If you love the bold flavors of classic pizza and the irresistible texture of soft, pull-apart bread, this Pizza Monkey Bread is about to become your new go-to recipe. Combining buttery biscuit dough, gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and savory pepperoni, this dish delivers everything you crave in one impressive, shareable centerpiece.

Perfect for game day gatherings, family movie nights, potlucks, or even a fun weekend dinner, this pizza monkey bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy pepperoni bread that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with pizza flavor in every bite.

What Is Pizza Monkey Bread?

Traditional monkey bread is typically sweet — made with cinnamon sugar and baked in a bundt pan. But this savory monkey bread recipe flips the script by turning those pull-apart layers into a pizza-inspired delight.

Instead of cinnamon and sugar, we use:

Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni
Italian seasoning
Garlic butter
Marinara sauce

The result? A pull apart pizza bread that’s crispy, cheesy, and completely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this easy party appetizer stands out:

✔ Ready in under an hour
✔ Uses simple store-bought biscuit dough
✔ Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
✔ Perfect for dipping and sharing
✔ Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or watching the big game, pizza monkey bread fits every occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this cheesy masterpiece:

2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz total)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Fresh basil (optional garnish)
Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter over the biscuit pieces.
Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
Stir in mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Spoon half of the mixture into the bundt pan.
Drizzle half of the marinara sauce over the layer.
Add the remaining dough mixture and top with the rest of the marinara.
Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Monkey Bread

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Avoid packing the dough too tightly. Air pockets help create that classic pull-apart texture.

2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can reduce melt quality. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully.

3. Check the Center

Since this is baked in a bundt pan, the center can take longer to cook. Insert a skewer to ensure the middle is fully baked.

4. Let It Rest Before Flipping

Allowing it to cool slightly helps prevent breaking apart when unmolding.

Creative Variations

One of the best things about this savory monkey bread recipe is how flexible it is.

Veggie Lovers Version

Add chopped bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and onions.

Meat Lovers Upgrade

Include cooked sausage and crispy bacon pieces.

Buffalo Chicken Twist

Swap pepperoni for shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.

Margherita Style

Use fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a lighter take.

Serving Suggestions

Pizza monkey bread shines as a centerpiece dish. Serve it:

At birthday parties
During football watch parties
As a holiday appetizer
For casual family dinners
As a fun after-school snack

Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to turn it into a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Fun Food Fact

Monkey bread earned its name because people pick apart the pieces with their fingers — just like monkeys grooming each other! The savory version adds a modern twist that has become wildly popular in American party food culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Pizza dough works beautifully — just cut into small chunks.

What pan can I use if I don’t have a bundt pan?

A loaf pan or deep round cake pan works fine, though baking time may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Monkey Bread recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect dish for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy nights at home.

The golden crust, melted cheese pockets, and rich marinara layers create an irresistible pull-apart experience. Once you try this cheesy pepperoni bread, it’s bound to become a regular on your menu.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a show-stopping pull apart pizza bread that everyone will rave about!