The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Pizza Monkey Bread: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this incredible Pizza Monkey Bread! This isn’t just any pull-apart bread; it’s a cheesy, garlicky, pepperoni-packed masterpiece, baked to golden-brown perfection. Imagine soft, fluffy dough pieces, generously coated in savory butter, layered with an abundance of gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, all baked together in a fun bundt pan. Each bite is an explosion of classic pizza flavors, making it the ultimate party appetizer or a fantastic game day snack. Serve it warm with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Hot and Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread

This savory monkey bread recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your appetizer rotation:

• Effortlessly Easy: With canned biscuits and pizza crust, this recipe simplifies the baking process. It requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Forget complicated dough-making; this recipe is all about quick assembly and delicious results.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a large gathering, a casual family dinner, or a lively game day party, this pizza monkey bread is designed to satisfy many hungry guests. Its pull-apart nature encourages sharing and communal enjoyment, making it a social food experience.
• Perfectly Cooked Texture: One common pitfall of monkey bread is an uneven bake – sometimes the outside is overcooked while the inside remains doughy. This recipe is carefully crafted to ensure every piece is super soft, wonderfully buttery, and deliciously gooey on the inside, with perfectly crisp, golden edges. You’ll never have to worry about raw spots or burnt crusts again!
• Inspired by Beloved Classics: This unique pizza monkey bread draws its inspiration from two highly popular recipes: our cheesy garlic bread and classic monkey bread. We’ve combined the best elements of both to create a truly irresistible appetizer that brings together the comforting flavors of pizza and garlic bread in a fun, shareable format.
• Quick to Prepare and Bake: From start to finish, this amazing appetizer cooks in just about 55 minutes, including prep time. This means you can have a fresh, hot, and utterly delicious snack ready for your guests in under an hour, making it ideal for spontaneous entertaining or busy schedules.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Making this cheesy pizza monkey bread is a breeze, especially with these convenient ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitution tips:

• Canned Refrigerated Biscuits: These are the star of our dough base. Opt for the large, flaky-layer kind for the best texture. They provide a quick and easy shortcut, saving you from making dough from scratch. Simply quarter them, and they’re ready to go!
• Canned Refrigerated Pizza Crust: This ingredient adds an extra layer of authentic pizza flavor and a slightly chewier texture to your monkey bread. If you can’t find refrigerated canned pizza crust at your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with store-bought pizza dough (often found in the dairy or refrigerated dough section) or even a homemade pizza dough if you have the time. Just ensure it’s cut into small, manageable pieces similar in size to the quartered biscuits.
• Pepperoni: We use classic regular pepperoni for its iconic flavor and crispy edges when baked. However, feel free to customize! You can use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option, or switch to cooked, crumbled sausage (Italian sausage works wonderfully) for a heartier, meatier bread. Mini pepperoni slices are also a great choice as they distribute more evenly throughout the bread.
• Cheese, Glorious Cheese!: The secret to truly gooey and flavorful pizza monkey bread lies in the blend of cheeses.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: This is essential for that classic pizza stretch and melt. Use low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella for the best results, as it won’t make your bread watery.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and umami depth that elevates the overall flavor profile. A little goes a long way!
  • Buffalo Mozzarella: Sliced buffalo mozzarella melts beautifully and provides a creamy, rich texture, creating pockets of intense cheesiness within the bread. Its higher moisture content makes it incredibly decadent.

  This combination ensures maximum cheesiness, varied textures, and a robust flavor that perfectly complements the pizza elements.

• Unsalted Butter, Melted: Butter is key for coating the dough pieces, ensuring they are moist, flavorful, and don’t stick together excessively. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These spices are crucial for building that savory, aromatic foundation. Garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavor, while Italian seasoning (typically a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) ties all the pizza flavors together.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the butter mixture and bringing out all the wonderful flavors. Adjust to your preference.
• Marinara Sauce: A must-have for dipping! A good quality marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, perfectly complements the rich flavors of the monkey bread.

How To Make Pizza Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this irresistible pizza monkey bread is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bake a perfectly gooey and cheesy appetizer:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your bundt pan goes in.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This aromatic butter will infuse every piece of dough with incredible flavor.
3. Combine Dough and Butter: Take your quartered refrigerated biscuits and pizza crust pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared melted butter mixture over the dough pieces. Use your hands or a large spatula to gently toss and coat all the dough pieces evenly. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating!
4. Layering in the Bundt Pan: Lightly grease a 10-inch bundt pan to prevent sticking. Place approximately half of the butter-coated dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. Next, scatter half of the sliced buffalo mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices over this first layer of dough. Follow this with the remaining dough mixture, spreading it out evenly. Finally, top this second layer generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, the rest of the pepperoni slices, and a final sprinkle of 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost on top.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the bundt pan tightly with aluminum foil. This is a crucial step that helps the monkey bread cook through without the top burning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The internal temperature should reach about 200-210°F (93-99°C) for fully cooked dough.
6. Cool, Invert, and Serve: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the bread set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan. Then, carefully loosen the edges of the bread with a butter knife and invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Give it a gentle shake if needed. Serve your hot and cheesy pizza monkey bread immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the ultimate pull-apart experience!

Top Tips for Success and Delicious Recipe Variations

Elevate your pizza monkey bread with these handy tips and creative variations:

• Prevent Burning with Foil: As mentioned in the instructions, covering your bundt pan with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase is absolutely essential. This creates a steamy environment that allows the dough to cook thoroughly without the top layer of cheese and pepperoni burning or becoming overly crispy. Remove the foil only for the last few minutes to achieve a perfectly golden-brown crust.
• Cheese and Pepperoni Rescue: If, upon removing the foil, you find some cheese or pepperoni stuck to it, don’t fret! Simply peel them off carefully and place them back onto the monkey bread. If there are any bare spots or if you just want extra gooey goodness, you can always sprinkle a little more shredded mozzarella and a few extra pepperoni slices on top before the final uncovered bake.
• Add Your Favorite Pizza Toppings: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings to the dough mixture. Chop them finely so they distribute evenly and cook through. Popular additions include:
  • Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, sliced black olives, diced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), finely chopped onions, or even some spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry).
  • Meats: Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, bacon bits, or cooked ground beef.

  Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, and ensure any wetter ingredients (like mushrooms or spinach) are pre-cooked to avoid adding too much moisture.

• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, incorporating a generous pinch of red crushed pepper flakes into the butter mixture or sprinkling them over the cheese layers will add a fantastic kick. You can also use spicy pepperoni or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Different Cheese Blends: Experiment with other cheese varieties! Provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda can add unique flavors. A sharp cheddar can also be a delicious addition to the mozzarella and parmesan.
• Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil or oregano sprinkled in with the cheese layers can enhance the aromatic profile and add a vibrant touch.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you’re a true garlic aficionado, consider adding a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic along with the garlic powder to the butter mixture for an even more intense garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this Pizza Monkey Bread is phenomenal on its own, here are a few ideas to make it an even more impressive spread:

• Classic Marinara: A warm bowl of rich marinara sauce is the quintessential pairing. Its tangy sweetness perfectly balances the savory, cheesy bread.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip: For a different flavor profile, offer a creamy ranch dressing or a zesty blue cheese dip. These can provide a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Butter Dip: Melted butter infused with extra garlic and herbs can further enhance the garlicky notes of the monkey bread.
• As Part of a Buffet: This pull-apart bread is ideal for a buffet table. Alongside other appetizers like mini meatballs, vegetable platters, and bruschetta, it creates a diverse and appealing spread.
• Family Dinner Side: Don’t limit it to just appetizers! It makes a fantastic, fun side dish for a casual Italian-themed family dinner, complementing pasta dishes or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While this pizza monkey bread is undeniably best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, sometimes you might have leftovers (though it’s rare!). Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:

• Storage: To keep any leftover pizza monkey bread fresh, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place the entire loaf or individual pieces in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3 days. Storing it properly will help preserve its flavor and prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating in the Oven: For the best results, reheating in the oven is highly recommended. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover monkey bread (either whole or in pieces) on a baking sheet, loosely covered with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted and gooey again. This method helps restore some of its original texture.
• Reheating in the Microwave: While less ideal for texture, the microwave is a quick option for individual portions. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be aware that the bread might become a bit softer and less crispy than oven-reheated portions.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare it ahead or have a significant amount of leftovers, you can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cheesy, pull-apart delight, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from Cooked by Julie:

• Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread: Another savory monkey bread variation focusing on pure garlic and cheese goodness.
• Onion Rolls: Soft, savory rolls with a delightful onion flavor, perfect as a side for any meal.
• Cheese Stuffed Rolls: Irresistible rolls with a molten cheese center, a true crowd-pleaser.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip Bread: A creative and delicious way to serve your favorite dip, baked right into the bread.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and sharing this incredible Pizza Monkey Bread. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion. If you tried this recipe, please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration!

Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe

This pizza monkey bread is cheesy and garlicky pull-apart bread baked to perfection. Serve with a marinara sauce for the ultimate party or game day appetizer!

Recipe Details

• Author: Julie Maestre
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes (Adjusted total time to reflect combined prep and cook)
• Servings: 8 servings
• Course: Appetizer, Side
• Cuisine: American
• Keywords: monkey bread, Pizza Monkey Bread, Savory Monkey Bread, Pull Apart Bread, Game Day Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated biscuits, quartered
• 1 can refrigerated pizza crust, quartered (or equivalent pizza dough)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo mozzarella, sliced
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup pepperoni, about 20 slices (plus extra for topping, if desired)
• 1 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt to taste
• Marinara sauce, for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuit and pizza dough pieces with the butter mixture. Toss until all pieces are well coated.
4. Lightly grease a 10-inch bundt pan. Place half of the dough mixture in the pan. Top with half of the buffalo mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
5. Place the remaining dough mixture on top. Finish by scattering the shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, remaining pepperoni slices, and 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning over the top.
6. Cover the bundt pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a butter knife and invert the pizza monkey bread onto a serving plate. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Video Guide

Watch our step-by-step video to see how easily this amazing Pizza Monkey Bread comes together!

Notes

• Always cover the bundt pan with aluminum foil during the initial bake to prevent the top from burning.
• If any cheese or pepperoni sticks to the foil, simply place it back onto the bread or add extra.
• Customize your monkey bread with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, peppers, onions, or cooked sausage.
• For a spicy kick, add a generous pinch of red crushed pepper flakes to the butter mixture or sprinkle on top.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

• Calories: 558 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg
• Sodium: 1176 mg
• Potassium: 178 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Vitamin A: 762 IU
• Vitamin C: 1 mg
• Calcium: 343 mg
• Iron: 4 mg