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Pizza Monkey Bread – A Cheesy, Pull-Apart Party Favorite!

Published: 

July 20, 2025

Thank you for being here — seriously! If you’re anything like me, you live for those recipes that are simple, fun, and seriously delicious. Well, this Pizza Monkey Bread hits all the right notes. It’s a savory twist on the classic sweet monkey bread, packed with gooey mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce. The moment it comes out of the oven, golden and bubbling? Irresistible!

What is Pizza Monkey Bread?

Pizza monkey bread is the savory cousin of the traditional sweet monkey bread. Instead of cinnamon sugar, we’re talking melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and savory pizza sauce stuffed between pillowy biscuit dough. It bakes up golden, gooey, and totally pull-apart friendly. Think: pizza meets party snack. Kids love it. Adults devour it. Leftovers rarely make it to the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread

  • Ridiculously easy: Thanks to refrigerated biscuit dough, the prep takes less than 10 minutes.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite toppings—olives, sausage, mushrooms—whatever your pizza heart desires!
  • Perfect for sharing: This is built for game nights, potlucks, and anytime people are gathering around.
  • Anything but boring!! Every bite is gooey, cheesy, and full of flavor.

What Does Pizza Monkey Bread Taste Like?

It tastes exactly how you want pizza to taste—warm, melty, a little tangy, and savory. The biscuits bake up fluffy and golden, while the cheese melts perfectly into every pocket. The pepperoni gives a salty, spiced bite and the pizza sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful. It’s like eating the best parts of a pepperoni pizza in fun, bite-sized pull-apart form!

Healthier than Takeout? You Bet!

Okay, let’s not pretend this is a health food—but it is a smarter option than greasy delivery pizza. You control the ingredients, cut the sodium by using low-salt sauce or cheese, and add in veggies for fiber. Plus, it’s baked—not fried. Bonus points all around!

Ingredients for Pizza Monkey Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

  • A bundt pan (for that classic shape) or a 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl for tossing everything together
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Oven mitts! This comes out HOT and bubbly!

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

  • Dough: Crescent roll dough or homemade pizza dough can work too!
  • Cheese: Try a mix of mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a kick.
  • Add-ins: Sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage.
  • Sauce: Marinara or even a spicy arrabbiata works beautifully.

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this is key for an easy release later.

2. Cut the biscuit dough

Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl. This gives you perfect bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the filling

To the bowl, add the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, ¾ cup of pizza sauce, and melted butter. Gently toss until all the biscuit pieces are well coated and sticky with cheese and sauce.

4. Assemble in the pan

Scoop the biscuit mixture into your prepared pan, pressing lightly to level the top. Don’t pack it too tight—it needs room to rise and puff!

5. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, the cheese should be bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean and hot.

6. Cool and serve

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before turning it out (if using a bundt pan). Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh basil, or grated Parmesan for an extra finish.

7. Dip and devour

Serve warm with a bowl of extra pizza sauce for dipping. Every bite is better than the last!

What to Serve with Pizza Monkey Bread

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re building a party spread, here are some great additions:

  • Crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad
  • Garlic knots or roasted veggies
  • Sparkling lemonade or craft sodas for a fun, non-alcoholic pairing
  • Red wine or beer for adults (hello, pizza + IPA perfection)

Tips for the Best Pizza Monkey Bread

  • Grease the pan well — especially if using a bundt pan. Cheese + dough = stick city.
  • Use mini pepperoni if you can find them — they mix in better and don’t overpower.
  • Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the top — once it’s golden, it’s usually done.
  • Let it rest before serving so it holds its shape better when pulled apart.
  • Double it for a crowd — just use two pans!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds.

Pizza Monkey Bread FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I make it without a bundt pan?

Absolutely. A 9×13-inch baking dish works just as well—it’ll be more like a pull-apart bake than a ring.

Is it kid-friendly?

SO much! Kids love helping with assembly and definitely love eating it. Make it a family affair!

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

You can! Just cut it into 1-inch chunks. The texture may be slightly chewier, but still delicious.

A Recipe Worth Repeating!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or satisfying a pizza craving without calling for delivery, Pizza Monkey Bread is your new go-to. It’s comforting, playful, and packed with all the flavors we know and love from a classic pizza—only in fun, cheesy, shareable form.

If you loved this, don’t miss out on my Peach Cobbler Monkey Bread (sweet twist!) or Peach BBQ Chicken Flatbread for a summer pizza spin!

Join the Fun!

If you give this Pizza Monkey Bread a try, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your creation on Pinterest so others can find it too. Sharing is caring—especially when pizza’s involved.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. 1/8 of recipe)

  • Calories: ~310
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
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Pizza Monkey Bread – A Cheesy, Pull-Apart Party Favorite!


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Description

Pizza Monkey Bread is a savory, cheesy pull-apart twist on a classic—loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce! It’s the perfect party snack or game-day centerpiece. Simple to prep with refrigerated biscuit dough and gone in minutes. Bake, dip, and watch it disappear!


Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni

¾ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)

2 tbsp melted butter

Optional garnish: chopped parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish well.

Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Add mozzarella, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and melted butter to the bowl. Gently toss everything until the dough is well coated.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and press down lightly to even out the top.

Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the center is cooked through. A knife inserted in the middle should come out hot and clean.

Cool for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate if using a bundt pan (or serve directly from the baking dish).

Garnish and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Notes

Want to change things up? Add chopped black olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage into the mix before baking.

Don’t overbake—once it’s golden on top and hot in the center, it’s ready!

To make ahead: assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours, then bake fresh before serving.

Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Bundt pan gives that wow factor, but a regular baking dish works just as well.


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