Introduction:
Pizza Monkey Bread is the perfect snack or appetizer for pizza lovers, combining the savory flavors of classic pizza in a fun, pull-apart bread format. This dish is incredibly easy to make, featuring layers of biscuit dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, all baked to golden perfection. Ideal for parties, game nights, or a casual family dinner, Pizza Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Overview of the Recipe:
Pizza Monkey Bread brings together the irresistible combination of pizza ingredients in a convenient, shareable dish. It starts with refrigerated biscuit dough, which is coated in pizza sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and loaded with mini pepperoni slices. The final touch is a drizzle of seasoned butter that adds extra flavor and a beautiful golden color. Baked in a Bundt pan, this pull-apart bread is both visually impressive and delicious.
History and Origin:
Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, originated in the United States in the 1950s and became a popular breakfast or dessert item. Typically sweet, monkey bread is traditionally made with dough balls coated in cinnamon and sugar, then baked together to form a sticky, gooey treat. The savory version, like Pizza Monkey Bread, is a modern twist that incorporates pizza flavors into this classic bread, turning it into a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (16 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan or tube pan with non-stick spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create small dough pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the dough pieces with pizza sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
- Start by placing half of the coated biscuit pieces into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and mini pepperoni slices evenly over the dough.
- Add the remaining biscuit pieces on top and layer with the rest of the cheeses and pepperoni.
4. Season the Bread:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Drizzle this seasoned butter mixture evenly over the layered biscuit dough in the Bundt pan.
5. Bake:
- Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Pizza Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread firm up, making it easier to remove from the pan.
- Invert the pan onto a serving platter, letting the bread come out in one piece. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart the delicious layers of cheesy, pizza-flavored bread.
Serving:
This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for a small gathering or family meal. Serve the Pizza Monkey Bread as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner. Pair it with extra pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
Pizza Monkey Bread pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages:
- Marinara Sauce: Serve with a side of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with Italian dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bread.
- Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Light, refreshing drinks like sparkling water or lemonade balance the savory flavors of the bread.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables adds some healthy balance to this indulgent dish.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Veggie Lover’s Monkey Bread: Replace the pepperoni with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Monkey Bread: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a kick of heat.
- Meat Lover’s Monkey Bread: Include a variety of meats such as cooked sausage, turkey bacon, and chicken ham for a hearty version.
- Cheese Explosion: Add other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina to create a super cheesy bread.
Health Benefits Notes:
While Pizza Monkey Bread is a delicious indulgence, there are ways to make it slightly healthier:
- Whole Wheat Biscuit Dough: Substitute regular biscuit dough with whole wheat dough for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduced Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and Parmesan to lower the overall fat content.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes to increase the dish’s nutritional value.
- Turkey Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni to reduce the fat and calorie content.
FAQs:
1. Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the bread up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.
2. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
- Yes, homemade pizza dough can be used. Just cut it into small pieces and follow the recipe as directed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread?
- Yes, you can freeze the monkey bread before or after baking. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven before serving.
5. What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
- If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a tube pan or even a regular baking dish. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.
Conclusion:
Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional monkey bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and pepperoni, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, Pizza Monkey Bread offers a delightful and interactive way to enjoy the classic flavors of pizza. Customize it to your taste with different fillings and toppings, and enjoy this delicious creation that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.