If you love pizza and bread, Pizza Monkey Bread is your ultimate comfort food. This pull-apart delight combines bite-sized pieces of biscuit dough stuffed with mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and a flavorful garlic-Parmesan butter coating. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner, it’s both interactive and indulgent.

Each bite is packed with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and aromatic Italian herbs. Whether served warm straight from the oven or alongside a fresh salad, Pizza Monkey Bread is always a showstopper.

Ingredients

Dough & Filling:

1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mini pepperoni slices
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Garlic Butter & Seasoning:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or round baking dish.
Prepare Dough: Cut each biscuit into 4–6 small pieces.
Assemble Dough Balls: Flatten each piece slightly, place a small amount of mozzarella and mini pepperoni in the center, fold dough around filling, and pinch edges to seal.
Coat in Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss each stuffed dough ball in the garlic butter mixture until fully coated.
Layer in Pan: Place coated dough balls evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and pull apart the bread to enjoy gooey, cheesy bites.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread

Even Filling: Don’t overfill dough balls; a small amount of cheese ensures they cook evenly without leaking.
Extra Crispiness: Brush a little extra garlic butter on top before baking for a golden, flavorful crust.
Make Ahead: Assemble in a pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours; bake when ready to serve.
Cheese Variations: Add provolone, mozzarella blend, or even cheddar for different flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pair with a simple Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Perfect for kids’ parties, game days, or a cozy movie night.
Great addition to appetizer platters for holiday gatherings.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Pull-apart breads like monkey bread originated in the U.S. in the 1950s and were typically sweet. Savory variations like Pizza Monkey Bread have become popular for parties because of their interactive nature and shareable design. Combining Italian pizza ingredients with soft dough creates a universally appealing snack. The term “monkey bread” comes from the way diners pick apart the pieces, mimicking a monkey’s playful behavior.

By adding garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this pizza-inspired version elevates a nostalgic treat into a modern, crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner option.