Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the cheesy pizza monkey bread that’s become my go-to comfort food for every gathering! I first made this pull-apart wonder when my niece begged for “something fun” at her birthday party – and wow, did it disappear fast. There’s something magical about combining everyone’s favorite pizza flavors with that irresistible monkey bread texture.
Now I make this at least once a month because it’s that perfect combination of easy and impressive. The way the melted mozzarella stretches between each buttery, garlicky biscuit piece? Pure heaven. And don’t even get me started on the pepperoni tucked in every layer – little bursts of savory goodness in every bite. Whether it’s game night, potlucks, or just because Tuesday, this cheesy pizza monkey bread always brings people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new favorite:
- So easy a kid could make it – Seriously, if you can open cans of biscuits and toss ingredients together, you’re golden
- Instant party starter – That moment when you flip the bundt pan and everyone oohs and aahs? Priceless
- Totally customizable – Swap pepperoni for sausage, add veggies, or go wild with different cheeses
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I’ve never seen anyone resist going back for “just one more piece”
- Comfort food magic – Warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness that hugs your soul with every bite
Trust me, once you make this once, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to bake it again!
Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pure Comfort Food
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this gooey, pull-apart masterpiece – and yes, I’m particular about some of these ingredients because they really do make a difference!
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough – I swear by Pillsbury Grands! for their fluffy texture
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella – Pack it in the measuring cup, people! And please, please shred it fresh – those pre-shredded bags just don’t melt the same
- 1 cup pepperoni slices – I like to cut mine into quarters for perfect little pockets of flavor
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter – Because we’re already indulging, might as well use the good stuff
- 1 tsp garlic powder – The secret weapon that makes every bite sing
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – My homemade blend has extra oregano for that authentic pizza parlor taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan – The salty, nutty finishing touch that takes it over the top
- 1 cup marinara sauce – For dipping (though honestly, I sometimes just eat it straight from the jar while waiting for the bread to bake)
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you probably already have most of these kitchen essentials! Here’s what you’ll want to grab before diving in:
- A trusty bundt pan – That beautiful ring shape makes flipping the bread a breeze
- Two mixing bowls – One for the butter mixture, one for tossing those biscuit pieces
- Pastry brush – For getting every last bit of garlic butter goodness where it belongs
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears – To quickly quarter those biscuits
- Measuring cups/spoons – Because eyeballing garlic powder never ends well!
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required for this cheesy masterpiece!
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pure Comfort Food
Okay, let’s get our hands cheesy! This recipe comes together so easily, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make it absolutely perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
Preparing the Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biscuits and let’s get messy! I like to pop open the cans on the counter edge – that satisfying pop never gets old. Cut each biscuit into quarters with kitchen shears (so much faster than a knife!) and toss them into a big bowl.
Now for the magic potion: melt your butter and whisk in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Pour this golden goodness over the biscuit pieces and gently toss until every nook and cranny is coated. Pro tip: don’t overmix here – we want those biscuits to stay light and fluffy, not turn into dense little dough balls!
Layering the Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread
Here’s where the fun begins! Grab your well-greased bundt pan (trust me, you don’t want to skip greasing – I learned that the hard way). Start layering:
- A handful of buttered biscuit pieces
- A generous sprinkle of mozzarella
- A scattering of pepperoni pieces
Repeat until you’ve used up all your ingredients, pressing down every few layers to help everything stick together. The top layer should be extra cheesy – I always save some extra mozzarella and Parmesan for this! Sprinkle that Parmesan right on top – it’ll create the most gorgeous golden crust.
Baking and Serving
Pop that beauty in the oven for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and smells like pizza heaven. Here’s the hardest part: WAIT 5 minutes before flipping! I know, I know – the temptation is real, but letting it rest helps everything set so it doesn’t fall apart when you turn it out.
When you’re ready, place a plate over the pan, take a deep breath, and flip with confidence! Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy, or just dive right in with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Watch those cheese pulls and happy faces – that’s the real reward!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – don’t judge!), I’ve learned a few secrets for cheesy pizza monkey bread perfection:
- Grease that pan like you mean it – Every nook needs butter or cooking spray, or you’ll be scraping delicious bits off the pan instead of enjoying them
- Freshly shredded cheese is non-negotiable – The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded bags make it melt weirdly – take the extra 2 minutes to shred your own
- Patience pays off – Letting it rest those 5 minutes before flipping makes all the difference between a beautiful ring and cheesy chaos
- Customize fearlessly – My nephew loves when I add jalapeños, while my sister swears by black olives – make it your own!
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll be the cheesy pizza monkey bread hero at every gathering!
Variations on Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pure Comfort Food
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your pizza dreams! Here are my favorite twists:
- Veggie lover’s delight – Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives (my friend’s kids go nuts for this version)
- Spicy kick – Use hot Italian sausage and pepper jack cheese – I always keep napkins nearby for this one!
- Gluten-free option – Simply sub in your favorite GF biscuit dough – the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor still rocks
- Breakfast twist – Morning crowd? Try scrambled eggs and bacon pieces with cheddar – pure brunch magic
Honestly, once you’ve got the basic method down, the possibilities are endless. What’ll you try first?
Serving and Storing Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread
Here’s how I serve this cheesy masterpiece – piping hot right from the oven with a big bowl of warm marinara for dipping (though my husband insists ranch dressing is the way to go). It pairs perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies when you want to pretend you’re being healthy. As for leftovers? Ha! Just kidding – if by some miracle there are any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. A quick 30-second zap in the microwave brings back that gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread
Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating cheesy pizza monkey bread for its health benefits! But since you asked, here’s the scoop per serving (about 1/8 of the recipe):
- 420 calories – Totally worth every single one
- 28g fat – Mostly from that glorious cheese and butter
- 32g carbs – Perfect fuel for cheesy pizza happiness
- 14g protein – The pepperoni and cheese are pulling their weight
Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary based on brands and how generous you are with the cheese (no judgment here!).
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this cheesy pizza monkey bread – here are the ones that pop up most often!
“Can I prep this ahead of time?” Absolutely! Assemble everything in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. The cheese might not get quite as melty, but it’s still delicious!
“Does this freeze well?” You bet! After baking and cooling completely, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through – about 15-20 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but it’s still mighty tasty.
“Can I use homemade dough instead of canned?” Of course! My grandma’s biscuit recipe works beautifully – just roll the dough into small balls instead of cutting. The texture will be slightly denser but still wonderful. Bonus points if you add a pinch of sugar to mimic that canned biscuit flavor!
“Why bundt pan? Can I use something else?” The ring shape helps everything cook evenly and makes that dramatic flip possible. But in a pinch, a 9×13 baking dish works – just serve it scoop-style instead of flipping!
Share Your Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Creation
I’d love to see your cheesy masterpieces! Snap a photo of that glorious cheese pull and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures. Leave a comment below with your favorite variations too – we’re all in this cheesy journey together!
Print
3-Step Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread Pure Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy pizza monkey bread is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for sharing. It combines the flavors of pizza with the fun pull-apart texture of monkey bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz each)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Toss biscuit pieces in the butter mixture.
- Layer biscuit pieces, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni in a greased bundt pan.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before flipping onto a plate.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded mozzarella for best results.
- Add other pizza toppings like olives or mushrooms if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy pizza monkey bread, comfort food, party appetizer, easy recipe