Looking for a delightful twist on classic pizza? Look no further than this Pizza Monkey Bread recipe! With its playful presentation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite for family gatherings, game nights, or any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like refrigerated canned biscuits, savory pepperoni, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a blend of aromatic seasonings, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters
- 6 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cut the refrigerated canned biscuits into quarters and slice the pepperoni pieces in half.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Toss until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, ensuring to cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
- Once baked, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the pizza monkey bread.
- Garnish your creation with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping and watch as everyone digs in with delight!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1390mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 21g
Serving Tips:
- Warm and Fresh: Pizza Monkey Bread is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
- Presentation: Transfer the monkey bread onto a large serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce complements the savory flavors of the bread perfectly.
- Share and Enjoy: Place the dish in the center of the table and encourage guests to pull apart the bread with their hands, enjoying the interactive experience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Freezing: While Pizza Monkey Bread is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for longer storage. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat following the instructions above.
- Quality Check: Before serving reheated or frozen leftovers, ensure that the bread is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Pizza Monkey Bread remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes!
Variations:
- Meat Lover’s Delight: Customize your Pizza Monkey Bread with your favorite meats such as cooked crumbled sausage, diced ham, or crispy bacon for an indulgent meat lover’s version.
- Veggie Delight: Add a burst of color and nutrients by incorporating diced bell peppers, onions, olives, or mushrooms into the bread mixture for a flavorful vegetarian option.
- Supreme Style: Channel the flavors of a supreme pizza by including a combination of your favorite pizza toppings such as sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Swap out the pepperoni for diced cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Top with blue cheese crumbles for added flavor.
- BBQ Bacon Bliss: Replace the marinara sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked chopped bacon to the bread mixture for a smoky and savory twist.
- Caprese Inspired: Give your Pizza Monkey Bread a fresh and vibrant spin by using cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and chunks of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Pesto Perfection: Substitute marinara sauce with pesto sauce for a flavorful and aromatic variation. Add sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts to the bread mixture for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Greek Goddess: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, diced red onions, and crumbled feta cheese to the bread mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Give your Pizza Monkey Bread a Tex-Mex flair by adding diced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and shredded Mexican cheese blend to the mixture. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
- Hawaiian Style: Transport yourself to the tropics by topping the bread mixture with diced pineapple and cooked diced ham. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a touch of toasted coconut flakes for a sweet and savory delight.
These variations offer endless possibilities for customizing your Pizza Monkey Bread to suit your taste preferences and culinary creativity. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature flavor combinations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated canned biscuits?
- Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can be substituted for canned biscuits in this recipe. Prepare the dough according to your favorite recipe or use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
- Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake according to the recipe instructions when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze Pizza Monkey Bread for future enjoyment. After baking and cooling, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While mozzarella and parmesan are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda to customize the flavor of your Pizza Monkey Bread.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
- To make a vegetarian version of Pizza Monkey Bread, simply omit the pepperoni and add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, olives, or mushrooms to the bread mixture.
- What can I serve with Pizza Monkey Bread besides marinara sauce?
- While marinara sauce is a classic dipping option, you can also serve Pizza Monkey Bread with ranch dressing, garlic butter, pesto sauce, or even barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
- Can I add additional seasonings to the bread mixture?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme, or even sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
With its irresistible combination of cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, this Pizza Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza.
