, infusing each layer of the bread with familiar and comforting notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rolled in parmesan, the bread acquires a crispy, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, doughy interior. The cheese’s sharp, salty taste elevates the savory elements of the dish.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder brings a mild, aromatic warmth, subtly enriching the recipe without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Dry Parsley: Adding a hint of color and a fresh, slightly peppery taste, dry parsley rounds out the flavors and adds a visual appeal to the dish.
• Butter: Melted butter is brushed over the bread before and after baking, giving it a rich, moist texture and a golden, shiny crust that looks as good as it tastes.
• Shredded Mozzarella: More mozzarella means more cheese-pull magic. Sprinkled among the layers, it ensures every pull apart reveals stringy, melty cheese.
• Mini Pepperoni: These bite-sized pieces of pepperoni bring a meaty, spicy kick to this delicious monkey bread, making each bite a perfect balance of dough, cheese, and meat.
• Ranch and/or Pizza Sauce for Dipping: Serve with ranch for a tangy contrast or pizza sauce to double down on the pizza theme, turning each dip into a delightful flavor adventure.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Biscuits: Easily make this tasty recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free biscuit dough available at most grocery stores.
• Vegan Cheese and Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with your favorite vegan alternatives, and use plant-based butter.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms between the layers for added texture and a veggie boost.
• Spicy Pepperoni: Swap out the mini pepperoni for a spicier version or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to heat things up.
• Chicken or Sausage: For a different protein option, consider using cooked, diced chicken or crumbled sausage instead of pepperoni. 

How To Make Pull Apart Pizza Monkey Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Flatten the biscuit pieces into a thin circle. (Photo 1)
3. Add ½ teaspoon of pizza sauce and a cube of mozzarella cheese to the top of the dough. (Photo 2)
4. Securely seal the dough around the sauce and cheese, forming a ball. (Photo 3)
5. Repeat the process with all the biscuits. (Photo 4)

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dry parsley together. (Photo 5)
2. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl. 
3. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter, then roll it in the parmesan cheese mixture before placing it into the prepped bundt pan. (Photos 6, 7 & 8)

1. Add a layer of mini pepperoni and shredded mozzarella on top of the first layer of dough balls. (Photo 9)
2. Place another layer of dough balls, mini pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. (Photo 10)
3. Drizzle the remaining butter and sprinkle any leftover shredded cheese over the top layer. (Photo 11)
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown. (Photo 12)
5. Allow cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate for serving.
6. Serve with additional pizza sauce and/or ranch dressing as dipping sauces and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Work Quickly with Dough: It’s important to work quickly once you start assembling the ingredients to prevent the biscuit dough from becoming too warm. This ensures the dough remains easy to handle and seals effectively around the fillings.
• Layer Evenly: Ensure an even distribution of cheese, pepperoni, and dough balls in the bundt pan to achieve a uniform texture and flavor in every slice of the monkey bread.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s advisable to check the monkey bread around the 35-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Cool Before Inverting: Allowing the monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan will help it set and reduce the risk of it falling apart when you invert it onto a plate.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While this recipe is designed for baking in an oven, you can adapt it for other cooking methods, such as an Instant Pot or slow cooker. However, these methods will modify the texture and appearance of the monkey bread. 

For the Instant Pot, use a springform pan that fits inside and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. Cook under high pressure for about 25 minutes, followed by a natural release. 

In a slow cooker, line the pot with parchment paper for easy removal and cook on high for 2 hours or until the bread is cooked through. 

Note that both these methods may result in a softer crust compared to the oven-baked version.

Storing Tips 

To store any leftovers of your Pull Apart Pizza Monkey Bread, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. For a longer storage option, this dish freezes well. Wrap the cooled monkey bread in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, if refrigerated, unwrap the monkey bread and place it on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through, typically about 10-15 minutes. If the monkey bread is frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same method. This ensures the bread retains its moisture and the cheese melts perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

If you are having a large get-together for the holidays or are hosting a game day party, then you’ll need to pull together some appetizers or finger foods. Pair this monkey bread with a cheese platter and/or fruit tray for your vegetarian guests. If you’re looking for more great party food ideas, check out these recipes:

• Gluten-Free Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs
• Flavor-Infused Seasoned Baked Tortilla Chips
• Sweet and Spicy Corn Salsa
• Easy DIY Homemade Baked Pizza Rolls (3 Ingredients!)
• Slow Cooker Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Easy Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls with Cream Cheese
• See all of our delicious party food recipes!

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