Introduction: Pizza Monkey Bread is a delightful, pull-apart dish that combines the flavors of pizza in a fun and shareable form. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as an appetizer for parties. The cheesy goodness, pepperoni, and buttery biscuit pieces all come together to create a flavorful treat that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe for Pizza Monkey Bread!
Overview of the Recipe:
Pizza Monkey Bread is a delicious twist on the classic monkey bread, infused with all the flavors of your favorite pizza. This pull-apart bread is made by combining biscuit dough with pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, and a mix of Italian seasonings. The dough is then baked in a bundt pan until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. Served warm with marinara sauce, it’s an irresistible dish that’s perfect for sharing.
History and Origin:
The concept of monkey bread has been around for decades, typically as a sweet dessert made with cinnamon and sugar. However, the savory variation, like Pizza Monkey Bread, has gained popularity in recent years as people began experimenting with different flavors. The idea of combining pizza ingredients with pull-apart bread likely came from the desire to create a fun, shareable dish that embodies the essence of pizza in a new and exciting form. While the exact origin of Pizza Monkey Bread is unclear, it has quickly become a favorite in many households.
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters
- 6 ounces pepperoni, sliced (substitute with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- â…“ 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
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release of the bread once baked.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by cutting the refrigerated canned biscuits into quarters. This will allow the bread to have that classic pull-apart texture. Next, slice the pepperoni into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, sliced pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with butter and the seasonings are well-distributed.
4. Transfer to Bundt Pan:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared bundt pan. Make sure to spread the mixture out evenly, pressing down lightly to ensure the ingredients are packed together.
5. Bake the Pizza Monkey Bread:
- Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To prevent the top from browning too much, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. The bread should be golden brown and fully cooked through.
6. Invert and Serve:
- Once the bread is done, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. After cooling slightly, invert the bundt pan onto a large plate to release the Pizza Monkey Bread.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the bread with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Pizza Monkey Bread warm, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
Pizza Monkey Bread is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Salads: Serve with a fresh green salad, like a Caesar or Caprese salad, to balance the richness of the bread.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make a healthy and colorful side dish.
- Dipping Sauces: Apart from marinara, you can offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or Alfredo sauce.
- Drinks: Pair with a refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling water.
Variations of the Recipe:
Pizza Monkey Bread is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some popular variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the pepperoni with vegetables like bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese varieties such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone to make it even cheesier.
- Meat Lovers: Include additional meats like cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken ham for a heartier version.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the mix for an aromatic flavor.
Health Benefits Notes:
While Pizza Monkey Bread is undoubtedly a comfort food, you can make it slightly healthier with a few tweaks:
- Use Whole Wheat Biscuits: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free biscuit dough to increase fiber content.
- Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and parmesan to cut down on calories and fat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating more vegetables into the bread mix can increase the nutritional value and add fiber.
- Moderation: As with any indulgent dish, enjoying Pizza Monkey Bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet is key.
FAQs:
1. Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Monkey Bread up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the remaining steps.
2. Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread?
Absolutely! Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
3. What other dipping sauces can I use?
Apart from marinara, you can dip Pizza Monkey Bread in ranch dressing, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
4. 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.
5. Can I make this dish in a different pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a regular cake pan or even a muffin tin for smaller, individual servings. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion:
Pizza Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best aspects of pizza and pull-apart bread into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its endless variations and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and time again. Enjoy it warm, with a side of marinara, and watch as it disappears before your eyes!