Pizza Monkey Bread

Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and delicious appetizer that combines the beloved flavors of pizza into a pull-apart bread. Made with biscuit dough and loaded with cheese, meats, and vegetables, it’s perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Filling:

• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Dipping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and place them in a large bowl.
3. Pour the melted butter over the dough pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, sausage, olives, bell pepper, and onion to the bowl. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the seasoning over the dough mixture and toss to combine.
6. Layer the dough mixture evenly in the prepared bundt pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
9. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 10 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is 30-35 minutes, and the total time is around 55 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit meats and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Cheesy Version: Increase the amount of mozzarella and add other cheeses such as cheddar or provolone.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use spicy sausage for added heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for individual servings.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen biscuit dough?
   Yes, frozen biscuit dough can be used; just thaw it according to package instructions before using.
2. What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
   You can use a regular cake pan or a casserole dish, but the shape and baking time may vary.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and bake it just before serving.
4. What can I dip this bread in?
   Marinara sauce is traditional, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto also work well.
5. Can I add different toppings?
   Absolutely! Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like fresh basil, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
6. How do I know when it’s done?
   The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Yes, kids generally love it due to the cheesy and familiar pizza flavors.
8. Can I freeze the monkey bread?
   Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to eat.
9. What kind of biscuit dough should I use?
   You can use any type of refrigerated biscuit dough, including buttermilk or flaky varieties.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer that captures the essence of pizza in a fun, shareable format. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual gathering, this recipe allows for endless customization, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of their favorite pizza flavors. Serve it warm with marinara sauce, and watch it disappear!

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