Are you ready to revolutionize the way you think about pizza and bread? Dive into our scrumptious Pizza Monkey Bread recipe, a delightful twist that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with the fun and convenience of pull-apart bread. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What is Pizza Monkey Bread?
Pizza Monkey Bread transforms traditional monkey bread into a savory feast with the flavors of your favorite pizza. It’s made by tossing pieces of dough with cheese, pizza toppings, and herbs, then baking everything together in a bundt pan until golden and bubbly. The result is a deliciously cheesy and hearty treat that’s fun to eat—no slicing needed, just pull apart and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade pizza dough
- Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the dough: If using biscuit dough, cut each biscuit into quarters. If using pizza dough, roll it out and cut into small pieces.
- Mix the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, black olives, Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add the dough pieces to this mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
- Assemble: Layer half of the dough and filling mixture into the prepared bundt pan. Drizzle half of the butter mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining dough, filling, and butter mixture.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fun to Make and Eat: Assembling this dish is a fun activity, perfect for involving kids or guests.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Add sausage, bacon, different types of cheese, or various veggies to make your own unique version.
- Perfect for Sharing: The pull-apart nature makes it a great communal food for parties or family meals.
Nutritional Information:
While Pizza Monkey Bread is undoubtedly a treat, it’s also hearty and filling. Cheese provides a good amount of calcium and protein, while the choice of vegetables can boost the fiber and vitamin content. However, keep in mind that it is also calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion:
Pizza Monkey Bread is a delightful fusion that ticks all the boxes for a perfect casual meal or party food. It’s cheesy, customizable, and sure to impress with its look and flavors. Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for something fun and flavorful, and watch it become a new favorite!
Whether it’s a laid-back dinner at home or a festive party occasion, this Pizza Monkey Bread recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that combines all your favorite pizza elements in a whimsically delicious way. Give it a try and let the good times roll!
Serving and Storage Tips for Pizza Monkey Bread
After mastering the art of making Pizza Monkey Bread, the next steps are serving it at its best and storing any leftovers properly. Here are some practical tips to ensure that every bite of your Pizza Monkey Bread remains as delicious as when it first came out of the oven.
Serving Tips:
1. Serve Warm: Pizza Monkey Bread tastes best when served warm. The cheese is gooey, and the bread is soft and fluffy. If it has cooled down, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or until it’s warm throughout.
2. Presentation: Serve your Pizza Monkey Bread directly on a large serving plate or wooden cutting board for that rustic, inviting look. Inverting the bundt pan onto a plate not only makes for an appealing presentation but also makes it easy for guests to pull apart pieces.
3. Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor by providing a variety of dipping sauces. Classic marinara, creamy garlic, and spicy ranch are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the Pizza Monkey Bread.
4. Add Fresh Toppings:Just before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for extra zest. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavors.
Storage Tips:
1. Cool Completely: Before storing any leftovers, allow the Monkey Bread to cool completely. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the bread soggy.
2. Refrigerate Properly: Place the cooled Monkey Bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be refrigerated like this for up to 3 days.
3. Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag and freeze it. Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Reheating: To reheat, remove any wrapping and place the bread in an oven preheated to 350°F. Cover the bread with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake until it is heated through (about 10-15 minutes). If reheating from frozen, allow additional time and consider sprinkling a little water over the top or adding a few pats of butter to help moisten the bread.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Pizza Monkey Bread remains a delightful treat that maintains its quality and taste, making it just as enjoyable the next day or even weeks later, as long as it’s stored correctly.
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough for Pizza Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can be a great substitute for biscuit dough in this recipe. Just ensure that the pizza dough is rolled out and cut into small pieces before tossing it with the filling ingredients. Keep in mind that using pizza dough might give the bread a slightly chewier texture compared to the fluffiness of biscuit dough.
2. How can I make a vegetarian version of Pizza Monkey Bread?
To make a vegetarian version of Pizza Monkey Bread, simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables or vegetarian-friendly toppings. Consider options like diced mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini. You can also add different types of cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for added flavor.
3. What’s the best way to ensure that the center of the monkey bread cooks through without the outside getting too brown?
To prevent the outside from over-browning while ensuring the center cooks thoroughly, it’s important to bake the monkey bread at the right temperature and time. Baking at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes is typically sufficient. However, if you notice the top getting too brown before the center is done, you can loosely cover the top with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process to protect it.
4. Can Pizza Monkey Bread be made ahead of time?
Yes, Pizza Monkey Bread can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it even more convenient for entertaining. You can assemble the bread in the bundt pan and then cover it and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking. This can actually help the flavors to meld together more. Just remember to let the bundt pan come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.