Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread – Easy Pull-Apart Party Snack

When you want a dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering, Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect choice. This gooey, cheesy, and irresistibly savory recipe combines the best flavors of pizza into an easy-to-make, pull-apart bread. Packed with melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and pizza seasonings, it’s a snack that both kids and adults can’t resist.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family movie night, or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is fun to prepare, easy to customize, and impossible to stop eating. Serve it warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll have the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

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JUMP TO RECIPE

What Is Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread?

Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread takes the concept of classic monkey bread – a pull-apart bread traditionally made sweet with cinnamon and sugar – and gives it a savory pizza-inspired twist. Each piece of dough is stuffed with cheese and pepperoni, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and baked together to create a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

This recipe is perfect for sharing because it’s served as a pull-apart dish, where everyone grabs a bite-sized piece filled with stretchy, melted cheese. Plus, the bundt pan presentation makes it visually stunning and fun to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread will become your new favorite snack or appetizer:

• Easy to Make: With store-bought dough, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun, interactive dish that kids will love to help make and eat.
• Endlessly Customizable: Switch up the fillings and toppings to suit your preferences.
• Irresistibly Cheesy: Every bite is loaded with gooey melted cheese and savory pizza flavors.

From its crispy edges to its soft, cheesy center, this dish is pure comfort food that’s easy to love and even easier to devour.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:

Main Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1-2 pounds of store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded or cubed for a gooey, melty texture.
• Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni or chopped pepperoni for stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor to complement the mozzarella.

Seasonings and Extras:

• Garlic Powder: For a savory kick.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of spice.
• Olive Oil or Melted Butter: To coat the dough balls and seasonings.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish.

Dipping Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce: A classic pizza pairing for dipping.

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Tools You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following tools:

• Bundt Pan: The traditional choice for monkey bread, creating its signature shape.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing the dough with oil and seasonings.
• Kitchen Scissors or Knife: To cut the dough into smaller pieces.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: To grease the bundt pan and prevent sticking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.
• On a clean surface, cut the pizza dough into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches each).

2. Stuff the Dough Pieces

• Take each dough piece and flatten it slightly.
• Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese and a slice of pepperoni in the center of each piece.
• Pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside, forming small dough balls.

3. Season the Dough Balls

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the dough balls with olive oil or melted butter.
• Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and mix everything to coat the dough evenly.

4. Assemble the Monkey Bread

• Layer the seasoned dough balls in the prepared bundt pan.
• Sprinkle extra cheese and pepperoni slices between the layers for added flavor.
• Press the dough down gently to ensure an even distribution.

5. Bake the Bread

• Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
• If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and Serve

• Allow the monkey bread to cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate and carefully remove the bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

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Tips for Success

• Use Cold Dough: Chilled pizza dough is easier to cut, stuff, and handle.
• Don’t Overstuff: Use small amounts of filling to ensure the dough seals properly and doesn’t burst during baking.
• Grease the Pan Well: This prevents the monkey bread from sticking to the bundt pan.
• Add Extra Cheese: Layer shredded mozzarella and Parmesan between the dough balls for maximum cheesiness.
• Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and gooey.

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Creative Variations

Make this Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread your own by trying these variations:

1. Loaded Pizza Monkey Bread

• Add toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a supreme pizza flavor.

2. Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread

• Replace pepperoni with extra cheese and drizzle garlic butter over the top for a garlic bread twist.

3. BBQ Chicken Monkey Bread

• Use shredded BBQ chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese instead of pepperoni.

4. Vegetarian Monkey Bread

• Skip the meat and add olives, spinach, and roasted red peppers for a veggie-packed option.

5. Spicy Pepperoni Monkey Bread

• Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread pairs perfectly with a variety of sides and dips:

• Dipping Sauces:
  • Warm marinara sauce for a classic pizza flavor.
  • Garlic butter for an indulgent, savory dip.
  • Ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.
• Side Dishes:
  • Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad for balance.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.

This dish also makes a fantastic snack for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

Freezing:

• Freeze the baked monkey bread for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! Homemade dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled thin and chilled for easy handling.

2. What type of cheese is best for monkey bread?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melty, gooey texture, but cheddar, provolone, or gouda can also be used.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh before serving.

4. How do I prevent the bread from sticking?
Grease the bundt pan generously with cooking spray, butter, or olive oil.

5. Can I make a smaller portion?
Yes, halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller pan or muffin tins for individual servings.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for sharing. With its gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, and soft, buttery dough, this pull-apart bread delivers all the flavors of pizza in a fun and interactive dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

For more delicious and creative recipes, check out:

• Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie Recipe
• Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Rolls – Easy and Delicious Snack Recipe

Try this recipe today and enjoy a dish that’s cheesy, savory, and absolutely irresistible!

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