Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe: Awesome Pull-Apart Party Appetizer!

If you love pizza and crave a fun, shareable snack, pizza monkey bread is about to become your new favorite recipe! This pull-apart bread is loaded with gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and all your favorite pizza flavors in bite-sized, buttery pieces. It’s perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

The first time I made pizza monkey bread, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! I used store-bought biscuit dough for a quick version, but later, I tried making my own dough from scratch—and wow, it took this dish to a whole new level. Whether you go the easy route or make it from scratch, this recipe is a guaranteed winner!

Delicious pepperoni pizza monkey bread with melted cheese and marinara sauce on a white plate, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce and a knife on the side.

pizza oven cta 2025 ver2b Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe: Awesome Pull-Apart Party Appetizer!

Your Grocery List

  • All-purpose flour (3 cups, if making homemade dough)
  • Warm water (1 cup, if making homemade dough)
  • Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, if making homemade dough)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons, plus extra for greasing)
  • Sugar (1 teaspoon, if making homemade dough)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Store-bought canned biscuit dough (if skipping homemade dough)
  • Pepperoni slices (1 cup, chopped)
  • Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
  • Butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional for heat)
  • Marinara sauce (1 cup, for dipping)

Homemade Dough vs. Store-Bought Biscuit Dough

If you’re short on time, store-bought biscuit dough is a fantastic shortcut. It gives the monkey bread a buttery, soft texture and bakes up beautifully. However, if you love the process of baking from scratch, making your own pizza dough adds a homemade touch that’s totally worth it. The homemade version has a slightly chewier texture and a richer flavor.

How to Make the Dough from Scratch

To make homemade dough, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes). Stir in olive oil, flour, and salt, then knead until smooth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. Once it’s ready, divide the dough into small, bite-sized pieces before assembling the monkey bread.

Prepping the Perfect Pizza Bites

Cut your biscuit dough (or homemade dough) into small, 1-inch pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This coats each bite with incredible flavor before baking.

Layering for the Ultimate Cheese Pull

Grease a bundt pan with olive oil or butter. Layer half of the dough pieces into the pan, then sprinkle in half of your chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining dough, cheese, and pepperoni for even distribution. The layering ensures that every pull-apart piece is packed with cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness.

Baking & Serving Tips

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for a few minutes before flipping onto a serving plate. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—trust me, this step takes it to the next level!

Make It Even Better

Try adding cooked crumbled sausage, olives, or diced bell peppers to mix up the flavors. Want extra cheesiness? Stuff small cubes of mozzarella inside some of the dough balls before baking for surprise cheese pockets!

Pairing Ideas

What Kind of Pizza Goes Well with Pizza Monkey Bread?

If you’re making this as an appetizer for pizza night, pair it with a classic Margherita pizza or a BBQ chicken pizza for variety.

Drink Pairings

A chilled soda, a glass of red wine, or even a fun Italian soda pairs perfectly with this cheesy pull-apart bread.

Dessert Pairings

Follow up this savory treat with a classic tiramisu or a scoop of gelato to keep the Italian theme going.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy edges. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour if making homemade dough)
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes (or 1 hour 50 minutes with homemade dough)

Fun Facts

Despite its name, monkey bread has nothing to do with monkeys! It’s called that because it’s meant to be pulled apart and eaten with your fingers, just like monkeys do with their food.

Allergen Warnings

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (flour, biscuit dough). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough. To make it dairy-free, use vegan cheese and plant-based butter.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

To make this vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with plant-based sausage. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese, dairy-free butter, and a vegan pizza dough substitute.

A delicious slice of cheese pizzaPizza fresh from the ovenA mouthwatering pizza close-upAnother irresistible slice of pizza
Delicious pepperoni pizza monkey bread with melted cheese and marinara sauce on a white plate, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce and a knife on the side.

Pizza Monkey Bread

A cheesy, pull-apart pizza monkey bread made with homemade or store-bought dough, loaded with pepperoni and mozzarella. The perfect party appetizer!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Bundt pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour for homemade dough
  • 1 cup warm water for homemade dough
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast for homemade dough
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon sugar for homemade dough
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package store-bought canned biscuit dough alternative to homemade dough
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices chopped
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions
 

  • If making homemade dough, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes). Stir in olive oil, flour, and salt, then knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a bundt pan with olive oil or butter.
  • Cut biscuit dough or homemade dough into small 1-inch pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss dough pieces with melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Layer half of the dough pieces into the prepared bundt pan, then sprinkle half of the chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella over the top.
  • Repeat the layering process with the remaining dough, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes, then flip onto a serving plate.
  • Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For extra cheesiness, stuff small cubes of mozzarella inside some of the dough balls before baking.
Keyword Party Food, Pizza Monkey Bread, Pull-Apart Bread
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